Volunteer

How it Works

Join our community of volunteers who bring information, news, and stories to life for Middle Tennesseans who cannot read conventional print due to a disability.

Each month we produce hundreds of hours of accessible audio content for Middle Tennesseans who struggle to read on their own. Your recordings will help connect listeners to their community and reduce isolation. 

  1. Apply: Complete the Nashville Public Library volunteer application. You will be contacted to discuss available opportunities and find the best fit for your interests and schedule. 
  2. Train: We will provide all the training you need to be a successful Talking Library reader. We’ll teach you how to record quality programs for our listeners.
  3. Record: Begin creating accessible audio content for our listeners. Most of our recording shifts are flexible. Choose recording hours that work for your schedule.

Read full details about volunteering and apply. 

What Our Listeners Say 

"Your service is invaluable and I could not survive without it." 

"I would like to say thank you for your wonderful service and thank you to all reading that do a great job: Bless you all." 

"I appreciate each and every one who works for The Nashville Talking Library." 

"The Talking Library is a life saver for me." 

"The programs are excellent! This is a great service."

Volunteers in Action 

A man and a woman sit in a recording booth reading into a microphone.
Volunteers Mark Campbell and Bonnie Dobbins
Woman wearing a blue sweatshirt sits in a recording booth reading The Child into a microphone.
Volunteer Geniene Snell
Woman in a recording booth wearing headphones and speaking into a microphone.
Volunteer Rose Mary Reed reads the newspaper LIVE in the Talking Library studio.
Woman with red hair holding a volunteer award plaque.
Volunteer Virginia McCuen holding her IAAIS Program Award.