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National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
The following persons are eligible for the free library service:
- Blind persons whose visual acuity, as determined by competent authority, is 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses, or whose widest diameter of visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees.
- Other physically handicapped persons are eligible as follows:
- Persons whose visual disability, with correction and regardless of optical measurement, is certified by competent authority as preventing the reading of regular printed material.
- Persons certified by competent authority as unable to read or unable to use regular printed material as a result of physical limitations.
- Persons certified by competent authority as having a reading disability resulting from organic dysfunction and of sufficient severity to prevent their reading printed material in a normal manner.
Eligible readers must be certified as eligible by a competent authority and must be residents of the United States, including the several states, territories, insular possessions, and the District of Columbia; or, American citizens domiciled abroad.
If you or someone you know is interested in receiving talking books or braille service, please take the following steps:
- Carefully read the description of eligibility to determine if the interested individual is eligible for service.
- Browse the library address list to locate the regional or subregional library closest to the eligible individual.
- Contact that library by email, telephone, fax, or in writing and request an application for service; or, visit the NLS website to find a form you can complete online, print, and send to a cooperating library.
- If you are unable to locate a library or wish additional assistance, please send us a message via e-mail at nls@loc.gov, call 1-202-707-5100, toll-free 1-800-424-8567, or request that an application packet be mailed to you.
For more information about this program, visit: https://www.loc.gov/nls/enrollment-equipment/apply-for-nls-service/
Or contact the NLS at:
Reference Section
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20542
Telephone: 202-707-5100
Toll-free 1-800-424-8567,
Fax: 202-707-0712
E-mail: nls@loc.gov
