Ask a Librarian: National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)

If you are blind, have low vision, or have a disability that makes it difficult to read regular print, you may be eligible for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). NLS has an extensive collection of audio and braille books that are instantly downloadable or can be mailed to patrons anywhere in the United States. For more information and to find out how to enroll, call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) or visit www.loc.gov/thatallmayread.

If you are blind, have low vision, or have a disability that makes it difficult to read regular print, you may be eligible for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). NLS has an extensive collection of audio and braille books that are instantly downloadable or can be mailed to patrons. For more information and to find out how to enroll, call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) or visit www.loc.gov/thatallmayread.

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) has the world’s largest collection of musical scores and music instructional and appreciation materials in braille, audio, and large print (sometimes known as bold note). If you are blind, have low vision, or have a disability that makes it difficult to read regular print, you may be eligible for NLS. For more information and to find out how to enroll, call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) or visit www.loc.gov/thatallmayread.

You can contact the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled by calling 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) or visiting www.loc.gov/thatallmayread.

In addition to serving people who are blind or have low vision, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) serves people who have disabilities, including dyslexia, that make it difficult to read regular print. The NLS partner library in your state can give you more information. Call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) or visit www.loc.gov/thatallmayread to get their contact information.

A publication by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Braille Literacy: Resources for Learning and Reading, lists resources to assist people who are interested in learning braille. The Librarian of Congress and the NLS director authorize and issue certifications for braille transcribers and proofreaders. Inquiries related to literary, mathematics and music braille transcribing and proofreading courses should be addressed to Jennifer Dunnam, Manager of Braille Programs, at the National Federation of the Blind’s Jernigan Institute: call 612-767-5658 or email transcribers@nfb.org

Your student might be eligible for an individual account with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), which has an extensive collection of books in braille and audio for all ages. Your school also might be eligible for an institutional account with NLS. The NLS partner library in your state can give you more information. Call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) or visit www.loc.gov/thatallmayread to get their contact information.

While the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) does not provide textbooks, its Reference Section can help you find other organizations that do. You can contact the NLS Reference Section via the main NLS phone number: 1-800-424-8567, follow the prompts and press 4.

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) has many resources on blindness, disabilities, and accessibility. You might start by visiting the Resources page on the NLS website. You also can contact the NLS Reference Section via the main NLS phone number: 1-800-424-8567, follow the prompts and press 4.