FAQ

No, we lend our books on tape free of charge to qualified patrons. Without donations from individuals, churches, businesses and foundations, and the many, many hours of volunteer labor that goes into the production and mailing of our books on tape, we would not be able to provide this service free of charge. Look at financial statements for more information about how we are funded.

This is a lending library for the blind and disabled. We require an application for free library service from each patron verifying their disability. Such certification is required for us to mail Free Matter for the Blind and Handicapped. See How to Receive Books for more information.

The application needs to be signed by one of the following:

• Doctor of Medicine
• Hospital Staff Professional
• Doctor of Osteopathy
• Doctor of Ophthalmology
• Doctor of Optometry
• Institution Staff Professional
• Social Welfare Agency Staff
• Pastor
• Professional
• Nurse
• Therapist
• Librarian

This is a device that you would receive from the National Library Service. This machine is Free to our patrons.

The goal of AUDIOBOOK Ministries is to send initial shipment of books within five working days of receiving a properly certified application.

Talking books require the use of a specialized playback device. National Library Service (NLS) formats render the books unusable by the general public, a requirement under the U.S. copyright law to protect intellectual property while allowing NLS patrons free use of the material.

Books, and magazines are sent to readers through the US Postal Service as “Free Matter for the Blind” may be returned the same way. Materials are sent by a network library with a removable address card that, when turned over and reinserted, will show the library’s name and address for return mailing.

Yes. Individuals are eligible if a certifying authority determines that their perceptual or reading disability prevents them from reading regular print materials.

Audiobook ministries started in 1980 as Tape Ministries NW.

Short answer not yet we are working on this and hope to have many ready for 2024.

Your can let our librarian know what kinds or books you like and then she would select them. If you have ones that you like, you can call the office see if we have it and request them.

We have volunteers that narrate from home all over the country and some that come into our south Seattle office.

Yes volunteer-produced books and magazines.

We are currently accepting applications for volunteers who can come into our recording studio in South Seattle to record books for our library. If you’re interested, please contact us for an application. When the application has been returned, you will be invited into the ministry for basic training and a simple audition.

We are also exploring whether it would be feasible to have volunteers record books in their home on their personal computer. If you’d like to help us think through this idea, please contact us.

Yes, we are always looking for additional volunteers. You will find examples of our volunteer opportunities listed on our Volunteer page. Please contact us at: [email protected] if you would like to find out more about becoming an Audiobook Ministries Volunteer.

Yes, we offer Decision Magazine, Our Daily Bread, The Upper Room and Coxbery Adult Bible Study.

Yes, the patron would submit the address of the facilities and have the address with Attention to there name.