The internet-based READS service is hosted by the OverDrive® digital content platform. OverDrive® provides a user-friendly interface and an app, Libby, that features private user accounts, several browsing and searching methods for users, a holds feature, email availability notification, and a help feature. The READS Libby app also has filtering features that allow parents or guardians to work with their children to filter titles by age category. The vendor for READS is determined every five years through a Request for Proposal (RFP) that is conducted by Library & Archives.
All special library materials--books, magazines and playback equipment--are circulated through the mail postage free. Patrons must borrow books each year to remain eligible for the service.
How can I make a suggestion for books to be included in READS?
Anyone interested in offering suggestions for titles to be included in READS, please email Reads.Support@tn.gov. Such requests will be reviewed in accordance with the entire READS Collection Development Policy as well as available funding.
How do I start the service?
You must first complete an application for service and send it to the Tennessee library. All states provide the service for their residents.
How do I know what titles are available?
Bimonthly magazines will tell you about newly released books and related library services: Talking Book Topics and Braille Book Review. You may also order general catalogs. You can always call the library to ask about authors and titles. The National Library Service catalog is searchable online.
How do I play the talking books?
Special playback equipment is loaned to patrons who use the library service. Books and magazines in the TLABM collection are recorded at a slower speed than conventional recordings and the books require special players. Players are mailed to patrons postage free. The library repairs and replaces equipment as necessary. For patrons who wish to purchase their own equipment, a vendor list is available.
What is provided?
The library service loans recorded, large print and braille books and magazines, music scores in large print and braille and special playback equipment. The TLABM book collection of over 50,000 titles includes popular fiction and nonfiction, best sellers, classics, history, biographies, religious literature, children's books and books in foreign language. There are over 70 popular magazines available. Go to Available Materials to find out more.
Can public utilities ask participants for their residential street address?
Program participants may be required to provide their residential street address to a public utility service provider for the purpose of obtaining utility services. However, participants can request that their residential address be treated as confidential by presenting the public service utility with a certificate of program participation.
After doing so, the public utility service provider must treat the residential address and all other identifying information as confidential in accordance with the Tennessee Public Records Act, compiled at Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5.