Barrier-Free Library, Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library Multimedia
Feast Your Ears on Audiobooks, Audio Magazines, Concerts, Classic Radio, and More to Keep You Busy If You Don't Read Standard Print
Do you find it difficult to read standard print text? Even while the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library (nypl.org/talkingbooks) is closed and our mail service is on hiatus, we can help you find things to keep you busy.
Want something different?
Did you know you can listen to classic old time radio shows over the internet? Find them in the Old Time Radio section of Archive.org
Or enjoy offeerings from some premier musical venues for free from home.
Opera buff? The Metropolitan Opera is offering free nightly opera performances streaming from its archive.
Like classical music? The Berlin Philharmonic is offering free access to its digital concert hall.
Musical theater geek? Here's a list from Playbill of Broadway stage shows that have been filmed that you can watch or listen to from home.
If you want reading material here are some ways we can help:
If you are registered with us and in need of something to read and you have access to a computer, tablet, mobile device, or third party player with internet capabilities, please make use of our BARD download website nlsbard.loc.gov and BARD mobile app (available in the app store or google play store, on on kindle fire devices), which allow you to access all of our talking books and digital braille files. You can find out more and sign up at nlsbard.loc.gov.
Read E-Books with SimplyE
With your library card, it's easier than ever to choose from more than 300,000 e-books on SimplyE, The New York Public Library's free e-reader app. Gain access to digital resources for all ages, including e-books, audiobooks, databases, and more.
If you don’t have an NYPL library card, New York State residents can apply for a digital card online or through SimplyE (available on the App Store or Google Play).
Need more help? Read our guide to using SimplyE.