GENERAL INFORMATION

The State Agency "Latvian Library for the Blind" is a cultural, educational and information providing establishment the main aim of which is to ensure library, bibliographical and informational services for the visually disabled. Its main task is to provide access to books and information in the form suitable for people not being able to read ordinary print such as Braille books and talking books. Library services for the visually disabled are offered at the central library situated in Riga and at seven branch libraries located in the biggest cities and towns of Latvia . Each branch library has its own servicing regions thus covering the whole territory of Latvia .

At the library there is the Loan Division, the Reading Room, the Music Division and the Typhlology Division where one can find a vast collection of historical materials concerning the life of the blind, their education, activities, typlopedagogics and typhlosurdopedagogics, social problems, rehabilitation and other issues. At the Reading Room there is an internet connection available.

Since 1961 the Sound Recording Studio has been functioning. The books recorded there are available on cassettes and CD`s.

In November of 2005.gada the Braille Division was set up at which books and information are printed in Braille.

The library users can receive the necessary information directly at the library, over the phone or using postal services which for the visually disabled are free of charge Another possibility is that for those users not being able to visit the library books are delivered by library transport. The card catalogues are available in ordinary print and Braille.

Using international interlibrary loan services it is possible to order Braille books in foreign languages.

At the reqest of our customers audiobooks are sent to the Latvian settlements abroad.