South Carolina residents (all ages and income levels) unable to read or use standard print materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations are eligible for this service. Blindness is not the only qualifying condition. Even those with low vision due to problems such as macular degeneration, are eligible. Physical conditions such as missing arms or hands, lack of muscle coordination, or prolonged weakness are qualifying conditions when their result is an inability to hold a book or turn pages. Persons with physically based, medically certifiable reading disabilities (such as dyslexia), and institutions serving clientele with qualifying conditions are also eligible.

Application Information

Talking Book Services Application

To obtain services, a person must submit an application form. The form must be mailed to the library and must be submitted with the signature of a certifying authority. These include, but are not limited to, medical doctors, optometrists, registered nurses, rehabilitation teachers, or licensed social workers. Applicants with learning disabilities must submit certification by a medical doctor only. By federal mandate, an actual signature must be received before an application may be processed. We are unable to accept applications electronically. Please print an application and mail it to the library. Applications may also be obtained from local public libraries or by calling the South Carolina State Library at 1-800-922-7818 or 803-734-4611 (in Columbia).