The Illinois Talking Book Outreach Center is part of a state and national network of libraries. It serves the entire state of Illinois outside the city of Chicago.  National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) which is part of the Library of Congress is at the top of the pyramid of services and works with a nationwide network of talking book regionals, sub-regionals, machine lending agencies, and advisory outreach centers. The Illinois Network of Talking Book and Braille Libraries includes the following:

• Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service (the Regional Library serving Illinois)
• Illinois Talking Book Outreach Center (an Advisory Outreach Center which offers reader advisory services and outreach)
• Chicago Public Library Talking Book Center (a subregional serving Chicago)
• Illinois Machine Sub-Lending Agency (The organization that ships all the machines to talking book patrons in the state.)

The Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service houses the state's collection of talking books which are shipped to patrons around the state.  Eligible library patrons work through the Illinois Talking Book Outreach Center and the Chicago Public Library Talking Book Center to set up service, order books, ask for help, and anything else that they need.  You can apply online or pick up a paper application at Marshall Public Library.