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This reference circular lists United States sources of braille books and magazines available for loan, purchase, rental, or free distribution. The first two sections list general and religious sources of braille books and magazines, the third section lists sources for jumbo braille and print-braille, the fourth section lists major braille presses, and the last section provides resources for further information.
This circular was compiled from catalogs and other literature submitted by agencies and organizations in response to a survey conducted by the Reference Section. Many of the responses indicated that materials are available on cassette and in large print as well as braille, but this publication is limited to braille sources. Prices are subject to change and should be verified with each source before ordering.
Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.
see World Service Organization
Hot Line to Deaf-Blind, a free braille weekly news magazine for individuals who are deaf and blind. Kenneth Jernigan Library for Blind Children lending library for print-braille and braille books for children through the high school level.
Price: Free loan of books
American Association of the Deaf-BlindThe Deaf-Blind American, a quarterly magazine with information on new communication technology, education, and mobility, and human interest stories.
Price: $15/year
American Council of the BlindBraille Forum, 11 issues/year; covers legislation, human-interest stories, and activities of the American Council of the Blind. Braille publications published by special-interest affiliates: BRL Memorandum from the Braille Revival League, Log of the Bridgetender from Friends-in-Art, and The Blind Teacher from National Association of Blind Teachers; contact the national office for additional information.
Price: Forum free to persons in U.S., $25 for organizations and foreign subscriptions
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.Elementary and high school textbooks; braille codes and teaching manuals; books on business, computer science, foreign language, home economics, and language arts; dictionaries; and some general-interest titles for children and adults. Current Events, Current Science, Know Your World EXTRA!, and My Weekly Reader published September to May; Reader's Digest monthly. Catalog available free in print and on 3½-inch IBM-formatted floppy disk.
Price: Various
Associated Services for the BlindCookbooks, computer manuals, and textbooks.
Price: Various
Beach Cities Braille Guild, Inc.Textbooks, recreational reading, and children's and adult books. Catalog in preparation.
Price: Partially subsidized for individuals who are blind; at cost for schools and agencies
BlindskillsDialogue, a quarterly general-interest magazine for people who are visually impaired.
Price: $28/year; free to deaf-blind readers
Bower Hill Braillists FoundationFiction, nonfiction, and biography.
Price: Free loan
Braille Institute PressGeneral-interest fiction and nonfiction, including books on computers, cooking, and social studies; mysteries; atlas maps; Braille Mirror, a monthly news magazine; Expectations, an annual anthology of stories and poems for grades 3 through 6; and a Braille Transcribers' Dictionary. Catalog available in print and braille.
Price: Various
Braille International, Inc.Fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. Catalog available in print and braille.
Price: Various
Clovernook Center Opportunities for the BlindTactic, a quarterly magazine on computer technology for persons with visual impairment.
Price: $25/year
Good Cheer MagazineA quarterly magazine that has news items of interest to persons who are deaf-blind.
Price: Voluntary contribution
Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc.Guide Dog News, a quarterly newsletter that presents information about the school and the use of dog guides.
Price: Free
Guild for the BlindBooks on cooking and hobbies and children's books. Reflections, a quarterly magazine with articles taken from various spiritual sources.
Price: books, $5.50-$23; Reflections, $20/year
G.W. Micro, Inc.Voice of Vision, a quarterly that has product reviews and new product announcements.
Price: $10/year
Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and AdultsNat-Cent News, 3 issues per year, a magazine that discusses the activities of the Center. News from Advocates for Deaf-Blind, included in membership or by subscription; contact the Center for more information.
Price: Nat-Cent, free to readers who are deaf-blind and to libraries, $10 for others
Horizons for the BlindBooks on crafts and recipes. Catalog available in print and braille.
Price: Various
Johanna Bureau for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Inc.Textbooks and general materials. Catalog available in print.
Price: $.15/braille page, $3 minimum
Journal of Visual Impairment and BlindnessA two-part publication published in alternating months consisting of a research journal on visual impairment and blindness and a news service.
Price: $59 individuals; $87 institutions
The Lighthouse, Inc.Books on cooking, hobbies, and consumer information. Catalog available in print and braille.
Price: $2.25-$18
Louis Braille CenterGeneral literature, poetry, children's books, books about braille, and books by Helen Keller. Catalog available in print and braille.
