I am the Library.
I am neither Walls nor shelves,
Nor even the Books that stand in rows.
I am the wisdom of the Universe,
Captured and Arranged for you.
I am an open door.
Enter.
Anonymous
What will you find when you accept this invitation to enter the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped? Bound by neither walls nor shelves, the library reaches out across the state to bring the wisdom of the universe to all Iowans who are unable to use standard print.
How can you use this unique library? How can you reach for its books, its wisdom, its resources, its delights? This website is designed to help you discover and use the library's treasures. Some of those treasures are contained in the books the library houses. Others are found in the people--paid staff and volunteers--who provide their time, energy, and skills to build the collections and to maintain and circulate the books.
The purpose of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is to provide books in alternative media to Iowans who, because of physical limitations, cannot easily read standard print. Alternative media refers to books that are not in standard print. The alternative media used by the library include Braille, large print, cassette, print/Braille, descriptive video, and electronic text.
The library combines state and federal programs to provide statewide library service. Its function is to make books and magazines available in alternative media and to circulate them in a manner that is both accessible and convenient for the people who use the library. Therefore most of the circulation is accomplished through the mail.
Eligibility and Application
Services
Library Hours
Contact the Library
Library Consumer Advisory Committee
Library Events
General Reading
Ordering Books
Bibliographies
Catalogs
Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC)
Books for Children
Descriptive Videos
Bibles and Sacred Texts
Magazines
Cassette Players
Mailing Library Materials
Instructional Materials Center
Braille and Tape Transcription
Summer Reading Club
Book Discussion Guides
Braille On-line (WEB-Braille)
Career Research Pathfinder
Accessible Iowa History
Resources
Other On-line Resources
The offices of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped occupy the fourth floor of the Iowa Department for the Blind.
Iowa Department for the Blind
524 Fourth Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
800-362-2587 (toll-free outside Des Moines)
515-281-1333 (in the Des Moines area)
515-281-1259 (TTY)
515-281-1378 (FAX)
e-mail: library@blind.state.ia.us
Return to Department's Home Page. Contact the Department.
Department Events