FAQ

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How do I return a talking book player?

If you have the original box the player came in, put the player back in the box and flip over the mailing card so that it has the WTBBL address listed. If you no longer have the original box, use any cardboard box, and address it to:

WTBBL
2021 9th Ave
Seattle, WA 98121

You can send it back to us postage-free if you write “FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR HANDICAPPED” in the upper right corner of the box. Give the box to your mail carrier or drop it off at your local post office. Free Matter is not accepted by FedEx, UPS, or other commercial mail carrier not affiliated with the United States Postal Service.

How do I send back a cartridge? 

Place the cartridge back in the container that it came in and remove the mailing card. The library’s address is affixed to the container and it can go in a residential mailbox, community mailbox, or dropped off at a USPS location.

If you no longer have the container the cartridge came in, you can return the cartridge by mailing it in an envelope. The dimensions of a cartridge are 2.25” wide by 4.75” long.  Place the cartridge in the envelope and address it to:

WTBBL
2021 9th Ave
Seattle, WA 98121

You can send it back postage-free if you write “FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR HANDICAPPED” in the in the upper right corner of the envelope. Place the envelope in your outgoing USPS mail, or drop off at your local post office. Free Matter is not accepted by FedEx, UPS, or other commercial mail carrier not affiliated with the United States Postal Service.

What is Free Matter for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and how does it work?

Free Matter for the Blind or Other Physically Handicapped Persons (Free Matter) is a legally mandated program that allows eligible participants to receive and send mail through the United States Postal Service for free. Mail that qualifies as Free Matter includes large-type (14-point or larger) documents, braille, audio recordings, and talking book players.

To send mail using Free Matter, place the words “FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR HANDICAPPED” in the upper right corner of the address side of the envelope or parcel where the postage would normally be placed. 

All mail sent between the library and patrons qualifies for Free Matter.

Free Matter is not accepted by FedEx, UPS, or other commercial mail carrier not affiliated with the United States Postal Service.

For additional information about Free Matter, review USPS Publication 347 “Mailing Free Matter for Persons Who are Blind or Visually Impaired” Question and Answer webpage. If questions arise when dropping off the mail at USPS please give us a call at 800-542-0866 or refer retail staff to the USPS Code sections 3403-3405.

For an overview of Free Matter visit the National Library Services “Free Matter for the Blind or Other Physically Handicapped Persons Mailing” webpage.

What to do when a patron passes away?

Call 800-542-0866 or email [email protected] with the patron’s first name, last name, and city so that we can cancel their service. Return any materials you may have, excluding headphones, which are non-returnable. See “How do I return the talking book player?” and “How do I send back a cartridge?”  for directions on how to return library materials for free.

How do I change my address or phone number?

Call 800-542-0866 and ask for the Patron Services Specialist or email [email protected] with the patron’s first name, last name, old address or old phone number, and new address or new phone number.

How do I request an audiobook or braille book?

To request a book over the phone, call 800-542-0866 and ask to speak to a Readers Advisor.

To request a book online, use the online catalog to login to your account and request the specific title. If you are not sure what your login is call 800-542-0866 and ask to speak to the Patron Services Specialist or email [email protected].

How do I get a BARD account?

A new WTBBL patron can request a BARD account on the application for service, or an existing patron can contact the library to request a BARD account. Call 800-542-0866 or email [email protected].

What do I do if my BARD account is not working?

Call 800-542-0866 or email [email protected] so we can look at your account and help troubleshoot.

Does it cost anything to use the program?

No. The program is tax-supported by federal, state, and (where appropriate) local government or private agencies. There is no direct cost to eligible readers.

Who is eligible for library services?

Library services are available to all Washington State residents who are unable to read standard print due to one or more of the following conditions:

  • Legal blindness
  • Visual impairment
  • Physical disability causing an inability to turn pages or comfortably hold a book for extended periods of time
  • DeafBlindness
  • Reading disability
Who can certify someone’s eligibility?

Eligibility must be certified by one of the following: doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, ophthalmologist, optometrist, psychologist, registered nurse, therapist, or professional staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or welfare agencies (such as an educator, social worker, case worker, counselor, rehabilitation teacher, certified reading specialist, school psychologist, superintendent, or librarian).

Is the program available to people who are illiterate or who are learning English as a second language?

If that individual is a Washington state resident and unable to read standard print due to one or more of the following conditions:

  • Legal blindness
  • Visual impairment
  • Physical disability causing an inability to turn pages or comfortably hold a book for extended periods of time
  • DeafBlindness
  • Reading disability

Individuals who do not have a print disability are not eligible to use the service. Public libraries are an excellent source of information about local literacy and English-language programs for those who may not qualify for our services.

Is the program available to unhoused people?

Yes, we just need an address to send equipment and books. It could be a friend’s house, a local public library branch, homeless shelter, etc.

To use BARD, a patron will need their own smart device and either be connected to Wi-Fi or have a cellular data plan to download books. Once a book is downloaded, it can be listened to without Wi-Fi or using data.

How can I donate?

You can donate online at https://www.sos.wa.gov/donate/wtbbl/ or visit “Give to WTBBL” to see the additional donating options.

Do you have books in international languages?

Yes, we have audio and braille titles in many international languages from various domestic and international producers, as well as from cooperating agencies around the world that serve people who cannot read standard print, primarily through the Marrakesh Treaty. Implemented in 2020, the Marrakesh Treaty provides for the exchange of accessible-format books across international borders by organizations that serve people who are blind, visually impaired, and print disabled.

What type of materials do you have available?

Audiobooks: We have audiobooks available on cartridges sent through the mail,  online  through BARD for download and playback on our equipment or other commercially available players, and available through the BARD Mobile App for download and playback through personal smart device running either iOS or Android.

Braille books: We have embossed braille books that can be sent through the mail or eBraille books for download that are accessible on braille e-readers.

Large Print books: We have juvenile and young adult large print books that can be sent through the mail. 

CVI book collection: We have a book collection for children with a cerebral visual impairment (CVI) that can be sent through the mail. The books can be found through the online catalog by typing “cvi” in the quick search field.