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Welcome to Radio Talking Book Service

Radio Talking Book Service (RTBS) serves Nebraska and southwest Iowa with a mission to connect individuals who are blind, low vision, or print impaired to news, information, arts, and culture through the human voice and technology. We are in our 51st year of providing a vital connection for these individuals with the printed word through three programs: Radio Talking Book Network, a statewide radio reading service; Audio Description, a live connection to arts and culture; and Listening Link, an educational reading program. 

The Radio Talking Book Network (RTBN), founded in 1974, is Nebraska’s audio companion and only radio reading service.  RTBN provides our statewide audience with equal access to local, current information necessary to lead productive, self-directed lives and remain engaged in their communities.  To do this, RTBN uses over 80 volunteer readers, whose diverse voices bring the printed word to life with the reading of 21 regional newspapers, grocery and department store ads weekly, information from over 70 magazines, live interviews on our Community Conversations, a Veterans Hour, and much more. 

Audio Description ensures access to live community events, including theater, parades, art exhibits, and more.  A trained describer provides the visual details of these events which can include costumes, sets, details of a float, the antics of a mascot, and more!

The Listening Link program assists blind, visually impaired, and learning disabled students in eliminating educational barriers they face.  Founded in 1992, Listening Link works with area schools and colleges, providing human-voiced recordings of textbooks and other course material required for degree completion and academic success. 

Mission

Radio Talking Book Service connects individuals who are blind, low vision, or print impaired to news, information, arts, and culture through the human voice and technology.

  • People Helped

    11,967

  • Volunteer Hours

    100+/week!

We have the power to improve lives. Generosity has the ability to unite and heal our community in good times and bad. Together, we can bring the printed word to life!

News & Blog

Setting goals is simple. We’ve all heard different phrases, acronyms and ways to properly set a goal for life. However, accomplishing goals can be a whole different task.

If you’re looking for a way to get outside while also improving your whole self, gardening may be the hobby for you.

We all know volunteering has a positive influence, but did you know that it can actually assist your health?

No matter how old you are, what your musical taste is or whether or not you can read a note, there’s never a wrong time to learn how to play an instrument.

  • Carol, Omaha Listener
    Carol, Omaha Listener

    I’ve had to give up the paper after 50 years. I’m so excited to listen to the newspaper with my radio!