The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled brings alternative formats to Iowans who are unable to read standard print. It provides access to information, books, and magazines in audio, braille, electronic text, and large print. Visit the Library's Blog for more information!
Instructional Materials Center
The IMC provides student classroom materials in the above alternative formats. Visit the IMC Blog for more information!
Join us for
2025 Summer Reading: Power Up! Game On for Summer Reading
When does it start? June 9th through July 25th How much does it cost? FREE When? Virtually Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1:00pm – 1:45pm
The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled provides services to individuals who fall into any of the following categories:
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.
Persons whose visual disability, with correction and regardless of optical measurement, is certified by competent authority as preventing the reading of standard printed material
Persons certified by competent authority as unable to read or unable to use standard printed material as a result of physical limitations.
Persons certified by competent authority as having a perceptual or reading disability of sufficient severity to prevent their reading standard print.
This includes individuals who have had a qualifying disability from birth, individuals who are disabled because of medical conditions or trauma, and individuals who become disabled as they age. Individuals who have a temporary disability may qualify for service on a temporary basis. Individuals who are blind or have a physical disability and who have been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States receive special priority.
To begin accessing library services, fill out the Online Library Application 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.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, requires that each network library have an advisory committee composed of a representative group of users and members of related organizations. Input from the advisory committee is used in the formulation of policy and strategic planning.
Founded in 2005, the Friends of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is an all-volunteer, nonprofit group dedicated to supporting the Library's efforts to be the best.
