The North Carolina Accessible Books and Library Services (NC-ABLS) is a special public library that circulates books and magazines especially made for persons who cannot use regular printed material because of a visual, physical or reading disability.
What Can I Find at the State Library of North Carolina Accessible Books and Library Services?
The NC-ABLS offers a wide range of books and magazines in a number of formats for free, and loans specially designed cassette players to patrons who request tape service. We also offer a Descriptive Video Service (DVS) for a fee, which presents a descriptive audio track that describes the spoken detail of movies.
Check out our online catalog for a full inventory of what we have to offer.
Who Is Eligible for Our Services
Anyone who cannot use regular printed materials because of a visual or other physical handicap is eligible to use our materials. This includes anyone whose visual impairment can't be corrected with reading glasses.
We can also help people with a physical disability that prevents them from turning pages or holding a bookl, and those certain learning disabilities may qualify. Facilities serving qualified persons, such as schools and nursing homes, are also eligible.
You need to apply to use our services. Check out this page for more information.
Do I Need to Come in Person?
We recognize that not everyone can make it to our Raleigh location, though we place a priority on serving all North Carolinians. To that end, you can download talking books, magazines and Braille through two services that we offer, BARD and NOBLE.
You can also call (888) 388-2460 to make book requests and get answers any questions you might have about what we offer.
Visiting the State Library of North Carolina Accessible Books and Library Services
The State Library of North Carolina Accessible Books and Library Services is located north of downtown Raleigh and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.