Residents of Hawaii 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, 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 Hawaii 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.

The Hawaii library serves the entire state, as well as Guam and other Pacific Islands that are United States territories.

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


Hawaii State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
402 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
Telephone: (808)733-8444
Toll-free (In-state): (800)559-4096
TDD: (808)733-8444
FAX: (808)733-8449
Email the Hawaii library or visit their website