Services for People with Disabilities
Each branch of the Mobile Public Library provides handicapped access and accessible materials and services:
The Mobile Public Library is accessible in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Mobile Public Library also offers a variety of additional resources, listed below, for those with disabilities. For more information about any of these, please speak with a staff member.
- Large-print books
- Audiobooks available on CD, in downloadable format and on Playaway MP3 players
- Closed captioned DVDs
- Books for and about special needs
- EASY books in signed English for children
- Instructional books and videos on sign language
- In addition, Reference staff will provide individualized services to those customers who need it because of a disability. Please be sure to ask any Reference Staff member for assistance. For information call (251) 340-1324.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), a division of the Library of Congress, administers a FREE national program for persons who cannot use common print materials.
The Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled, a division of the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS), is the local network library for the NLS. They can help you sign up for this free special-format library service, assist with issues concerning equipment, suggest and locate titles of interest to you, and help you receive access to the BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) website and app. All these interactions can be done remotely, via telephone, fax, postage-free mail, or e-mail. All network libraries provide access to NLS-produced braille and talking books and magazines, which they circulate via postage-free mail.
APLS's catalog of items is public and can be browsed without an active account. However, you must have an active account to reserve books and place them in your cart. You can find more information on how to enroll on the NLS website.
You are eligible for services if you meet at least one of the following criteria:
- You are legally blind.
- You are unable to see standard print with corrected vision.
- You have a physical limitation that keeps you from holding a book or turning its pages.
- You are certified by a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy as having a reading disability due to an organic dysfunction.
- You are deaf-blind.
Once enrolled, you will be able to register for the NLS's BARD service. More information and help to sign up for BARD can be found on the NLS website or you can ask APLS for help. You will be able to download titles through your computer or directly to your mobile device using the BARD Mobile app.
If you need help with an application, or have other questions, contact the The Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled
6030 Monticello Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117
Toll-free in Alabama: 1-800-392-5671
Phone: 334-213-3906
Fax: 334-213-3993
Email: bph@apls.state.al.us
