Apply for Library Services

Digital talking book player and talking books on shelf

Application Forms and Contact Information

Getting the Form

  1. Right click on the link and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As."
  2. Browse to a folder on your hard drive where you want to save the form.
  3. Select the "Save" button.

Completed forms (with your information and the certifier's information) may be emailed to OPAC_librarian@dbs.fldoe.org.

Library Address and Phone Numbers

Florida Division of Blind Services
Bureau of Braille and Talking Books Library-
421 Platt Street
Daytona Beach, FL 32114-2803

Voice 800-226-6075
Voice 386-239-6000
Florida Telephone Relay System (TTY): 711
Fax number: 386-239-6069

Who Qualifies for Library Services?

If you live in Florida and have trouble reading print as the result of an eye problem, a reading disability, or difficulty holding a book because of arthritis, a stroke, or an accident, you may apply for Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library services. Libraries, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and other Florida institutions with customers who have disabilities which impede their use of conventional print may also apply for services. Please see www.loc.gov/nls/about/eligibility-for-nls-services for the full eligibility terminology.

Who Is a Certifying Authority?

Certifying authorities include librarians, library paraprofessionals, teachers, educators, activities directors, social workers, counselors, caseworkers, rehabilitation teachers, physical therapists, certified reading specialists, school psychologists, school superintendents, doctors of medicine or osteopathy, ophthalmologists, optometrists, psychologists, registered nurses, therapists, or professional staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or welfare agencies.

Instructions for Applicants:

  1. Download the “Application for Free Library Services for Individuals” form (PDF file) to a folder on your computer. The application is available in both English and Spanish.
  2. Open the Application (PDF file) and fill out your personal information and reading preferences. The free Adobe Reader DC is recommended.
  3. Save your work.
  4. Now that your part of the application is complete, you will need to have a certifying authority fill out their part of the application. You could send them the PDF file as an Email attachment or print the application on paper and send them the printed copy.
  5. If you are going to print the application on paper, you may use the “Print Application” button on the form. Then, send the printed copy to your certifying authority.
  6. If you are going to Email the PDF file to your certifying authority, please DO NOT use the “Email Application to Library” button on the form. You need to send the PDF to your certifying authority and have them fill out their part first. Then, they can Email the PDF (or send the printed copy) to the library.

Instructions for a Certifying Authority:

If the applicant sent you a partially completed form on paper:

  1. Fill out your part of the form as a certifying authority.
  2. Send the form to the address at the top of the first page.

If the applicant sent you a partially completed PDF file:

  1. Save it to a folder on your computer.
  2. Open the PDF file and complete your part as certifying authority.
  3. Save your work.
  4. Use the “Email Application to Library” button on the form to send a copy of the completed application (PDF file) to OPAC_librarian@dbs.fldoe.org. Or you may use the “Print Application” button on the form to print the completed application on paper. Then send the printed copy to the address at the top of the first page.

If you are beginning a new form for the applicant:

  1. Download the “Application for Free Library Services for Individuals” form (PDF file) to a folder on your computer. The application is available in both English and Spanish.
  2. Open the PDF file. Contact the applicant and complete their personal information and reading preferences.
  3. Fill out your part of the form as a certifying authority.
  4. Save your work.
  5. Use the “Email Application to Library” button on the form to send a copy of the completed application (PDF file) to OPAC_librarian@dbs.fldoe.org. Or you may use the “Print Application” button on the form to print the completed application on paper. Then send the printed copy to the address at the top of the first page.

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DISCLAIMER: Links on the Florida Division of Blind Services (DBS) website that are directed toward websites outside the DBS, provide additional information that may be useful or interesting and are being provided consistent with the intended purpose of the DBS website. DBS cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by non-DBS websites. Further, providing links to a non-DBS website does not constitute an endorsement by DBS, the Florida Department of Education or any of its employees, of the sponsors of the non-DBS website or of the information or products presented on the non-DBS website.