The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) of the Library of Congress administers a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail.. The Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled, part of the Cleveland Public Library, serves as the NLS Regional Library for the entire State of Ohio.
 
Any resident of the United States or American citizen living abroad who is unable to read or use standard print materials as a result of a temporary or permanent visual, physical, or neurological (e.g. dyslexia, etc.) limitation are eligible to receive service. An application for service can be requested from the Regional Library, State Library of Ohio, or from your local public library. Applicants will need to state their disability on the form and have it signed by a competent authority such as a doctor, optometrist, registered nurse, professional health worker, or in the absence of any of these by a professional librarian. In the case of a neurological handicap, the application must be signed by a doctor of medicine or osteopathy.
 
Complete books are recorded by professional narrators into a digital format, and transferred to cassettes or digital flash memory cartridges. Braille books are also available for download through the NLS Web-Braille service. Talking books are available for download through the NLS-BARD service. More than a two thousand new titles are added to the collection each year. Braille, a system of writing using raised dots, adds almost four hundred titles each year. Additionally, volunteer narrators help the Library increase the scope of available books, especially those of regional interest.

Equipment is provided at no cost for as long as the individual needs it. Various attachments such as remote control units and amplifiers are available to patrons with special needs. All materials are mailed postage free at all times.

Many popular magazines reflecting a broad range of taste and interests are available in braille, on cassette, and some are available through NLS-BARD. A few of the selections include American Heritage, Good Housekeeping, Sports Illustrated, Ebony and Guideposts. Newsweek and Reader’s Digest are also available in braille or on cassette but not through NLS-BARD.

The Library also provides onsite computer access to reference sources in large print, braille and "voice" output. Adaptive technology available for use within the library include JAWS for Windows, ZoomText, OpenBook, Duxbury for Windows, Braille embosser, Kurzweil 1000, and TextHelp Read & Write Gold. Also available for use within the library is the Tracker 2000, a hands-free device used to operate a computer. Free training on the use of these adaptive technologies is available.

Specialized items such as brailled sports schedules and tax forms, raised line maps and recorded and brailled foreign language books are also available. The Music Services section of the National Library Service lends large-type musical scores and instructional materials in braille and recorded forms.

Catalogs and special booklists, updated regularly, keep readers informed about new books. The Regional Library sends newsletters to readers in large print, braille, or on cassette. Messages and requests are taken 24 hours a day on a toll-free telephone line: 1-800-362-1262.