As of October 2024, the National Library Service (NLS) is requiring new applicants and existing patrons under the age of 18 to provide parental acknowledgment for NLS services and devices. The policy is being implemented at this time to bring NLS into compliance with a new Library of Congress policy that took effect in March of 2024.  

To avoid disruption to service for your child, you will need to provide parental acknowledgment in writing by January 1, 2025. If parental acknowledgment is not provided for existing patrons by January 1, 2025, your child’s account will be suspended, and they will not receive any materials. Your child’s account can be reinstated after that date by submitting the parental acknowledgement form. If you do not wish to provide the signed form, NLS devices and reading materials utilized by your child must be promptly returned to the NYS Talking Book and Braille Library.

Please note that providing parental acknowledgement will not give you access to your child’s reading and borrowing history. Your child will not be required to reapply for service upon turning 18. However, the responsibility for NLS services and devices must be transferred to your child at that time.

Parental acknowledgment must be submitted in writing. Written acknowledgment may be provided by mail or email. Verbal parental acknowledgment by phone will not be accepted. 

Requirements under the Parental Acknowledgment for NLS Services and Devices Policy

Parents/guardians of minors are asked to acknowledge and accept the NLS program terms:

  • Your child will receive services and equipment and will have access to the entire NLS catalog of reading material without content-based limits.
  • You will return all items loaned to your child (including digital talking book cartridges, hard copy braille, book players, and accessories) when no longer needed.  

Instructions for Existing Patrons

If a valid email address is associated with your child’s account, NLS will send a link for a parent / guardian to complete the required Parental Acknowledgment form.  

You may also do one of the following:

  • Submit a Parental Acknowledgment Supplemental Form by mail or email, or
  • Submit by mail or email a written statement of parental acknowledgment

If you choose to submit a written statement, you must include the following statement in your correspondence:  

As the parent/guardian of the patron, I acknowledge that my child will receive services and equipment and that my child will have access to the entire NLS catalog of reading material. I acknowledge that all materials and equipment (including digital talking book cartridges, hard-copy braille, book players, and accessories) must be returned when no longer needed.  

[Insert typed name, address, email address, and name of child]  

[Insert date]

Please make sure to include your contact information and your child’s name and contact information. 

Instructions for New Patrons

Please complete the Individual Application and the Parental Acknowledgement form. Submit both documents to the Talking Book and Braille Library.  

Additional Questions  

Please don’t hesitate to contact TBBL with any questions about this change. We’re happy to help!

Alternatively, you can contact the NLS Information Services Section by email at nlsref@loc.gov or by phone at 800-424-8567.