Did you know that Georgia has a free braille and talking book service for residents of any age who are unable to read standard print due to a visual, physical, or reading disability? GLS, the Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, serves all of Georgia with books and magazines in braille and audio that are available through postage-free mail or via download. GLS is a network library of the NLS, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, from the Library of Congress.
There are a variety of ways that members of GLS are able to get their reading materials. For those that prefer audiobooks, GLS will send a talking book player and two cartridges (which hold up to 10 books per cartridge) via US mail. Members also receive access to the BARD mobile app for easy downloading of audiobooks to their personal device. For those that read braille, members can borrow books through the mail or they can request up to five hard copy braille-on-demand books per month from the NLS that are theirs to keep. Members may also borrow Large Print books via US mail. GLS has Reader Advisors that are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more by visiting the GLS website.
Applying to GLS is a simple process. Applications can be found here and once completed, they can be emailed, mailed, or faxed. If you prefer, you can also visit any Forsyth County Public Library branch to fill out a paper application and library staff can submit your application for you. Once GLS receives your application, they are usually able to send a talking book player and the initial books to you within seven working days. If you or someone you know could benefit from gaining access to reading materials in an accessible format, make sure to check out GLS!
Jen Bell
Information Specialist
Cumming Library
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