Beginning in 1934, blind and physically handicapped persons in Washington were able to enjoy talking books--books recorded onto records that were provided and shipped free of charge. But readers could not enjoy most contemporary magazines or any newspapers. Radio Talking Book announcers read books, magazines, newspapers--particularly grocery ads--and textbooks to listeners who used special receivers.
On March 22, 1973, the Radio Talking Book took to the air with programming for the blind. The broadcast was a service of The Seattle Public Library's Library for the Blind with funding from the U.S. Government. By the end of 1973, 500 receivers were in use and there was a waiting list. Programming expanded to 106 hours a week. In 1977, the name changed to Radio Reading Service. In 1983, the signal reached Spokane as the Evergreen Radio Reading Service.
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