Check with the regional library in your state to determine if there is a talking-book collection at a public library near you. No, this program is tax supported by federal, state, and, where appropriate, local government agencies. There is no cost to eligible readers. There is no postage charge for returning the materials. Materials sent by a network library come with a removable address card that, when turned over and reinserted, will show the library's name and address for return mailing.
Most ordinary cassettes play for sixty to ninety minutes.
The additional playing time helps save money on the number of cassettes and makes books easier to use. Also, the NLS format makes the books unusable by the public, a requirement under the U.S. copyright law that permits NLS free use of copyrighted material. Most borrowers prefer the standard machine because it allows them to control the playback speed of cassette books and to review or skip over material. It is provided to patrons who cannot manipulate the controls of the standard machine. NLS has seriously studied the possibility of developing smaller cassette players.