by Zach Miller
Quick Summary
Minnesota is filled with amazing public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries. But there's a fourth library type that deserves just as much attention: so-called "special" libraries. These are the libraries that serve government, business, healthcare, and just about every other niche of the information delivery ecosystem. The Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library is one prominent example.
The Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library (MBTBL) brings library services to people who would otherwise be unable to access them. It provides reading materials of all kinds in large print and braille formats, and offers digital talking book players, braille e-readers, audio-described DVDs, currency readers, internet-enabled and speech-activated devices, and much more.
MBTBL isn't just a static list of services, though. They encourage patrons to reach out by phone (800-722-0550), fax (507-384-686) or email (mn.btbl@state.mn.us) in order to tailor their service to the needs of individual patrons.
MBTBL is located in Minneapolis, is administered by the State Library Services division of the Minnesota Department of Education. It's also a regional library within the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Impaired, which is itself a program of the Library of Congress. MBTBL moved to Minneapolis from Faribault in 2023, but it has been serving Minnesota since 1933.
MBTBL serves those who:
- Are blind or visually impaired
- Have a perceptual or reading disability
- Have a disability that makes it difficult to hold and read a physical book
Individuals who wish to obtain support from MBTBL must fill out the Application for Free Library Service (PDF). A Spanish-language application (PDF) is also available. The many Minnesota institutions that support individuals who meet these criteria are also eligible to check out materials and equipment from MBTBL, by submitting the Institution Application for Free Library Service (PDF).
