Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (BPH)
BPH is one of 56 network libraries partnering with the National Library Service (NLS), a division of the Library of Congress. BPH serves patrons who are blind, visually impaired, or have a physical disability in sixty-three of Alabama's counties. Subregional libraries in Talladega (3 counties) and Huntsville (1 county) serve patrons in the other four. Patrons may choose from a wide variety of recreational and basic informational talking books, which are available on digital cartridges or for download by the patrons themselves. Braille and Web-Braille titles are available as well. A wide selection of magazines is available on digital cartridge or through download. Residents who qualify for the program can enjoy a variety of the most current reading material, including best sellers, biographies, fiction works, how-to books, magazines, and music scores. Best of all, there are no subscriptions or service fees—the service is free for eligible borrowers.
You are eligible for services if you meet 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.
Whether a temporary or permanent loss, services are available when your disability is approved by a certifying authority as defined by the NLS. Institutions who serve persons with qualifying disabilities are eligible for library services also. The certifying authority for institutions would be the administrator of that facility or program. Veterans are given preference in all areas of service.
