Texas Talking Book Voices
On Texas Talking Book Voices, the podcast of the Talking Book Program at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, we go behind the scenes to explore different facets of the service and meet the people who help make reading accessible to Texans with visual, physical, or reading disabilities. Whether you’re a TBP patron, a librarian, or a library fan, we have something here for you! Learn more about the Talking Book Program at www.tsl.texas.gov/tbp.
Episodes

Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
In this special episode celebrating Braille Literacy Month, meet Inez, the Braille Office Assistant at TBP. In this episode, Inez will share her journey as a lifelong braille reader and how her passion for accessible reading shapes the work she does each day. From transcribing and proofreading braille materials to preparing books and digital cartridges for readers across Texas, Inez helps make braille more available to everyone who needs it.

Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
In this episode, Laura, the Volunteer Coordinator for the Talking Book Studio, chats with TBP Audio Technicians Shane and John to get a feel for what it takes to record books and magazines for patrons!

Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Ever wondered how people with print disabilities can explore their family history? In this episode, Engagement Specialist Alicia sits down with Reference Librarian Aly from TSLAC's Archives and Information Services Division (ARIS). We'll explore how ARIS supports genealogy research in Texas, share tips for tracing your roots, and highlight the tools that can help make archival materials more accessible. Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or just curious about your heritage, this episode is for you!

Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
To celebrate the spookiest month of the year, Reader’s Advisory Librarian Laura Jean and Reader Consultant Margaret discuss the haunts of horror. They tackle what makes the genre so scary and some of the creepy creatures and terrifying tropes that keep horror readers hooked.

Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Did you know that September is National Self-Care Awareness Month? Reader’s Advisory Librarian Margaret and Disability Information and Referral Coordinator Dina define self-care and how to practice it in different areas of your life. In addition, they list helpful tools that can make adding self-care to your routine easier.

Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Take a journey with Reader’s Advisory Librarian Laura Jean and Reader Consultant Victor through the assortment of genres that make up genre fiction. In this episode, they will discuss the difference between genre fiction and literary fiction and why readers may enjoy genres like horror and romance or fantasy and westerns.

Monday Jul 14, 2025
Monday Jul 14, 2025
Celebrate this year’s summer reading theme Color Our World with a conversation all about crafting! Hear from NFB Blind Crafter Mary K. as she discusses decades as a Talking Book Program patron, her experiences as a member of the National Federation of the Blind Crafters Group, and why crafting is an ideal pastime for seasoned and amateur artists.

Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
In this episode, Reader's Advisory Librarian Margaret explores literature in the Young Adult genre. Find out what makes Young Adult books so unique and why the genre often connects with both young and older audiences.

Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Join Talking Book Program Reader Services Librarian Kayleigh and Reader's Advisory Librarian Margaret in a youth services update all about summer reading. Summer is right around the corner, and they are breaking down everything you need to know about this year's summer reading theme, events, and more!

Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
In this month's episode, Reader's Advisory Librarians Laura Jean and John dive into a genre that combines the rich historical settings of nonfiction with the vibrant characters of fiction—historical fiction. From historical romances to alternate histories to weird westerns, they tell us more about what defines historical fiction, the different blends within the genre, and why it has something for almost every reader.


