The Grand Traverse Area Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) is located on the first floor of Traverse Area District Library's Main Branch located at 610 Woodmere Avenue in Traverse City, immediately to your right as you enter the library.  The LBPH is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Messages may be left at 932-8558 or toll free 1-877-931-8558.  Sometimes the office is closed bertween noon and 1 p.m.


The Traverse Area District Library (TADL) hosts the Grand Traverse Area Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH), which is part of a Federal Network.


The LBPH was established as a sub-regional library in 1972 and currently provides services for 783 registered individuals in 16 counties, 171 of these registrants are Grand Traverse County residents. The Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is in the Library of Michigan in Lansing.


Anyone unable to read regular printed materials because of visual or physical limitations may be eligible. Currently the LBPH serves over 750 patrons, circulating around 30,000 items per year.


LBPH service is managed substantially by mail, online or by phone and is controlled by a nation-wide federal database of titles available. There is no interface or overlap with the TADL circulation system, catalog or database of patrons.


The recordings and devices are highly specialized for convenience to those with low vision and other handicapping conditions. The devices and recordings are provided by the National Library Service and may only be used by registered LBPH borrowers.


The National Library Service supplies all players, audio books, Braille books, audio magazines, catalogs, player attachments, digital book download site, music program, foreign language division, central office support, programming and more. Postage costs are underwritten by National Library Service.


Unabridged books recorded on digital cartridge and cassette tape are available by phone or walk-in access. Catalogs of titles are provided, and digital and cassette players are provided on loan for those patrons who meet specific criteria. Braille books are available through the Regional Library in Lansing. For the next few years we will provide both cassette and digital formats.


In order to use the completely free LBPH services, an individual must be certified as eligible and in need of the service. LBPH retains a profile on each of its borrowers with their reading tastes and preferences.  Borrowers may request certain titles to replenish their supply or LBPH staff supply titles based on the profile the borrower has provided.



Who is Served?

Grand Traverse Area Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped serves residents of Antrim, Benzie, Crawford, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Lake Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Newago, Oceana, Osceola, Roscommon and Wexford Counties.

Who is Eligible?

Anyone who is unable to read or use standard printed materials because of visual or physical limitations may use the library service. In addition to blindness and other visual limitations, physical handicaps include conditions that make the holding of books so difficult as to keep the individual from reading.  Persons unable to read because of learning disabilities that are physically caused are also eligible. Those whose limitations are temporarily are eligible for the duration of their disability.

What is Available?

    Players and audio books delivered by mail
    Braille books by mail
    Printed and recorded catalogs of books
    On-line catalog of books
    Downloadable digital audio books
    Personal assistance with book selection
    Reference services
    Magazines on tape or in Braille
    Described videos
    Quarterly newsletter
    Special events at the library


Who Pays?

There is no charge to eligible library users.  Federal, state and local governments all provide funding for the service. The Regional office is federally mandated to serve the state.  Sub-Regional offices (LBPH) are voluntary and must underwrite some of the costs with local funds. Materials and equipment are mailed to and from the patron postage-free.

How do I apply?

An application form may be requested from the GTA Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped or printed from this website. The Certificate of Eligibility confirms that the applicant is unable to read or use ordinary printed material because of a particular visual or physical limitation. This statement form must be signed by a competent authority who is not a family member. Competent authorities include members of the medical professions, and professional persons in the fields of public health, education, library service, rehabilitation, social work and public welfare.

Download and Print Certificate of Eligibility/Application

We also have a series of Described Videos - made available through a gift from the Friends of Traverse Area District Library.

Click here to read the Director's Blog for background and details regarding LBPH service.