Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Any resident of Georgia who is unable to read or use regular print materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations may receive service through GLS. This includes those who are blind, have a visual disability, or have a physical disability that prevents reading.

Yes. Individuals are eligible if they have been diagnosed with a perceptual or reading disability that prevents them from reading regular print materials.

Eligibility must be certified by one of the following: Library staff or Librarian, Doctor of Medicine, doctor of osteopathy, ophthalmologist, optometrist, psychologist, registered nurse, therapist, or professional staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or welfare agencies (such as an educator, social worker, case worker, counselor, rehabilitation teacher, certified reading specialist, school psychologist, superintendent, or school media specialist).

The GLS website gls.georgialibraries.org is where you can find an individual application. The fillable pdf application may be completed online and printed, signed by the certifying authority and returned to GLS for processing. Completed applications can be scanned and emailed to [email protected] or mailed postage paid to the address on the return label printed on the application.

GLS Reader Advisors are available from 8am-5pm (Monday – Friday) by calling 1-800-248-6701. They are available to answer questions, assist with book selection and to provide training on use of the products and services.

The goal of GLS is to send the talking book player equipment and an initial shipment of books within seven working days of receiving a properly certified application.

No. There is no direct cost to eligible readers.

Through the U.S. Postal Service, books, magazines, catalogs, and equipment that are sent to readers through the U.S. Postal Service as “Free Matter for the Blind” may be returned the same way.

Talking books require the use of a specialized playback device or a mobile reading app. iOS and Android smart devices may also be used to play the talking books.

Yes. The free BARD Mobile app is available for your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and your Android smartphone or tablet (including Kindle Fire) so you do not need special equipment to read. Registered patrons may download electronic files of braille books, magazines, and music materials, as well as digital talking books and magazines from BARD Mobile at the App Store for iOS and digital talking books and magazines at the Play Store and Amazon Appstore for Android. You may be charged for data depending on your carrier’s plan.

GLS offers large-print books through a partnership with Georgia’s PINES libraries. Requests are managed through GLS Atlanta where a Reader Advisor will request the large print title and mail it to the patron. The patron will return the book to GLS postage paid. Requesting the LP items through GLS offers additional advantages to the patron: an extended loan period, and no liability for overdue fines.

Books in the collection begin at the preschool level through adults of all ages. The program is designed to provide service during an active patron’s lifetime unless their disability is deemed temporary.

Yes. Eligible patrons may enroll as an individual account holder or the facility may apply for an Institutional Account. They may call 1-800-248-6701 for assistance or more information.

You’ve served our country, now let us serve you. If you’re a U.S. military veteran who has a physical or visual disability, or has had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), that prevents you from using regular print materials, GLS is for you. Take advantage of free audiobooks and magazines that are instantly downloadable to your smart device or mailed to your door.

No. Only individuals with a visual, physical, or diagnosed reading disability are eligible to use the service. Public libraries are an excellent source of information about local literacy and English-language programs