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NLS: That All May Read

Laws and Regulations

These laws and regulations refer to the provision of library service to blind and physically handicapped persons in the United States.

The national service was begun in 1931 as the Books for the Adult Blind Project. It was later referred to as the Library of Congress Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped before its name was changed to its current designation, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

Act of March 3, 1931 (Pratt-Smoot original authorizing legislation)--To provide books for the adult blind
Public Law 89-522 July 30, 1966 (latest amendment to Act of March 3, 1931)
U.S. Code Sec. 135a [link to GPO site for U.S. Code] Books and sound-reproduction records for blind and other physically handicapped residents; annual appropriations; purchases
U.S. Code Sec. 135a-1 [link to GPO site for U.S. Code] Library of musical scores, instructional texts, and other specialized materials for use of blind persons or other physically handicapped residents; authorization of appropriations
U.S. Code Sec. 135b [link to GPO site for U.S. Code] Local and regional centers; preference to blind and other physically handicapped veterans; rules and regulations; authorization of appropriations
Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Sec 701.6 Loans of library materials for blind and other physically handicapped persons.

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Posted on 2011-01-10