As mandated by Public Law 89-522 dated July 30, 1966, The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress (LOC), provides reading materials in recorded and braille formats to U.S. residents and U.S. citizens living abroad who are unable to use conventional print materials because of visual and physical limitations. Each year, more than 24 million books and magazines are circulated to these groups. Reading materials (books and magazines) are produced by contractors for NLS, and are distributed to a readership in excess of 500,000 through a network of over 113 regional and sub-regional libraries serving blind and physically handicapped individuals. States, municipalities, or other agencies operate these organizations. In addition, books are distributed to schools, multi-state centers, and veterans' hospitals throughout the nation and U.S. territories. All services and products are funded by the U.S. Congress through NLS and are provided to patrons free of charge including mail to and from patrons, through the U.S. Postal Service.

NLS has about 130,000 titles in its collection and adds approximately 2,700 titles (including music titles) annually. Books are circulated to patrons primarily through the mail from their network libraries located in their jurisdictions. Additionally, several magazines are distributed on a weekly, monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly schedule. Catalogs, bibliographies, and newsletters are distributed on an annual, quarterly or bi-monthly schedule.