Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

The Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, part of the Talking Book Program of the Library of Congress, provides braille and recorded books and playback equipment for those Wisconsin residents who for any physical reason cannot read normal print.

At present the Regional Library serves 7,982 active readers throughout the state, including 224 juveniles. Service is provided both directly, and through 577 schools, libraries, hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutions.

The Regional Library, which is housed in Milwaukee Public Library's Central headquarters, mails out an average of 1500 items per day, and receives back an equal amount for a total of approximately 271,000 items per year. 125 audio book players are mailed out weekly, with an equivalent amount returned. An average of 1500 telephone inquiries are answered monthly. To handle this workflow, process new applicants and publicize the program,the Regional Library employs a staff of 14 (13 FTE) in 2005.

As part of the Talking Book Program of the Library of Congress, the Regional Library circulates recorded and brailled materials and playback equipment provided by the federal government. In addition, the Regional Library circulates taped and brailled materials on Wisconsin or by Wisconsin authors which it has published in these alternate formats, as well as audio-described videotapes.

The address for the Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped is:

813 West Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233-1436
(414) 286-3045
(800) 242-8822 [in-Wisconsin WATS]
(414) 286-3102 [FAX]
(414) 286-3548 [TDD]
lbph@milwaukee.gov [Email]

Who is Eligible for Services?

Wisconsin residents who have one or more of the following reading disabilities, as certified by a competent authority, are eligible for free library services from the Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped:

• Visual Handicap: Inability to read standard print materials without special aids or devices other than regular glasses.
• Legal Blindness: Legal blindness is defined as having no more than 10% of normal vision in the better eye with maximum correction.
• Physical Handicap: Inability to read standard print materials as a result of physical limitations, e.g., paralysis, missing arms or hands, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, etc.
• Reading Disability: Organic dysfunction of sufficient severity as to prevent reading in a normal manner, as certified by a physician.

Services are also available to schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions which serve people with qualifying handicaps.

What Services are Provided?

Reading Material: The Wisconsin Regional Library provides books and magazines in three formats: braille, recorded disc and cassette. The collection numbers about 200,000 items and over 40,000 different titles. Best sellers, romances, mysteries, classics, sports and travel are just a few of the many subject areas to choose from. Materials are available for adults, young adults and children. The Regional Library also lends audio-described videos.

Equipment and Accessories: Recorded books must be played or "read" on the two types of machines that are loaned free to patrons, record players and cassette players. The machines are equipped to operate at slow speeds to play the discs and cassettes, which are recorded at slower than conventional speeds. Complete recorded instructions are included with the machines. Accessories available on loan include extension levers, remote control units and amplifiers.

Selection: Catalogs and announcements of new books are mailed to readers in a variety of formats (large print, cassette, discs and braille). "Talking Book Topics" and "Braille Book Review" are bimonthly publications that inform patrons of new acquisitions and related library services. Patrons who do not wish to select books can have the library select for them based on subject interests.

Reference Services: The Regional Library has many files of information related to blindness and disabilities. Residents throughout the state are encouraged to call the Regional Library toll-free for reference assistance on these topics.

Reaching Out: Patrons of the Wisconsin Regional Library receive a quarterly newsletter, "The Bulletin Board," which provides features, announcements, resources and updates. Programs of interest to library users are offered at least annually in Milwaukee. Small collections of recorded books are available for loan or demonstrations from some local public libraries.

What is the Cost of the Service?

All books, equipment and services, including the mailing of materials, are free to the print-handicapped. Telephone service in the state of Wisconsin is also free, using the Regional Library's toll-free number (1-800-242-8822).

How can the Print-Handicapped get this Service?

For additional information, call or write:

Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
813 West Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233

In Milwaukee call: 286-3045.

Elsewhere in Wisconsin call: 1-800-242-8822.

E-mail to: lbph@milwaukee.gov

Download an Application (English version) or Download an Application (Spanish version) for the Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

For questions about this information, contact Shiela A. Pollock (608) 224-5395

Last updated on 2/28/2008 8:52:04 AM