{"id":"nls-talking-books-braille","name":"National Library Service Talking Books and Braille","provider":"Library of Congress","entitlement_type":"library-access","entitlement_type_label":"Library access","entitlement_type_context":{"definition":"Eligibility for a public or specialized library card, collection, lending network, or accessible library service.","domain":"libraries","archetype":"access-program","agent_instruction":"Check residence, work, school, property, age, disability, card type, good-standing, lending, reservation, and service-area rules."},"summary":"A free library program providing accessible books, magazines, playback equipment, and reading services to people with qualifying visual, physical, or reading disabilities.","benefit":{"description":"Free braille and audio materials through mail and digital download, plus loaned playback equipment where applicable.","estimated_value_usd":null},"discovery":{"focus":"public-service","has_estimated_dollar_value":false},"access":{"relationships":["Person eligible for National Library Service accessible reading services"],"requirements":"An applicant must have a qualifying temporary or permanent visual, physical, perceptual, or reading disability certified by an authorized professional under program rules.","activation":"Complete the application and submit certification to the serving network library.","cost_basis":"no-cost","cost_basis_label":"No-cost access","cost_basis_context":{"classification":"free","definition":"The core benefit has no required payment, purchase, deposit, paid membership, or pre-existing paid-product relationship under the captured terms.","agent_instruction":"Still disclose optional add-ons, transportation, parking, replacement charges, taxes, capacity, and eligibility conditions found in fees or requirements.","variation_patterns":null,"does_not_mean":null},"fees":"Materials, eligible equipment, and postage are free for enrolled patrons.","personalized":false,"regions":["US","U.S. citizens living abroad may qualify"],"expires":null},"status":"verified","last_checked":"2026-08-04","claim_url":"https://www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/apply-for-nls-services/","source_url":"https://www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/apply-for-nls-services/","source":{"primary_url":"https://www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/apply-for-nls-services/","evidence":[{"source":"Library of Congress","url":"https://www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/apply-for-nls-services/","kind":"provider","checked_at":"2026-08-04"}]},"parent":null,"coverage":{"level":"national","family":"aging-and-disability","jurisdiction":"United States","maturity":"direct"},"web_url":"/benefits/nls-talking-books-braille","taxonomy":{"version":"1.0","url":"/api/v1/taxonomy"}}