Residents of Maine who are blind and visually impaired or who cannot read print because of a physical disability can receive braille, large print or audio books and magazines through the mail, free of charge.

People who cannot see to read a regular print book or who cannot manipulate a book because of arthritis, paralysis, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome or other physical disabilities, or who have a reading disability such as dyslexia, qualify for services. They may borrow audio Talking Books or braille books through special libraries that are part of a Library of Congress program called the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).

All kinds of books are available through the national collection, from mysteries to fantasies to biographies to cookbooks to children's books. Thousands of titles are in the collection for every reading taste. Magazines are also available in braille and on tape.

The patron calls the Talking Book Library and requests books, or a reader advisor selects books for him. Books are sent through the mail free of charge, and when the patron is finished with them, they are returned, again postage-free. Magazines are also sent through the mail, but do not need to be returned.

In addition to the national collection, the Maine library may have volunteer-produced books about the state or use interlibrary loan to make audiobooks and other commercially-produced materials available to their patrons. Collections of large print books and described movies are available and may be borrowed by Talking Book patrons.

The Maine library serves the entire state. Recorded books are housed on-site, and braille books are borrowed on behalf of patrons from the Massachusetts library.

To find out more and request an application, call the library (see contact information below). Request and complete the application and start reading today!


Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Maine State Library
64 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0064
Telephone: (207)287-5650
Toll-free (In-state): (800)762-7106
FAX: (207)287-5654
Email the Maine library or visit the Maine Library website