History of the Library

National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled

Library services for blind patrons began in the late nineteenth century. The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled website has a fascinating history of the evolution of the program including a timeline. Here are some of the topics covered:

Talking Book Equipment Gallery

Thomas A. Edison invented the tinfoil phonograph in 1877. In June of 1878 he published a list of uses for his new invention in the North American Review. Among the top ten uses listed was talking books for the blind. He was a visionary in his time. Fifty-five years would pass before the first talking books on record were published in 1932. Congress funded the program in 1933 and the rest is our shared history.

Display table containing five talking book record players and various records.

The Braille and Talking Book Library in Daytona Beach Florida has a nice display of old talking books and reproducers. Some are difficult to date but will be easily recognized as part of our talking book history. Enjoy our photographic (or phonographic) stroll down memory lane! We understand many of you or your family may have stories or photos you may like to share. If so, we would love to hear them! Email Maureen the librarian at reading@dbs.fldoe.org.

Model 30.000 Talking Book Record Player Manufactured by Sandwick Bowen Corporation, 1947.
Model BTS Non-electric Spring Driven Talking Book Record Player Manufactured by Fanon Electronic Industries, 1960.
Model AE ( 4 ) Manufactured by Warwick Electric Inc., Chicago, ILL. Date unknown.
Model AE ( 4 ) Manufactured by Warwick Electric Inc., Chicago, ILL. Date unknown.
Record Player Cassette Tape Combo Unit. Manufacturer and Date Unknown.
One of the Last Record Players. Manufacturer and Year unknown.
Talking Book Record, 16 rpm.
Record Mailer. Free Matter for the Blind.
Reel to Reel player. Unknown manufacturer and date.
Cassette Player and Mailer and Digital Talking Book Player.

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DISCLAIMER: Links on the Florida Division of Blind Services (DBS) website that are directed toward websites outside the DBS, provide additional information that may be useful or interesting and are being provided consistent with the intended purpose of the DBS website. DBS cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by non-DBS websites. Further, providing links to a non-DBS website does not constitute an endorsement by DBS, the Florida Department of Education or any of its employees, of the sponsors of the non-DBS website or of the information or products presented on the non-DBS website.