PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In FY 06, 811,015 blind and physically handicapped readers were served by regional and subregional libraries throughout the United States with a collection of 423,000 titles in recorded and braille formats. Circulation of volumes and containers was 26,296,198. Actual readership: FY 06, 793,891. Estimated readership: FY 07, 793,891; and FY 08, 811,015. Actual circulation: FY 06, 24,677,023. Estimated circulation: FY 07, 24,677,023; and FY 08, 26,296,198.

Uses and Use Restrictions

The program provides books on cassette, disc, in Braille, and talking book and recorded cassette machines.

There are 57 regional libraries and 75 subregional libraries in the United States with access to approximately 423,000 titles in recorded and braille formats and more than 22,000 music scores, textbooks, and instructional materials in braille, large type and recorded formats worldwide.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

An applicant must provide a certificate of his inability to read or manipulate standard printed material from a competent authority, defined in cases of blindness, visual disability, or physical limitations, as doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, ophthalmologists, optometrists, registered nurses, therapists, professional staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or welfare agencies.

In the absence of any of these, certification may be made by professional librarians or by any person whose competence under specific circumstances is acceptable to the Library of Congress.

In the case of reading disability from organic dysfunction, competent authority is defined as doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathy who may consult with colleagues in associated disciplines.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Blind and physically handicapped residents of the United States and its Territories, and American citizens living abroad will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation

An applicant must provide a certificate of his inability to read or manipulate standard printed material from a competent authority, defined in cases of blindness, visual disability, or physical limitations, as doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, ophthalmologists, optometrists, registered nurses, therapists, professional staff of hospitals, institutions and public or welfare agencies. In the absence of any of these, certification may be made by professional librarians or by any person whose competence under specific circumstances is acceptable to the Library of Congress. In the case of reading disability from organic dysfunction, competent authority is defined as doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathy who may consult with colleagues in associated disciplines. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No.

A-102.

This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.

12372.

Application Procedures

Application Procedure: Applications can be made to the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in Washington, DC, or the 57 regional libraries, or 75 subregional libraries. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A 110.

Award Procedures

Not applicable.

Deadlines

Not applicable.

Authorization

Public Laws 71-787, 87-765, and 89-522, 2 U.S.C. 135a, 135a-1, 135b.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Not applicable.

Appeals

Not applicable.

Renewals

Not applicable.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Not applicable.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

None.

Audits

None.

Records

None.

Financial Information

Account Identification

03-0141-0-1-503.

Obigations

Obligations: (20 percent salaries and expenses; 80 percent equipment and support) FY 07 $38,039,736; FY 08 est $75,623,000; and FY 09 est not reported.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Not applicable.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

"Reading is for Everyone." Application form, list of regional and subregional libraries, 36 CFR (Chapter VII).

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Regional or Local Office: Fifty seven regional and 75 subregional libraries in the United States. Each State has an agency distributing talking book machines. Local public libraries have information available. Otherwise contact the headquarters office listed in this program.

Headquarters Office

Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, 1291 Taylor Street, NW., Washington DC 20542. Telephone: (202) 707-5100. E-mail: nls@loc.gov.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Not applicable.