Low Vision Materials

Through a national network of cooperating libraries, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) administers a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail. The affiliated libraries in Virginia are Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Roanoke, Staunton and Virginia Beach.  Call 888-657-7323 to connect to a local library.



NLS distributes listening machines, recorded and braille books, and magazines for the nationwide library program for the blind and physically handicapped.  The maintain a reference library on music, transcribing services, and general reference services.   The Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) Library and Resource Center (LRC) is part of this system.



Audio described videos are available and free of charge to eligible borrowers. Videos must be returned after 3 days by mail or by returning them to the nearest public library.  For more information, contact the public library special services near you.