Library for Accessible Books and Media (LABM) is responsible for loaning braille, audio and large print publications to any resident of the State of Tennessee who has a physical disability which prevents them from reading standard print. This is done utilizing the U.S. Postal Service's Free Matter mailing privilege. Players are also loaned for use with the audio publications. Qualifying disabilities include: blindness, low-vision, manual dexterity problems that prevent the individual from holding a book and/or turning pages and reading disabilities. In order to borrow materials from the LABM, an application must be on file at the library with the original signature of a certifying authority that the applicant has such disability. In the case of an applicant with a reading disability, the certifying authority must be a physician. The library also creates a quarterly newsletter and distributes it in audio, braille and large print formats. The LABM is a cooperating library with the National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped/Library of Congress (NLS) network of libraries serving the blind & physically handicapped.

All special library materials--books, magazines and playback equipment--are circulated through the mail postage free. Patrons must borrow books each year to remain eligible for the service.

Special playback equipment is loaned to patrons who use the library service. Books and magazines in the TLABM collection are recorded at a slower speed than conventional recordings and the books require special players. Players are mailed to patrons postage free. The library repairs and replaces equipment as necessary. For patrons who wish to purchase their own equipment, a vendor list is available.

Bimonthly magazines will tell you about newly released books and related library services: Talking Book Topics and Braille Book Review. You may also order general catalogs. You can always call the library to ask about authors and titles. The National Library Service catalog is searchable online.

You must first complete an application for service and send it to the Tennessee library. All states provide the service for their residents.

While the Secretary of State’s office posts Executive Orders, we are unable to answer questions pertaining to their content.

For questions concerning information in an Executive Order, please contact the Governor’s office.

The library service loans recorded, large print and braille books and magazines, music scores in large print and braille and special playback equipment. The TLABM book collection of over 50,000 titles includes popular fiction and nonfiction, best sellers, classics, history, biographies, religious literature, children's books and books in foreign language. There are over 70 popular magazines available. Go to Available Materials to find out more.