The LBPH serves those with Visual Impairments, Physical Disabilities preventing use of print books, and Reading Disabilities resulting from organic dysfunction.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) was established by an act of Congress in 1931, and placed under the jurisdiction of the Library of Congress. Subsequent legislation expanded the program in the 1950’s and 1960’s. From a start of 19 libraries in 1931, the network has grown to 56 regional and 65 sub-regional libraries throughout the United States. The New Mexico program was established in 1967.The program in New Mexico is administered by the New Mexico State Library, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. The New Mexico network consists of the regional library in Santa Fe and a number of depository libraries located throughout the state.
The LBPH is responsible for meeting the reading and information needs of nearly 3,000 New Mexico citizens who are blind, visually impaired, physically handicapped, or reading disabled. Patrons are issued playback equipment that allows them to utilize books, magazines, and other material in alternate formats (digital cartridge, cassette, Braille, and electronic text). The collection focuses mainly on recreational reading, and contains more than 60,000 titles in a variety of genres. Patrons may also download titles directly from the NLS through BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download).
Any United States resident or citizen living abroad who is unable to read standard print materials because of a temporary or permanent visual, physical, or reading disability may receive service through a network library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
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. The NLS serves individuals of all ages.
Institutions that serve the qualifying individuals outlined above are also eligible to apply for services as an Institutional account. Once established, Institutions receive one or more digital players depending on the size of their clientele, a collection of digital books, and/or online access to the BARD website. *Public or private schools may also apply, however, the students in these schools must be certified as eligible on an individual basis and must be the direct and only recipient of the materials and equipment.
Regarding NLS eligibility, “competent authority” is defined to include:
In the absence of any of these, certification may be made by professional librarians or by any person whose competence under specific circumstances is acceptable to the Library of Congress. Direct family members of interested individual cannot be a certifying authority.
Full details on eligibility requirements can be found at this link
Phone: 505-476-9770 or 1-800-456-5515
Fax: 505-476-9776
Address: 1209 Camino Carlos Rey
Santa Fe, NM 87507
E-mail: sl.lbph@state.nm.us