Branch Programs & Services | |
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This program is available to visually and physically disabled adults and children through a nationwide network of Regional Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH).
In Pennsylvania, the Carnegie Regional Library of Pittsburgh serves the western half of the state, and the Philadelphia Regional Library serves the eastern half. In addition, the Philadelphia Regional Library serves the entire Commonwealth, West Virginia and Delaware with braille. Funding for the two Regional Libraries is provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the State Library of Pennsylvania. | |
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You can borrow a wide variety of books and magazines for adults and children, plus the necessary playback machines. Books are available on many difference subjects, such as religion, sports, politics, science fiction and travel. The collection also includes bestsellers, classics, biographies, poetry, plays, and much more. Magazine titles range in subject from Good Housekeeping to Newsweek, and National Geographic to Sports Illustrated. Children's magazines include Spider, Stone Soup and Sports Illustrated for Kids. Most recorded magazines are produced in braille or cassette. Cassette books require a special cassette player, which is loaned free to readers. These machines play four-track tapes at 15/16 inches per second, and operate by rechargeable batteries. Many readers like cassettes because they are portable and easy to store. Braille Books and magazines are available for adults and children. The children's braille collection includes print-braille books with both printed words and braille on each page. Large print books are available for use by partially sighted persons who have difficulty reading standard print. In addition to the Regional Libraries' collections, many public libraries in the State have large print books. Descriptive Videos are also available for LBPH users residing in Eastern PA. These videos operate on a standard VHS videocassette player and television set. No other special equipment is necessary. These popular titles provide a narrative of the action occurring in the video. Assistive Devices available for use on our premises: Closed circuit television monitor for enlarged print reading Braille printer Talking computer with refreshable braille display Talking computer with large print screen display Print scanner with synthesized speech output. Return to FAQs | |
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Pennsylvania's two Regional Libraries have more than 70,000 individual book titles available for circulation. Many new titles are added each year. The collection is large enough to meet the general needs of most readers. When a completed application form is received, the library will mail you catalogs of books and magazines available for selection. You will also receive the bi-monthly publications Talking Book Topics and/or Braille Book Review, which announce the latest available titles. The necessary playback machines are delivered or mailed to you, and instructions on the use of each machine are included. All services are free of charge, including mailing and repairs. Books, magazines and the playback equipment may be sent and returned free through the United States Postal Service. The loan period for all books is one month. Although 95% of the service is provided through the mail, you are invited and encouraged to visit the regional libraries in person. The regional libraries are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with a professional staff of librarians and assistants ready to serve you. For more information, please write, e-mail or call. Residents living outside the city are encouraged to use the toll-free phone number provided for each regional library. Please contact the library to customize services to fit your needs. We accept special requests in writing, over the phone, and in person. You may also send requests to us by fax or e-mail. All fax or e-mail correspondence must include your full name and address so we can locate your patron record in our database. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (215) 683-3213 or (800) 222-1754 Fax: (215) 683-3211 E-mail: flpblind@freelibrary.org Return to FAQs | |
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To find out what braille or cassette books are available from the LBPH, you can check the following catalogs: LBPH Catalog Search the LBPH catalog and order books in large print, cassette or braille directly once you’re a registered user. NLS Union Catalog Search the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Union Catalog for recorded books. This catalog also lists braille materials and cassettes available from Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic, and other organizations. To order materials found in this catalog you must contact your Regional LBPH. Materials that are not owned by your Regional LBPH may be borrowed on interlibrary loan. If you don’t have Internet access, please contact the Philadelphia Regional LBPH. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (215) 683-3213 or (800) 222-1754 Fax: (215) 683-3211 E-mail: flpblind@freelibrary.org All fax or E-mail correspondence must include your full name address so we can locate your patron record in our database. Return to FAQs | |
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Registered patrons may order books by telephone, online catalog, mail, fax or e-mail. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (215) 683-3213 and (800) 222-1754 Fax: (215) 683-3211 E-mail: flpblind@freelibrary.org Online catalog: http://lbph.freelibrary.org/ All fax or e-mail correspondence must include your full name and mailing address so we can locate your patron record in our database. Return to FAQs | |
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The Pennsylvania Regional Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped provide service to any individual who meets at least one of the following categories of eligibility, and to institutions that serve individuals with the following handicaps:
Questions about eligibility can be answered by calling your regional library at (215) 683-3213 or (800) 222-1754. Return to FAQs | |
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A competent authority must certify each application for service from the regional libraries. In the case of visual or physical disabilities, a competent authority is defined as a physician, osteopath, ophthalmologist, optometrist, registered nurse, therapist, professional staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or welfare agencies (e.g., social worker, case worker, counselor, rehabilitation teacher, recreational and activities director). Applications for reading disabled persons must be certified by a physician or an osteopath. The reading disability must be physically based. Disabilities may be temporary or permanent. Consequently, service may be provided for a short period of time or on a continuing basis for as long as necessary. Hospitals, nursing or convalescent homes, homes for the aged, schools or other institutions serving visually or physically handicapped individuals may register for the library's service. Before returning the application, be sure that all the services and equipment you need have been checked off on the application form. Library staff will review the completed application and certification. Instructions and catalogs will then be mailed so you can select books and magazines. Arrangements will be made for the delivery of a cassette player. Return to FAQs | |
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The Philadelphia Regional LBPH publishes a newsletter, 919 NEWS, in braille, large print, audio cassette, and Spanish-language audio cassette. Please contact us if you would like to be placed on our mailing list.
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