Residents of Arizona who are blind and visually impaired or who cannot read print because of a physical disability can receive braille 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, or chronic fatigue syndrome, or who have a reading disability such as dyslexia qualify for services. They may borrow audio Talking Books or braille books through a special library that is 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, 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 can call his or her Talking Book library and ask for books, or a reader advisor can select 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 do not need to be returned.

The Talking Book libraries in some states use volunteers to record books and magazines about their state or books by authors from the state. Be sure to ask about special titles recorded by Arizona volunteers and available for loan.

The Arizona library has a collection of audio-described movies; give the library a call to learn about any special rules for borrowing a popular title for adults or children.

Some NLS libraries use interlibrary loan to make audiobooks and other commercially-produced materials available to their patrons. Be sure to ask how to access this service free of charge.

The Arizona State Braille and Talking Book Library (see below) serves the entire state. Recorded books and movies are distributed from the library in Phoenix, and braille books are mailed from Utah.

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

Arizona State Braille and Talking Book Library
1030 North 32nd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Telephone: (602)255-5578
Toll-free (In-state): (800)255-5578
FAX: (602)255-4312
Email the Arizona library or visit their website