Jacobus tenBroek Library

The Jacobus tenBroek Library is the only research library on blindness in the country that is owned and controlled by the blind themselves.

Stacks of books inside the Jacobus tenBroek Library.Our extensive collections and exhibits cover areas including but not limited to:

  • Education of blind children 
  • Disability law and policy 
  • The history of attitudes toward the blind 
  • Rehabilitation methods and practices 
  • Technologies developed by and for the blind 
  • Blind achievers in science and the arts 
  • Fiction with blind characters 
  • Depictions of the blind in children's books 
  • Literary works by blind authors 

Visiting the Library 

The Jacobus tenBroek Library is located at the National Federation of the Blind national headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. We provide facilities for using our collections, regardless of format, by both sighted and blind readers, and we welcome researchers interested in non-medical aspects of blindness. We also welcome walk-in readers, but to maximize the benefit of visiting the library, we urge you to request an appointment, or read our reading room policies for researchers.

Stats and Facts about Blindness in the United States 

What do we really know about the prevalence of blindness in the United States and the educational, health, and employment status of blind people? You can review the latest statistics on the prevalence and demographics of blindness in the United States on our blindness statistics page.

More Information

For more information about the Jacobus tenBroek Library, please email us at [email protected] or call 410-659-9314, extension 2310.