Georgia Library Service
The Georgia Library Service (GLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled provides library services for people who are blind and to those whose physical abilities require the use of books and magazines in audio format or in braille. Services are sent to users through a network and a central distribution center.
GLS supports accessible library services in Georgia by facilitating the use of assistive technology and by delivering accessible reading materials to those who are unable to read standard print. Visit the GLS website or call them at 800-248-6701.
Who is eligible for the service?- Anyone who is unable to read or handle standard printed materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical disability.
- Persons who are legally blind or cannot see well enough or focus long enough to read standard print, even with glasses.
- Persons who are unable to hold or turn pages of print books.
- Persons who are certified by a medical doctor as having a reading disability.
Application for Service
What is available through the service?
- Books: Recorded and braille books from a national collection that includes a variety of popular interest writings such as bestsellers, classics, mysteries, biographies, westerns, children’s books, and foreign language materials.
Search the catalog for books - Magazines: Library patrons can also subscribe to over seventy popular magazines such as Good Housekeeping, Sports Illustrated, and National Geographic.
Search the catalog for magazines - Equipment and Accessories: Special playback equipment is needed to listen to the books and magazines produced by NLS. This equipment is lent to eligible users free of charge for as long as the individual is a user of the reading material provided by NLS and its cooperating libraries. Accessories are available which will help readers with limited mobility or hearing impairment use the equipment.
- Book Reviews and Catalogs: Registered borrowers learn about new books added to the collection through two bimonthly publications, Talking Book Topics and Braille Book Review. These are available in large print, recorded or braille format.
- Music: Recorded music is not available through the NLS library program. However, such material is often available from local public libraries. A collection of musical scores in braille and large print; textbooks and books about music in large print and braille; and elementary instruction for voice, piano, organ, guitar, recorder, accordion, banjo and harmonica are available in recorded form directly from NLS. If you’re a GLS patron you can call NLS for music instruction materials at 800-424-8567.