Price: Various
Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MD TAP)Tapping Technology, a quarterly that has information on products, services, and resources to assist individuals with disabilities.
Price: Free
Massachusetts Association for the BlindFiction, cookbooks, and children's books. Catalog available in print.
Price: $5-$35
Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the BlindA monthly magazine with general-interest articles selected from a broad range of periodicals.
Price: Free
Metrolina Association for the BlindTextbooks. Catalog available in print.
Price: Various
Michigan Braille Transcribing ServiceTextbooks for elementary and high school level, light reading, and short stories. Catalog available in print.
Price: $.27-$.30/braille page plus binding; inquire about business services and prices
National Braille AssociationA depository of braille textbooks; general-interest and vocational materials; music and books on music theory; and technical, scientific, and mathematical tables. Catalogs available in print and on audio cassette. NBA Bulletin available in braille to subscribers who are visually impaired and members of NBA.
Price: $.15/page for individuals and $.45/page for others
National Braille Press, Inc.General-interest, nonfiction, and computer books; Syndicated Columnists Weekly; and Our Special, a bimonthly women's magazine. Catalog available in print and braille.
Price: Various
National Council on DisabilityNCD Bulletin, a monthly with news and issues dealing with independence and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Price: Free
National Federation of the BlindBraille Monitor, a monthly that reports on current legislative issues and social concerns affecting people who are blind. Also available: banquet speeches, presidential reports, NFB resolutions, reprints from Braille Monitor on issues related to blindness and visual impairment, and books to learn braille.
Price: Various
National Federation of the BlindSlate & Style, a quarterly with poetry, short stories, articles, and resources of interest to writers who are blind. The one-time publication The Summit, an anthology of stories and poetry.
Price: Slate, $10/year; Summit, $15
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically HandicappedA variety of fiction and nonfiction books and magazines for adults and children, including scriptures, foreign- language literature, and music. Catalogs available in print, recorded, and braille formats.
Price: Free loan to eligible readers
National Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation, Inc.Fighting Blindness News, 3 issues per year, a publication that has information on retinitis pigmentosa and allied retinal degenerative diseases.
Price: Free
No LimitsInternational Low-Fat Cookbook and Consumer's Guide to PASS (Plan for Achieving Self Support).
Price: Cookbook, $4.95; PASS, $3.95
Seedlings Braille Books for ChildrenBooks for children in print-braille and grade 2 braille, and a few books in grade 1 braille. Catalog available in print and braille.
Price: Various
The Seeing Eye, Inc.The Seeing Eye Guide, a quarterly newsletter that has features on people who use The Seeing Eye program, a dog- guide training school.
Price: Free
Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research InstituteSmith-Kettlewell Technical File, a biannual that presents components for electronics technicians who are blind and do-it-yourself projects for electronics hobbyists. Compendium of Technology for Blind and Visually Impaired Persons, a one-time publication.
Price: Smith-Kettlewell, $18/volume of four issues; Compendium, free while supply lasts
Texas Association of Retinitis Pigmentosa, Inc.RP Messenger, a biannual that has articles of interest to individuals with retinitis pigmentosa and related retinal diseases.
Price: Contribution
United States Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance BoardPublications on architectural, communication, and transportation access; some available in alternative formats. Publications checklist available in print.
Price: Single copies free
Usher around the World:A quarterly newsletter by and for people with Usher Syndrome and their families.
Price: $16/year U.S., $19/year Canada, $22/year other locations
VISION Foundation, Inc.Light Lean Low-fat Recipes, Seafood Recipes, and brochures on Massachusetts agencies and services. Resource list available in print and on cassette.
Price: Free
Volunteers for the Visually HandicappedCookbooks, craft books, and children's books.
Price: Various
WGBH/DVSDVS Guide, a quarterly program schedule of select public television series, cable programming, and home video programs with audio description for audiences who are blind and visually impaired.
Price: Free
World Service OrganizationAl-Anon pamphlets, books, and magazines.
Price: Various
The Secret Place, a quarterly with devotions for daily worship.
Price: $16/year
American Bible SocietyPsalms and complete Bible in King James version; Psalms and New Testament in New Revised Standard version. Catalog available in print.
