CA State Library Launches Discriptive Movie Program

Photograph: Movie Reel

The California State Library has recently launched a descriptive movie program for the patrons of the Braille and Talking Book Library.  The Library offers both DVD and VHS collections of descriptive videos that patrons may borrow for a two-week checkout. Descriptive videos have a second audio track with a narrator's voice describing the action on the screen during breaks in the dialog and sound effects. Patrons must use their own standard VCR or DVD player; the library does not loan this equipment.

1. Borrowers must be registered and active patrons in good standing with the Braille and Talking Book Library.

2. All borrowers must complete a Descriptive Video Borrower Registration Form. 

3. Patrons may borrow one descriptive video title in each medium at a time. Patrons may not check out another descriptive video title until the currently checked out title is returned to the library.

4. The loan period is 14 days. There will be no renewals.

5. Videos may be requested in the same way you request books: in person, by telephone, by email or through the online Braille and Talking Book Library Catalog. There is no limit to the number of requests patrons may place on file for future loan. The first available descriptive video on a borrower's request list will be sent automatically each time a title is returned.

Ordering Descriptive Videos

BTBL Patrons may order videos by providing a specific DV number or title.  Patrons may build a request list of specific descriptive video titles to ensure a continuous supply of videos. When a video is returned and checked in, the next available video on the request list is sent. If there are no video titles on a patron’s request list, nothing will be sent until the library is contacted with a request.

There is no limit to the number of requests you may place on file for future loan. The first available descriptive video on your request list will be sent automatically each time a title is returned.

Order descriptive videos in any of the following ways:

Online: Patrons may order Descriptive Videos and build individual request lists through our online Braille and Talking Book Library Catalog at www.btbl.library.ca.gov/klasweb.  You will need a User ID and Password to add movies from the online catalog to your request list. If you do not have a User ID and Password yet, please call and obtain them from your reader advisor or a librarian.

Email:  Email your descriptive video requests to: btbl@library.ca.gov

Telephone: (800) 952-5666 (toll free in CA) or (916) 654-0640

Follow the telephone menu prompts and make a request with your reader advisor directly or leave a voice mail.

Fax: Fax your requests to: (916) 654-1119

U.S. Mail:

Braille and Talking Book Library

P.O. Box 942837

Sacramento, CA 94237-0001

At the Library:

Make requests in person during open library hours, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday except for State holidays.

Street Address:

California State Library, 1st floor

Braille and Talking Book Library

900 N Street

Sacramento, CA 95814

CLICK HERE to learn more at the CA State Library Website

CLICK HERE to download the Descriptive Video Borrower Registration Form