513-369-6999
In Ohio: Toll-Free 1-800-582-0335
Manager: Donna Foust
| Mon–Wed | 9 a.m.–9 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Thu, Fri, Sat | 9 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Sun | 1 p.m.–5 p.m. |
About the Department
One hundred years ago, basic reading opportunities were almost nonexistent for the blind. Except for those who could afford to purchase embossed books or hire a reader, the world of books was inaccessible. However, through the determination of two sisters, Florence and Georgia Trader, a local library for the blind (eventually named the Cincinnati Library Society) became a reality on March 19, 1901. It began with a collection of 100 books in a room set aside for them at the Main Library. At the time of its founding, there were 400 blind persons in Hamilton County and 4,500 in Ohio.
Today, things are dramatically different. The Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is one of 56 regional libraries in the U.S., which comprise the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. While annually serving around 6,000 patrons including 700 children, it also provides reading services to individuals in the 33 southern counties of Ohio.
Services and Eligibility
Library service is free, but individuals and residents must register with the department by completing an application and providing appropriate certification. Individuals qualify for service if they are:
- legally blind
- visually handicapped
- physically handicapped
- have a physically-based reading disability
In cases of blindness, visual disability or physical impairment, certifying authorities include doctors, opthamologists, optometrists, registered nurses, therapists, and professional staff of hospitals, institutions and social service agencies. In cases of reading disability, certification must be made by a doctor of medicine or osteopathy.
The Collection
Library for the Blind provides reading material in a variety of formats: digital audiobooks, cassettes, recorded discs, and braille. “Talking Books” on cassette tape and recorded disc require special non-commercial players which are issued to eligible users on a free-loan basis. All materials are delivered through the mail, postage free.
The department provides a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction reading material for all ages, including bestsellers, biographies, how-to books and popular fiction genres such as mysteries, romances and westerns. A limited number of foreign language titles are available. Twin Vision books (children’s books which combine the print version and the braille version) and popular adult and juvenile magazines (in braille and recorded format) are also available. Textbooks are not available, but staff can make referrals to other agencies which provide textbooks.