Price: $45-$810
The AuditoriumLending library of inspirational stories and church- centered texts of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Price: Free loan
Bibles for the Blind and Visually Handicapped InternationalThe Bible and evangelical tracts.
Price: Free to those with financial need; at cost for others
Braille Bible FoundationOld and New Testaments in King James version and a concordance.
Price: Free
Braille Circulating LibraryA circulating library of religious materials including Bible studies and commentaries, devotional reading, fiction, music, prophecy, and sermons. Catalog available in print.
Price: Free loan for eight weeks, voluntary offerings
Bridge Christian Outreach, Inc.Bible commentaries and booklets on Christian topics available on loan.
Price: $5 membership fee
Christian Education for the Blind, Inc.Evangel Hymnbook.
Price: words only $15, words and music $30
Christian Mission for the BlindOld and New Testaments in King James version. New Testament only in Today's English and New International versions.
Price: At cost
Christian Record Services, Inc.Free magazines: Children's Friend, Christian Record, The Student, and Young and Alive. Lending library for children and adults, including such topics as Bible stories, biographies, and devotional and inspirational material.
Price: Free loan for thirty days
Christian Science Publishing SocietyTwo magazines: Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons and The Herald of Christian Science.
Price: Bible Lessons, $2.50/year; The Herald, $1/year
Christian Services for the BlindTwo free magazines: Bartimaeus Review and Decision. Circulating library of Christian books. Catalog available.
Price: $25/year suggested support donation
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsArticles of Faith, Book of Mormon, study guides, and other church literature. The children's magazines The Friend for ages 12 and under and The New Era for ages 12- 20 can be ordered from Special Curriculum, 50 East North Temple Street, 24th Floor, Salt Lake City, UT 84150, telephone: (801) 240-2477, 800-453-3860, ext. 2477.
Price: Various
ELCA Braille and Tape ServicesMaterials related to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Price: Free
Eyes of Faith MinistriesChristian school textbooks provided through a round-robin sharing system and general-reading Christian books for children.
Price: Voluntary donation requested
Forward Movement PublicationsBook of Common Prayer and Forward Day by Day, a quarterly with daily devotions.
Price: Common Prayer, $100 for 13 volumes or $10/volume; cost may be subsidized. Forward free upon request to any person who is blind.
General Council of the Assemblies of GodTwo free magazines: Adult Student and Pentecostal Digest. Lending library of pentecostal materials.
Price: Free loan for 60 days
Gospel Association for the BlindCirculating library of general-interest biography, fiction, and current issues; Christian materials including the Bible, Bible study, hymnals, and a concordance. Catalog available in print and on cassette.
Price: Free loan for 30 days
Gospel Light Foundation for the BlindTwo Bible correspondence courses: Right with God and Doctrines of Grace.
Price: Free
GuidepostsA monthly inspirational interfaith magazine.
Price: $13.97/year
International Christian Braille MissionWe Would See Jesus, a monthly magazine. New Testament English for the Deaf in grade 1 and grade 2 braille, two hymnals, and lending library of Christian literature. Catalog available in print and braille.
Price: We Would See Jesus, free; New Testament, free with donations accepted; library, free loan for 30 days
Jewish Braille Institute of AmericaElementary- and secondary-level religious school textbooks; books on Judaism and of Jewish interest in Hebrew and English; and Jewish Braille Review, a free magazine.
Price: Free loan to eligible readers
Jewish Heritage for the BlindPublications on Jewish laws, customs, and holidays for children and adults. Catalog available in print and braille.
Price: Free
John Milton Society for the BlindNondenominational religious materials including Annual Bible Studies and the magazines John Milton Adult Lessons and Discovery for youth. Catalog available in print and braille.
Price: Free
Lubavitch Shluchim Conferences on the Moshiach CampaignLiving with Moshiach, a weekly digest on the Torah portion, and other publications on Lubavitch philosophy.
Price: Free to individuals who are blind, $18/year to others
Lutheran Braille Evangelism AssociationThe Bible in Revised Standard and International Children's versions; Luther's Small Catechism; Daily Light for the Daily Path, an everyday devotional; and Tract Messenger, a free monthly inspirational magazine.
Price: Free to individuals who are blind, at cost to others
Lutheran Braille Workers, Inc.Books of the Bible in the New International version and the International Children's Bible, New Century version. Christian books for adults and children. Correspondence courses on Fundamentals of the Christian Faith, Life of Christ, and Life of Paul.
