Free Books For The Blind And Physically Handicapped

The National Library service for the Blind and physically handicapped offers free membership to persons who are unable to read regular print books due to a visual impairment or physical condition that impairs someone's ability to comfortably read print. A statement from a qualified professional is necessary for enrollment in this program as well as being a citizen of the United States. The below information from the NLS web site briefly explains the services offered:

"From a beginning of 19 libraries, the network has expanded to 57 regional and 75 subregional libraries throughout the U.S. A free national library program of Braille and recorded materials for blind and physically handicapped persons is administered by the National Library Service

For the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress. Under a special provision of the U.S. copyright law and with the permission of authors and publishers of works not covered by the provision, NLS selects and produces full-length books and magazines in Braille and recorded formats. Reading materials are distributed to a cooperating network of regional and subregional (local) libraries where they are circulated to eligible borrowers. Reading materials and playback machines are sent to borrowers and returned to libraries by postage-free mail. Braille books, magazines, and music materials are also made available on the Internet through Web-Braille. Established by an act of Congress in 1931 to serve blind adults, the program was expanded in 1952 to include children, in 1962 to provide music materials, and again in 1966 to include individuals with other physical impairments that prevent the reading of standard print."

Some libraries also loan described movies to qualified applicants.

I enjoy browsing the shelves so to speak online and choosing the books I want to read. The Library also sends books that are in the specific categories I selected when I enrolled, such as, Best sellers, Mysteries or Humor.

A bimonthly magazine called "Talking book topics lists the most recently recorded audio books and" Braille Book Review" lists the most recent Braille additions to NLS shelves. The NLS web site is easily searched with a screen reader or the magazines listed above are available in either large print, Braille, or on cassette. I received my first Library of Congress cassette player when I was around 12 years old. It was delivered to my school and was bright green as I recall. I remember that the first book I listened to was a young adult book about a horse. I was hooked! I have read hundreds of books and a dozen or so tape players since then and discovered new and old authors that I have added to my favorite author's list at the library. After recently taking a course in Braille I have discovered why Braille Literacy is so important. There is nothing like curling up in bed with a good book, but I still like to listen to the audio books while I clean the house or crochet.

I would highly recommend this service to anyone who is eligible as there is no reason to miss out on a good book. The books are sent to you in a plastic tape case that has an address label that is simply flipped over before returning the book to the Library free of charge. A cassette player is available on loan from the National Library service and will play the specially formatted cassettes. Any blind or physically handicapped Library patron has access to an enormous amount of reading material, both Fiction and Nonfiction as well as magazines.