Radio Talking Book Service

Radio Talking Book Service Radio Talking Book Service provides human-voiced information choices to individuals who have disabilities that prevent them from reading.

Our mission is to provide human-voiced information to individuals who may be blind or visually impaired, to ensure every disabled individual has the opportunity to access all current local information necessary to lead a self-directed, productive life.

Team RTBS wants to wish you all a safe and Happy Labor Day.Today we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and contributio...
09/07/2026

Team RTBS wants to wish you all a safe and Happy Labor Day.

Today we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of workers everywhere. Labor Day is more than a long weekend—it’s a reminder of the generations of workers who fought for fair wages, safer workplaces, reasonable hours, and better opportunities. Today, we recognize and appreciate all those who help make our communities stronger every day.

Radio Talking Book Service had two recognizable visitors stop by the studio over the past couple of weeks! Gubernatoria...
09/05/2026

Radio Talking Book Service had two recognizable visitors stop by the studio over the past couple of weeks! Gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz and Governor Jim Pillen each joined us for Community Conversations, sharing more about who they are, what drives them, and what energizes them.

Want to hear more? Tune in to Community Conversations on the 11th and 18th to hear these conversations firsthand! We’re always grateful for the opportunity to connect our listeners with the people and stories shaping Nebraska.

Joining us for Community Conversations is Iowa RSVP Volunteer Coordinator Jan Schnack. RSVP is one of the largest volun...
09/04/2026

Joining us for Community Conversations is Iowa RSVP Volunteer Coordinator Jan Schnack.

RSVP is one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and older. Volunteers utilize the skills and talents they’ve learned over the years, or develop new ones, while serving in a variety of volunteer activities within their local communities.

Service opportunities are as diverse as the communities in which volunteers serve and may include:

•Tutoring and mentoring youth
•Meal delivery and food pantry assistance
•Natural disaster and public emergency services
•Assistance and transportation for the elderly

Each year, approximately 5,000 RSVP volunteers serve 350,000 hours in Iowa. This volunteer service is a nearly $8 million investment in the State of Iowa (based on the Independent Sector’s estimated value of $22.73 per hour of volunteer time in Iowa).

Learn more about Jan and this amazing program at 12:30 right here:

https://rtbs.org/ways-to-listen/

🎂 Happy, Happy Birthday to US! 🎂Today, Radio Talking Book Service turns 52 years old! And Team RTBS couldn’t be prouder ...
09/03/2026

🎂 Happy, Happy Birthday to US! 🎂

Today, Radio Talking Book Service turns 52 years old! And Team RTBS couldn’t be prouder of the work we’ve done over the past 52 years—and even more excited about what’s still ahead. For more than five decades, RTBS has been creating access, connection, and opportunity through the power of audio.

Access to the printed word through our RTBN network, bringing newspapers, magazines, books, and more to listeners who cannot access traditional print.

Access to the arts through audio description, helping audiences experience theater productions and other performances at a variety of theatrical venues.

Access to connection through our Storytellers program, where we take the joy of reading directly into memory care facilities and share stories, conversation, and companionship.

This work matters. Stories matter. Connection matters. Access matters.
And after 52 years, we’re just getting started! Want to show some birthday love to RTBS? Consider making a donation today and help us keep this amazing work going for the next 52 years and beyond! Happy 52nd Birthday, RTBS! Here’s to the people, stories, volunteers, listeners, supporters, and community that make it all possible!

Birthday Donation link:

https://rtbs.org/get-involved/donate.html

Join the ACBN Quarterly Book Club!The American Council of the Blind of Nebraska (ACBN), Radio Talking Book Service (RTBS...
09/02/2026

Join the ACBN Quarterly Book Club!

The American Council of the Blind of Nebraska (ACBN), Radio Talking Book Service (RTBS), and the Nebraska Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) invite you to join us for our next quarterly book club!

This Quarter’s Selection: Little Underworld by Chris Harding Thornton

Saturday, October 3, 2026 10:00 a.m. Join by Zoom or telephone

Telephone Call-In: 351-888-7627

About the Book: Set in Omaha during the depths of the Great Depression, Little Underworld follows former police officer and private investigator Jim Beely after he kills the man who assaulted his young daughter. When a corrupt detective offers to dispose of the body in exchange for Jim’s help undermining a political candidate, Jim becomes entangled in a dangerous world of crime, corruption, murder, and shifting loyalties. The author explores justice, redemption, and the difficult choices people make when simply trying to survive.

How to Read or Listen: You can listen to Little Underworld on RTBS beginning Tuesday, September 8 through September 17 during Bookshelf, airing at 1:00 p.m., with a replay at 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Borrowers of the Nebraska Talking Book and Braille Service can also download the book through BARD or request it on cartridge.