Price: Free
Lutheran Library for the BlindChristian and Lutheran materials including Bible study, biography, and devotionals. Free magazines: Christian Life; Interaction, for teachers of religion; Happy Times, for ages 6-8; Lutheran Digest; Lutheran Messenger; Lutheran Witness; Lutheran Woman's Quarterly; My Devotions, for ages 8-13; My Pleasure, for ages 9-12; Portals of Prayer; Strength for the Day; Teen Time; and Today's Light. Catalog available in print and on cassette tape.
Price: Free loan for 30 days
Theosophical Book Association for the BlindBraille Star Theosophist, a free magazine; theosophical books; and free press-braille books. Catalog available in braille and print.
Price: Free loan for 60 days
Unity School of ChristianityTwo free monthly magazines: Daily Word, which has daily devotional readings, and Unity Magazine, which has stories on the practical application of Christian principles. Braille Ministry Lending Library containing books on a variety of metaphysical and spiritual subjects.
Price: Free loan for 90 days
The Upper RoomA bimonthly of Christian devotions.
Price: Free
Xavier Society for the BlindBooks of a religious nature in such areas as Bible, biography, Christian living, liturgy/sacraments, personal growth, prayer, and spiritual life; Deaf-Blind News Summary and Deaf-Blind Weekly News.
Price: Free loan of books, free magazines
Price: For individuals who are blind, partially subsidized; for schools and agencies, cost of production only
Braille Institute PressPrice: $.40/page plus $1 for each bound volume
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically HandicappedTen titles available.
Price: Free loan to eligible readers
Northern Nevada Braille TranscribersPrice: Free loan, donations appreciated
Produces and distributes Twin Vision (print-braille) books throughout the United States. Lends print-braille and braille books through the Kenneth Jernigan Library for Blind Children.
Price: Free
Christian Record Services, Inc.Price: Free distribution (return if no longer needed)
National Braille Press, Inc.Children's Braille Book Club featuring a new book every month. Monthly notices in print or braille.
Price: Various
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically HandicappedMore than 200 titles available.
Price: Free loan to eligible readers
Seedlings Braille Books for ChildrenFor children ages 1-8. Catalog available in print.
Price: Various
Volunteer Braille ServicesPrint-braille library for loan to Minnesota residents and for sale to others. Catalog available in print and braille.
Price: Various
The major braille presses listed below transcribe printed materials into braille for organizations and businesses. Since they are volume producers of braille, they do not accommodate individual requests for transcriptions. Persons who need one copy of a document for individual use should consult two sources for names of agencies and organizations: Individual Braille Transcription Services and Volunteers Who Produce Books (see section V, Resources for Further Information).
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.Publishes APH Catalog of Accessible Books for People Who are Visually Impaired, 1996-1997, a combined catalog that lists braille and large-print books, recorded books, regular print materials, TEXT2000 electronic books, and video tapes.
Braille Revival LeagueFosters the use, production, and instruction of braille. Encourages people who are blind to read and write in braille and advocates for mandatory braille instruction in educational facilities for individuals who are blind. Publishes the newsletter BRL Memorandum.
Naperville Area Transcribing for the BlindActs as a central registry service for general-interest materials transcribed into braille. Publishes General- Interest Registry Catalog of Materials; $6 print, $2 disk.
National Association to Promote the Use of Braille (NAPUB)A division of the National Federation of the Blind. Promotes the use of braille and its production and instruction. Encourages the reading and writing of braille and advocates for mandatory braille instruction in educational facilities for individuals who are blind.
National Braille AssociationProvides four catalogs that list braille books deposited in the braille book bank collection: Braille Technical Tables, General Interest, Music, and Textbook Catalogs.
National Braille Press, Inc.Publishes Individual Braille Transcription Services, a directory listing twenty-nine services throughout the country that transcribe documents for individuals from print, computer disk, or modem. Prices range from $.10-$4.50 per braille page, and the turnaround time is from two days to six months, depending on the size of the project.
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Library of Congress. Reference Section.Provides the following free reference circulars and directories:
Revised by
Carol Strauss
Reference Section
September 1996
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Posted on 2006-11-21