Library News and Announcements
The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled provides books and other materials in alternative formats to Iowa residents who are unable to read standard print materials. Thousands of books are available in a variety of formats: Braille, large print, digital audio recordings, print/Braille, descriptive video, and electronic text mailed to your home. Registered readers may also download audio and Braille books and magazines online (BARD).
Eligibility for Library Service
Eligibility guidelines: Library services are available at no cost to Iowans of any age who cannot read traditional print materials because of a visual disability, physical disability, or physically-based reading disability.
The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled provides services to individuals with:
- Blindness
- A visual disability that prevents the reading of standard printed material.
- A physical disability, such as multiple sclerosis, paraplegia, or paper allergies, that interferes with the ability to hold a book and turn pages.
- A reading disability resulting from organic dysfunction.
Hospitals, nursing or convalescent homes, schools or other institutions serving visually or physically disabled persons may also register with the library.
Certification
Applications for LBPD service must be certified by a competent authority.
In the case of visual or physical disability, a competent authority is defined to include:
- physician
- osteopath
- ophthalmologist
- optometrist
- registered nurse
- therapist
- professional staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or welfare agencies (e.g., social worker, case worker, counselor, rehabilitation teacher, or superintendent).
- professional librarian
Applications for reading disabled persons must be certified by a physician or an osteopath. More information about the certification for individuals with reading disabilities may be found in Talking Books and Reading Disabilities, a factsheet produced by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
Library Application Form
To begin accessing library services, fill out the online accessible application linked above or print out and mail our PDF Application. To request an application form by phone, contact the Library at 515-281-1323 or in Iowa 800-362-2587, option 2. You can also email library@blind.state.ia.us.