American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Future Reflections Winter 2025 WHAT�S HAPPENING
On October 1, 2024, the Library of Congress implemented a new policy that applies to both new applicants for NLS services and existing patrons under the age of eighteen. Following is a summary of the changes:
To receive Braille and talking-book service, all new applicants will be required to provide their date of birth.
To be considered valid, new applications for persons under the age of eighteen must include a Parental Acknowledgment for NLS Services and Devices, signed by the applicant’s parent or legal guardian.
As the parent/guardian of the applicant, 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. All materials and equipment (including digital talking-book cartridges, hard-copy Braille, players, and accessories) must be returned when no longer needed.
Name (Last) ____________________ (First) _____________________ (Middle) _____
Relationship to patron___________________________ Email _______________________________
Parent/Guardian signature _________________________________________
Patrons enrolled prior to October 1, 2024, who are under the age of eighteen and wish to continue to receive Braille or talking-book service will be required to provide a signed Parental Acknowledgment form. Written acknowledgment may be provided by mail or email to your local network library. Parents of existing patrons can find the form at www.loc.gov/nls/paform.
Why is NLS requiring new applicants and existing patrons under the age of eighteen 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.
What is required under the Parental Acknowledgment for NLS Services and Devices policy?
Parents/guardians of minors are asked to acknowledge and accept the NLS program terms:
My child is already a patron. What do I need to do?
For existing patrons, you may do one of the following:
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.
My child is not yet a patron, but they would like to enroll. What do I need to do?
You may provide parental acknowledgment by completing the “Parental Acknowledgment” portion of the NLS Application for Free Library Service. Information on how to apply for service is available on the NLS website, www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/apply-for-nls-services.
Applications in digital format are available on the NLS website, www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/apply-for-nls-services/application-in-english-spanish-and-for-institutions.
Paper applications are available through your local network library.
Applications may be submitted electronically through email or in hard copy through mail to your local network library. Find contact information for your local network library on the NLS website, www.loc.gov/nls/find-your-library.
What are accepted formats for providing parental acknowledgment?
Parental acknowledgment must be submitted in writing. Written acknowledgment may be provided by mail or email to your local network library. Please see above for specific instructions on how to provide parental acknowledgment. Parents of existing patrons can find the form at, www.loc.gov/nls/paform.
What will happen if I do not provide parental acknowledgment for my child who is already a patron?
If parental acknowledgment is not provided for existing patrons 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 found here: www.loc.gov/nls/paform.
If you do not wish to provide the signed form, NLS devices and reading materials utilized by your child must be promptly returned to your local network library.
If I provide parental acknowledgment, will I have access to my child’s reading/circulation history?
No, access to patron records is not governed by the Library of Congress and is determined by local State Law and network library policies.
When my child is no longer a minor, will they have to reapply for services?
No, your child will not be required to reapply for service upon turning eighteen. However, the responsibility for NLS services and devices must be transferred to your child.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions about the parental acknowledgement requirement?
Contact your local network library with any questions you may have about the parental acknowledgment requirement or for assistance submitting parental acknowledgment. Find contact information for your local network library on the NLS website, https://www.loc.gov/nls/find-your-library.
Alternatively, you can contact the NLS Information Services Section by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-424-8567.