What are Talking Books?

• full-length recordings of popular fiction and non-fiction books on compact disc (DAISY) or sound cassette
• wide selection including bestsellers, classics, popular fiction, romance, mysteries, westerns as well as nonfiction
• located in the Visiting Library Service offices of the Central Library
• produced and distributed by non-commercial organizations such as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) for the exclusive use of individuals who are print-disabled

What is VisuNET Canada?

VisuNET Canada is a gateway to the many resources provided by the CNIB. London Public Library's partnership with the CNIB enables us to offer eligible patrons access to: 

• VisuCAT, the CNIB's online catalogue, with multi-format materials in Braille, Print/Braille, music Braille, audio, electronic text (English & French titles), DAISY format talking books and described videos for adults and children that can be requested through us
• VisuNEWS, a service which provides access via Internet or telephone to a selection of daily Canadian newspapers in English and French
• VisuTEXT, a service providing full-text access to electronic and digital media materials collected and managed by the CNIB library
• Children's Discovery Portal: for children 14 and under, this online portal has games, age-appropriate resources and information, moderated chat rooms and access to the Digital Library

Do I need special equipment?

The collection of talking books on cassette owned by London Public Library will play on all regular cassette recorders. Cassette Talking Books received via VisuNET Canada require a 4-track cassette player. Talking books on compact disc are in the proprietary DAISY format and require special software to play on a computer or a special reading machine. A small number of 4-track cassette players and DAISY readers are available for short-term loan to those who have need.

Who is eligible?

To comply with Canadian law, access to Talking Books and VisuNET Canada resources is restricted to residents of the City of London who have an inability to use standard printed materials because of perceptual, physical or learning impairment. Eligibility is defined by the Canadian Copyright Act and can include reasons such as blindness, neuromuscular diseases or dyslexia.

How do I obtain access to these collections?

Complete the Application for Talking Book Service form (pdf ). Have a competent authority (such as a doctor, nurse, therapist, or social worker) certify your eligibility on the application form. Patrons who are already members of the CNIB need only provide their CNIB registration number. Return the application form to any London Public Library location or mail to:

Visiting Library Service
251 Dundas Street
London, ON
N6A 6H9

How do I receive talking books?

Once a signed, verified Application Form is on file, customers are eligible to checkout Talking Books or receive CNIB items via VisuNET. London Public Library’s collection of Talking Books is located in the Access Centre at the Central Library. Eligible customers are welcome to visit and browse the selection of titles. The collection is also accessible from any location via the library catalogue and eligible library users may place holds via computer for pickup at any location. Monthly home delivery is also available within the city limits for those who are homebound and unable to get to the library via the Visiting Library service.