In 1930, identical bills were introduced in Congress by Representative Ruth Pratt (H.R. 11365) and Senator Reed Smoot (S. 4030), to provide adequate service on a national scale through an appropriation to be expended under the direction of the Librarian of Congress. The Pratt-Smoot Act became law on March 3, 1931. The following laws and regulations authorize the provision of library service to people who are blind, visually impaired, or have a physical disability.
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- Act of March 3, 1931 (original legislation)
Authorizes provision of books for the adult blind - Public Law 72-439
Authorizes provision of books in audio as well as braille - Public Law 89-522
Authorizes the furnishing of such books and other materials to people with physical disabilities that prevent reading, in addition to those who are blind - U.S. Code, Sec. 135a (official law)
Authorizes annual funding for braille and talking books to provide library service to people who are blind or print disabled - U.S. Code, Sec. 135b
Addresses provision of service through local and regional centers; preference to veterans who are blind or print disabled - Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Sec. 701.6
Describes loan of library materials for people who are blind, visually impaired, or print disabled - The Chafee Amendment: 17 U.S.C. 121 and 121A
Copyright Law amendment, September 16, 1996, commonly called the Chafee Amendment - Public Law 114-219
Permits NLS to provide refreshable braille displays - Public Law 116-94, Division P, Title XIV, §1403(a)
Updated NLS’s name and incorporated terminology from the Marrakesh Treaty and Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act
- Act of March 3, 1931 (original legislation)
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State Laws
Free Mailing
A program for individuals and organizations mailing materials to the blind