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The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is a cooperating network library under The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) and is a division of the Maryland State Library.

The Library provides Braille and recorded materials who cannot see regular print or handle traditional print materials. Any resident of Maryland who is unable to read or use regular print materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitation may apply for this FREE service.

Materials available to patrons include Braille books and magazines, audio books and magazines, Large Print books, duel vision Braille and Print children's books, and descriptive DVDs. All materials are provided to patrons via the US Mail, shipped at no cost. Additionally, registered patrons may download eBraille and eAudio materials from through our mobile application.

The library also provides access to ADA compliant workstations. Workstations include access to JAWS narration, ZoomText screen magnification, a CCTV with speech capabilities, as well as a Braille embosser. The library provides accessible technology training upon request and hosts a monthly accessible technology user group meeting from March to November of every year.

To be eligible for service, patrons must meet the one of the following criteria:

NLS provides service to individuals who fall into any of the following categories:

1. Blind persons whose visual acuity, as determined by competent authority, is 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses, or whose widest diameter of visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees.

2. Persons whose visual disability, with correction and regardless of optical measurement, is certified by competent authority as preventing the reading of standard printed material

3. Persons certified by competent authority as unable to read or unable to use standard printed material as a result of physical limitations.

4. Persons certified by competent authority as having a reading disability resulting from organic dysfunction and of sufficient severity to prevent their reading printed material in a normal manner.

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. Individuals who have a temporary disability may qualify for service on a temporary basis. Individuals who are blind or have a physical disability and who have been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States receive special priority.

Applications for service are available on the library's website, www.lbph.maryland.gov, as well as by calling the library directly at 410-230-2424. Applications may also be aquired at the Carroll County Public Library.