Books are fun for everyone!

     That's the title on a brochure provided by the Library Service for Blind and Physically Handicapped Children.
     I can't imagine not being able to read.  I've read since I was a little child.  And my mother read to me, but I don't think as much as I've read to myself.
     I can't imagine being a little child and not having someone read to me.  And as I grow and learn, I can't imagine not being able to read to myself.
     That being said...there are children who have visual or physical disabilities who can easily enjoy the pleasure and benefits of reading, thanks to books and equipment through the Library of Congress.
     The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) offers braille and recorded books and magazines to more than 20,000 young readers through a network of 56 regional and 90 subregional libraries throughout the United States and its territories.  This cooperative network is made up largely of state and local public libraries that circulate books and playback machines directly to readers.  Many also conduct story hours, book talks, and summer reading programs.
     The NLS children's collection offers the same range of reading materials found in most public libraries.  Folk and fairy tales, animal stories, mysteries and science fiction, classics, biographies, and informational works of all types are among the books available for children from preschool through junior high school.  (Young adults may also request books from the adult collection.)
     The NLS collection includes more than 12,000 books in braille, print/braille, and talking-book formats.
     NLS produces several magazines for young people, including Jack and Jill, National Geographic World, and Children's Digest.  The NLS Music Section loans large-print and braille method books for beginning study of piano and other instruments, and books on learning to read braille music.
     Eligible readers can borrow NLS library materials free of charge.  The program is open to persons who are blind or who cannot see well enough to read standard print even with corrective aids or who cannot hold or handle printed books because of a physical disability, even if the disability is temporary.  Those with physically based reading disabilities may also be eligible.
     How do you find more information about the NLS?
     You can pick up a brochure here at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library, 204 5th Street SE, in Moultrie.  The brochure not only gives you information about the National Library Service (NLS), but provides an application for free library service with the NLS.
     Or you can get in touch with the Bainbridge Subregional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped through Southwest Georgia Regional Library at 301 South Monroe Street, in Bainbridge, Georgia (39819), or by calling 229-248-2680 or 1-800-795-2680.  Also, by faxing them a t 229-248-2670 or by emailing lbph@swgrl.org.  Check out their website at www.swgrl.org/handicap.php.  They also have an online catalog at http://webopac.klas.com/glass.
     If you know someone who would benefit from materials from the National Library Service, now is the time to enrich their lives.  Help them by providing reading materials...read to them...help them to read to each other...and to enjoy reading by themselves.