There are a number of different sources of free braille books available in the United States and Canada.  In addition to the list below, there are numerous libraries and other sources through teachers of students with visual impairments or related organizations.  Check with the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) or with your state library for the blind.

For tips on introducing tactile books to infants, toddlers, and young children, see: Tactile Books for Young Children by Dr. Holly Cooper.

 

American Action Fund for Blind Children

 

This program provides children who are blind with a free braille book every month from a popular children’s reading series.  Click here to fill out the online application.

 

Braille Institute:  Braille Special Collection

This braille literacy program from the Braille Institute provides children's books free of charge.  Any child in the United States or Canada who is visually impaired is eligible to receive up to 12 free books per year from the Special Collection. VI teachers or educators may also subscribe to our Special Collection.

 

Braille Tales Print/Braille Book Program

This program is a partnership between APH (American Printing House for the Blind) and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.  Participating families receive six free print/braille books per year up to the child’s 6th birthday. To be eligible for the program:

• The parent or the child must meet the definition of blindness.
• The child must be age 5 or under.
• Both the parent and the child must reside in the U.S. or its outlying areas.

Click here to fill out the application online.

 

 

National Braille Press:  Read Books! Program

National Braille Press distributes braille book bags to families with children, ages birth to seven, who are blind and visually impaired, across the U.S. and Canada. The distribution process is a collaborative effort with educators and early intervention professionals. In addition to the free print/braille books for different age levels, the bag includes information about braille for parents and families, as well as some tactile materials.

 

National Federation of the Blind (NFB):  Braille Reading Pals Club

The Braille Reading Pals Club is an early literacy program designed to foster positive attitudes about braille for children and their families.  It promotes a love of reading by encouraging parents to read daily with their child who is blind or visually impaired.  Club members receive a print-braille book, an eNewsletter for families, braille activity sheets, and more!

 

 

Oakmont Visual Aids Workshop

Handmade braille and tactile books are created by a group of volunteers and made available free of charge to people worldwide who are working with children who are blind or visually impaired.  Their products include:

• basic braille
• readiness books
• games
• math study aids

 

 

 

 

Seedlings Book Angel Program

Children in the United States and Canada who are blind can received up to two free braille books per year.  Click here for the online application.

 

 

 

 

ShareBraille.org

Sharebraille.org is a free service of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) designed to provide an outlet for organizations and people who are blind to offer surplus braille books to others who may enjoy them.

Xavier Society for the Blind

Xavier Society for the Blind provides braille, audio and large print spiritual and religious materials (mostly Catholic, but not strictly) at no cost to clients worldwide in order for them to learn about, develop and practice their Faith.  

---