Everyone Is Welcome! While many of our participants are blind or visually impaired, everyone is welcome!

Our quarterly book club features books about Nebraska and the Great Plains, along with works by Nebraska authors. Come enjoy thoughtful conversation, new perspectives, and a shared appreciation for our region’s rich literary heritage.

Want to participate? Zoom is the primary platform for the discussion. To help protect the integrity of the book club, the Zoom link will not be posted on social media. It will be shared directly with participants who request it.

Email: [email protected] Phone: 402-679-8448

We look forward to bringing people together through the joy of reading and celebrating Nebraska’s literary heritage!



To listen to Nebraska bookshelf: https://rtbs.org/ways-to-listen/

Hey, Grand Island friends! Stay in the know with your local news! Catch up on what’s happening around the Grand Island c...
08/31/2026

Hey, Grand Island friends! Stay in the know with your local news! Catch up on what’s happening around the Grand Island community every Wednesday at 5:00 p.m., with a replay on Thursday mornings at 8:00 a.m.

And, of course, we couldn’t bring you the The Grand Island Independent news without our trusty reader! Our loyal volunteer Annie Wattles keeps the pages turning and the community connected as our regular Grand Island IndependentGrand Island Independent reader. Thanks, Annie!

Listen Here:

https://rtbs.org/ways-to-listen/

Joining us for Community Conversations today is Kirsten McGargill, founder of Busy Bee Concierge Omaha.With 30 years of ...
08/28/2026

Joining us for Community Conversations today is Kirsten McGargill, founder of Busy Bee Concierge Omaha.

With 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including 20 years with Marriott Hotels, Kirsten knows a thing or two about exceptional service. Her passion for helping others inspired her to create Busy Bee Concierge—a service designed to simplify life and reduce stress for individuals and families in the Omaha area. From errands and home management to helping you get where you need to go, Busy Bee Concierge handles the details so you can focus on what matters most.

🐝 Tune in today to learn more about Kirsten, her journey, and how Busy Bee Concierge Omaha is helping folks stay a little less busy!

RTBS is excited to partner with Lofte Community Theatre and Ward and Kathy Kinney for an afternoon performance of A Few ...
08/27/2026

RTBS is excited to partner with Lofte Community Theatre and Ward and Kathy Kinney for an afternoon performance of A Few Good Men followed by a light meal. Transportation is provided. All of this fun is just $30. Join us for an audio described performance of A Few Good Men at The Lofte Community Theatre in Manley, NE on Sunday, September 13 at 2pm.

Aaron Sorkin’s groundbreaking debut tells the story of a group of military lawyers assigned to defend two Marines in Guantanamo Bay. During the course of the trial, they uncover a high-level conspiracy designed to eliminate weaker soldiers in the name of patriotism.

Don’t miss this great opportunity for an audio described performance of A Few Good Men on Sunday, September 13 at 2pm, followed by a light meal. Please contact Ward Kinney at 402-630-3640 to reserve your tickets and arrange transportation to The Lofte Theatre.

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Sybil Mahan, who served as the RTBS Volunteer Coordinator twice in her l...
08/26/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Sybil Mahan, who served as the RTBS Volunteer Coordinator twice in her lifetime for a total of 22 years. She retired the second time in 2017, moving to the west coast to be near her daughter. Sybil was one of the most kindhearted humans you would ever meet. She was warm, inviting, engaging, and cared so much about our volunteers, our listeners, and our staff. She had a wonderfully sharp sense of humor that sometimes surprised folks, coming from such a sweet, small lady. Sybil made our volunteers feel like family here at the studios by showing genuine care and interest in their lives. We cannot fathom the number of volunteers she shepherded in all the years she graciously devoted to RTBS. One of our volunteers summed it up so well at her retirement: “Sybil is such a vital part of your organization. She just opens the door for everyone and makes them feel welcome!”

You can listen to an interview with Sybil done for our 50th anniversary here:

https://s348.podbean.com/pb/ffeb991d84035f08f3b10ba6ff1d170e/6a8d48a5/data1/fs45/7184542/uploads/Community_Conversations_-_Sybil_Mahan_Former_RTBS_Volunteer_Coordinator_08-09-248528w.mp3?pbss=5b5cc907-1d60-571c-98fd-999a80ec233c

Here is a link to her obituary:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/omaha/name/sybil-mahan-obituary?id=62219501

Sybil, your generous spirit impacted and inspired so many of us at RTBS. You were loved very much and will be missed even more! Farewell and rest in peace.

Address

7101 Newport Avenue Suite 205
Omaha, NE
68152

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

(402) 572-3003

Website

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