Library Services

Listen to the latest news from the Library for Spring 2013

The Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped provides books and other materials in alternative formats to Iowa residents who are unable to read standard print materials. Thousands of books are available in a variety of formats: Braille, large print, digital audio recordings, print/Braille, descriptive video, and electronic text mailed to your home. Registered readers may also download audio and Braille books and magazines online (BARD).

Listen to an audio sample of one of our popular audio books.

Eligibility Guidelines
Library services are available at no cost to Iowans of any age who cannot read traditional print materials because of a visual disability, physical disability, or physically-based reading disability.

Library Application Form
To begin accessing library services, download and fill out our application for services (.pdf file). To request an application form by phone, contact the Library at 515-281-1368 or in Iowa 800-362-2587, ext 1-1368. You can also email library@blind.state.ia.us.

Borrower Information
How to order books in numerous formats mailed to your home, audio playback devices, special requests, or downloadable audio and Braille.

Resources for Readers
Book clubs, suggested reading lists, audio samples, children's books, newsletters, and more.

Career Resources Center
Located in our Library in Des Moines, a good starting place for those investigating a job or career.

Student Resources
Textbooks in alternative formats and much more for students of any age from our Instructional Materials Center.

Help the Library
Volunteer or join our Friends of the Library group or Advisory Committee.

Contact Us
Contact a Reader Advisor or Librarian and find our location and hours.

On-line Public Access Catalog (OPAC) Information
Information about OPAC