Updated as of February 4, 2024.
About the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) serves as Maryland’s branch of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. In addition, LBPD provides a wealth of other resources and services for its patrons in Maryland.
Eligibility
“Any resident of Maryland who cannot read or use regular print materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations may receive service through LBPD. This includes those who are blind, have a visual disability, or have a physical disability that prevents reading.” From LBPD Frequently Asked Questions web page.
Cost
If you are eligible for LBPD services, you will receive them at no cost. There is NO CHARGE for materials, tools, and services from the Maryland LBPD.
LBPD As the Maryland Branch of NLS
Hard copy reading materials
NLS provides accessible reading materials to qualifying individuals in the United States. These materials include braille, enlarged print, and audio materials. LBPD patrons can request hard copies of these items, and LBPD will ship them to the patron’s home for free – and will provide the means to ship the materials back to LBPD at no cost to the patron. You may peruse available titles in the LPBD Online Catalog.
Reading materials for download
NLS also offers digital downloads of accessible materials through its BARD program. Like hard copy materials, BARD’s digital materials are available at no cost to patrons.
Find out more in the Bridges Resource Library’s NLS and BARD entry.
Braille On Demand Service
Through NLS, LBPD patrons may also take advantage of the NLS Braille On Demand program which provides patrons the opportunity to order up to one hard-copy braille title per month. This title must already be in the NLS or BARD collection, but, when requested, NLS will emboss and send the full volume to the requester at no cost. Please reach out to the Free Bridges Helpdesk for more information.
Braille eReader
The LBPD can loan a 20-cell refreshable braille display at no cost to any LBPD patron. The NLS braille eReader allows individuals to directly download both BARD and NFB-Newsline resources to the device.
While the braille eReader is technically a loaner device, you are in charge of it, and you do not need to return it over holiday breaks, the summer, or upon graduation.
Find out more in the Bridges Resource Library Braille eReader entry.
Free Bookshare Accounts
LBPD offers its patrons free Bookshare accounts. Find out more about Bookshare in the Bridges Resource Library About Bookshare entry.
Maryland Accessible Textbook Program (MAT Program)
LBPD offers a terrific resource for students taking college courses (including college courses taken in dual enrollment programs). The MAT program will convert your college textbooks into your choice of files. Find out more in the Bridges Resource Library’s Accessible College Textbook Program for Maryland Students entry.
Youth Services @ LBPD
LBPD has a Youth Services Librarian who is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and educators access the tools and information they need to engage in a lifetime of reading and learning.
Additionally, throughout the year, the LBPD offers periodic in-person and online programs. Check the current offerings on the Youth Services @ LBPD website.
Homework Help
LBPD offers “Homework Help” for students. Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 3-5 p.m., the LBPD Youth Librarian responds to questions submitted to kidsdesk.lbpd@maryland.gov.
Summer Library Program
Every summer, LBPD offers a fun and engaging Summer Library Program to help patrons take advantage of reading opportunities throughout the summer months.
Contact the Youth Services Librarian
Via email at: kidsdesk.lbpd@maryland.gov
Via phone at: (410) 230-2455
Other services from the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
In addition to free access to hard copy and accessible digital books and magazines, the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) offers other great services.
Braille instruction
The LBPD offers in-person braille instruction in Baltimore. Volunteer instructors provide these free courses. Contact the Library for details on dates and times of current courses.
Braille embossing in Baltimore
The Library in Baltimore has a braille embosser available for use. LBPD patrons may emboss up to twenty (20) pages using this service.
How Do I Become an LBPD Patron?
Apply! Note: The application includes a portion where a “certifying authority” confirms that you are eligible to become an LBPD patron. Download, complete, and submit an application using:
Contact the Bridges Helpdesk for More Information
- Our Accessible web form
- Email: Helpdesk@imagemd.org
- Text: Send to: (410) 357-1546
- Voice mail: Call (410) 357-1546, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call
This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.