Introduction to Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled Services

Join RMC and Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, for an engaging 1-hour virtual presentation on services provided to those unable to access traditional print.

Services are FREE to those who qualify. To qualify for services, Marylanders must have a visual, physical, or reading disability that prevents them from accessing traditional print. This may mean a person is blind, has low vision, has a physical disability that prevents them from holding books or turning pages, or has a reading disability like dyslexia. Intellectual or developmental disabilities do not automatically qualify for service.

Many people choose to have books mailed to them for use with the Digital Talking Book Machine or Braille e-reader. The Digital Talking Book Machine is a specialized device for those with visual or physical limitations. The instructions for the machine are built-in and can be accessed at any time. All audiobooks are provided on a specialized cartridge for use on the machine. Each cartridge holds between five (5) and 25 books. Those who wish to have Braille may choose physical Braille books or access books through the e-reader.

Others download books and magazines to their mobile device through our Braille and Audio Reading Download service (BARD).

• Additionally, LBPD provide supplementary services such as:
• Accessible Technology Training
• Accessible College Textbook Programs
• Bookshare
• NFB-Newsline

The library hosts events both in person and virtually through Zoom. Events include tactile museum tours, art programs, virtual hikes, reading challenges, and more. The library produces two monthly podcasts, LBPD Guest Hour and LBPD TUG, and hosts recordings of live events on their YouTube channel.

Click here to register and learn more!