The following free resources and services are available to people who are blind, or have low or limited vision or print disabilities. Some of these services have their own set of eligibility requirements and application processes. Please visit the links, use the phone numbers or emails provided, or call an MCFL Reference Librarian at one of our branches. You can also reach us by email.
Marin County Free Library Materials and Services
- Large print books, both fiction and nonfiction
- Children’s Braille books
- Access to Braille book collections in other library systems through Link+ requests
- Audiobooks: CDs, MP3 discs, Playaways, and eAudio for download or streaming
- eBooks and downloadable magazines can be magnified, font size may be increased, and screen brightness may be adjusted for readability. eBooks may also be read aloud by a device.
California State Library Braille and Talking Book Library
From the BTBL website:
BTBL is a branch of the California State Library which cooperates with the Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS).
BTBL has braille and audio book titles similar to what you would find at your public library. The library also offers magazines, movies, newspapers and more!
Services are free to all eligible readers. Books (and the equipment needed to use the library's audio books) are mailed postage-free to and from library patrons. There are no fines or fees for overdue or lost materials.
Eligible readers include Northern California residents who cannot read standard print material in the usual manner due to visual, physical, or organic dysfunction. You must obtain a signature from a competent authority (doctor, etc.) confirming your inability to read standard print material.
Each patron is assigned a reader advisor to help with his/her library service. Reader advisors can help with book orders, author or subject requests, machine problems, placing a temporary hold on service, and much more!
Learn more about nation-wide services and the details of the application process.
Apply Here!
For more information, contact the Regional Library serving Marin:
Braille and Talking Book Library
California State Library
P.O. Box 942837
Sacramento, CA, 94237-0001
Library Code: CA1A
Telephone: (916) 654-0640
Toll-free (In-state): (800) 952-5666
FAX: (916) 654-1119
E-mail: btbl@library.ca.gov
Web site: http://www.btbl.ca.gov
Further Resources
California Department of Social Services, Blind Services: Handbook of Resources and Services For Persons Who Are Visually Impaired
California School for the Blind: State, regional, and county agencies, non-profits, schools, and other resources.
Library of Congress: Find a wealth of referrals. Learn about sources of assistive technology, education, employment advice, and more.
Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Access technology, blind and low vision skills training, counseling and psychological services, Deaf-blind programs, employment immersion programs, and more.
Marin Center for Independent Living: Information & assistance, independent living skills & peer Support, benefits navigation, housing referral & navigation, home modifications, assistive technology, PSPS resources, and more.
Writing and research: Natalie.
Formatting and editing: Ana.
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