Complete Text-to-Speech Installation Guide for Librarians

Overview

This guide will help you set up a simple text-to-speech system that can convert written text in English, Hindi, Tamil, and many other languages into audio files. This is useful for creating audiobooks, accessibility services, or audio announcements.

Part 1: One-Time Setup (30 minutes)

Step 1: Install Python

1. Download Python:

   • Go to: https://www.python.org/downloads/
   • Click "Download Python 3.11" (or latest version)

2. Install Python:

   • Run the downloaded file
   • ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Check the box "Add Python to PATH"
   • Click "Install Now"
   • Wait for installation to complete

3. Verify Installation:

   • Press Windows Key + R
   • Type cmd and press Enter
   • Type: python --version
   • You should see: Python 3.11.x

Step 2: Install Text-to-Speech Engine

In the Command Prompt (same black window), type:

pip install edge-tts

Press Enter and wait. You should see "Successfully installed edge-tts"

Step 3: Install R and RStudio

1. Install R:

   • Go to: https://cran.r-project.org/
   • Click "Download R for Windows"
   • Click "base"
   • Download and install

2. Install RStudio:

   • Go to: https://posit.co/download/rstudio-desktop/
   • Download RStudio Desktop (Free)
   • Install it

Part 2: Creating Audio Files

Click here to download the R Script 

Part 3: Quick Start Instructions for Librarians

How to Use:

1. Save the R script above as library_tts.R on your computer

2. Create your text file:

   • Open Notepad
   • Type or paste your text
   • Save as english_text.txt (or hindi_text.txt, tamil_text.txt, etc.)
   • Save in folder: C:/Library_Audio_Files

3. Run the script:

   • Open RStudio
   • Click File → Open File → Select library_tts.R
   • Click the "Source" button (or press Ctrl+Shift+S)

4. Find your audio:

   • Look in C:/Library_Audio_Files
   • You'll find an MP3 file ready to play!

Part 4: Common Library Use Cases

Example 1: Creating Audiobook Chapters

# For Chapter 1
input_file <- "chapter1.txt"
output_file <- "Chapter_1_Audio.mp3"

Example 2: Multi-Language Announcements

For English announcement:

language_code <- "en-US"
voice_name <- "en-US-AriaNeural"
input_file <- "announcement_english.txt"
output_file <- "Announcement_English.mp3"

For Hindi announcement:

language_code <- "hi-IN"
voice_name <- "hi-IN-SwaraNeural"
input_file <- "announcement_hindi.txt"
output_file <- "Announcement_Hindi.mp3"

For Tamil announcement:

language_code <- "ta-IN"
voice_name <- "ta-IN-PallaviNeural"
input_file <- "announcement_tamil.txt"
output_file <- "Announcement_Tamil.mp3"

Part 5: Troubleshooting

Part 6: Complete Voice Reference

Indian Languages Available:

• Hindi: Swara (F), Madhur (M)
• Tamil: Pallavi (F), Valluvar (M)
• Telugu: Shruti (F), Mohan (M)
• Kannada: Sapna (F), Gagan (M)
• Malayalam: Sobhana (F), Midhun (M)
• Marathi: Aarohi (F), Manohar (M)
• Gujarati: Dhwani (F), Niranjan (M)
• Bengali: Tanishaa (F), Bashkar (M)

Major International Languages:

• English: 20+ voices (US, UK, Australia, etc.)
• Spanish: 15+ voices
• French: 10+ voices
• German, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, and 80+ more

Part 7: Tips for Best Results

1. Text preparation:

   • Remove special characters
   • Use proper punctuation
   • Break very long texts into chapters

2. Speed adjustment:

   • Normal reading: "+0%"
   • Faster (audiobooks): "+20%"
   • Very fast: "+50%"
   • Slower (learning): "-20%"

3. File organization:

   • Keep separate folders for each language
   • Use descriptive filenames
   • Date your files: Book_Title_2025_01_14.mp3

This system is completely free, works offline after initial setup, and supports 140+ languages. Perfect for libraries serving diverse communities! 📚🎧