Maryland State Library for Blind and Physically Handicapped -    

Parent agency

Maryland State Library

Street address

415 Park Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21201-3603

Phone number

410-230-2424

Fax number

410-333-2095

TTY number

410-333-8679

Office hours

M-F: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Contact 1

John W. Owen
Director
410-230-2452 - voice
john.owen@maryland.gov

Purpose

The mission of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is to provide comprehensive library services to the eligible blind and physically handicapped residents of the State of Maryland. Our vision is to provide innovative and quality services to meet the needs and expectations of our patrons.

Service

The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is a cooperating network library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled NLS and is a division of the Maryland State Library Agency. The Library provides braille and audio materials to any resident of Maryland who cannot access standard print because of a visual, physical or reading disability. The service is provided at no cost. Materials available to patrons include braille books and magazines, audio books and magazines, Large Print books, and twin vision braille and print children's books.. All materials are provided to patrons via the US Mail, shipped at no cost. Additionally, registered patrons may download e-braille and audio materials from through the Braille and Audio Reading Download app BARD. 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 assistive technology training upon request and hosts a monthly Technology User Group meeting. 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 20200 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 - lbpd.maryland.gov - as well as by calling the library directly at 410-230-2424. Applications may also be acquired at the Carroll County Public Library.

Eligibility

Applying patrons must have a visual, physical or reading disability that prevents the reading of standard print.

Fees

None

Ages served

All Ages

Area served

State of Maryland

Subjects

Audiovisual Materials And Equipment, Blind And Visually Impaired, Dyslexia, Information And Referral, Libraries - Special, Talking Books

Last update

30 May 2026