Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
Marketing Toolkit
Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS), a division of the Georgia Public Library Service, is a free library service for Georgia residents of any age who are unable to read standard print due to a visual, physical, or reading disability.
Connect with GLS
- For questions about GLS, contact Kristin White, GLS executive director.
- You can view additional GLS resources for library staff here.
- To schedule a visit from an outreach librarian for your library or community event, email [email protected].
- To stay up to date with GLS, subscribe to their email list.
- View the GLS public-facing website here.
Use this toolkit to promote GLS resources to blind and print disabled patrons, their caregivers, and others in community and at your library.
Key Messages
These statements can help start conversations about library services for blind and print disabled patrons.
- Georgia Library Service (GLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled is the statewide program that provides library services for the blind and those whose physical abilities require materials in digital audio formats or in braille.
- Patrons are eligible if they are blind, low vision, or physically unable to hold a book and turn the page.
- GLS services are also available to persons with reading disabilities such as dyslexia.
- Library users who are not able to visit a library in person may obtain materials through the mail free of charge.
- The Georgia Library Service (GLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled talking book library has more than 638,000 annual checkouts.
- Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled gives people the library resources and tools they need to reach their goals.
Stories of Success
- “I’ve found that I’m more capable of doing more than I realized.”
Read Shay’s story
- “Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled allows those with disabilities to keep doing things they did before they lost their vision.”
Read Derrean’s story
- “Now I can read along with my students and introduce them to different types of books.”
Read Miracle’s story
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled?
Through Georgia Library Service (GLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled, Georgia Public Library Service provides library services for individuals who are blind or whose physical abilities require the use of books and magazines in audio format or in braille. We provide vital reading materials in an accessible format.
Who does GLS serve?
GLS serves eligible patrons who need reading materials in an accessible format. Patrons are eligible if they are blind, low vision, or physically unable to hold a book and turn the page. GLS services are also available to persons with reading disabilities such as dyslexia.
All potential patrons must enroll in GLS services and have their application signed by a certifying authority. That certifying authority must be someone who can attest to the condition that is making a person eligible. This is typically a physician, a nurse, professional caregiver, therapist or educator — relatives cannot certify people. A librarian can certify patrons as well.
> Read more GLS FAQs
> Download the GLS Quick Reference Guide for Libraries (PDF)
> Learn more about GLS resources
Key Dates and Activities
You can promote GLS all year long, including during these dates when you can focus your efforts.
- January: Braille Literacy Month
- January 4: World Braille Day
- February: Low Vision Awareness Month
- October: Blindness Awareness Month
- October 15: White Cane Safety Day
Print Materials
Download and share print materials to raise awareness.
GLS flyers (PDF)
Double-sided flyer in English | Single-sided flyer in Spanish
You can also request printed flyers and 5×7 postcards from GPLS.
Materials will be sent to your library via courier.
Accessibility Tips
Use these strategies to ensure your materials are accessible for everyone, especially with social media and graphic design.
- Provide descriptive image captions and alt text, including GIFs. Avoid saying “image of” and describe the importance, humor, etc of what is shown.
- Include video captions and descriptions.
- Write in plain language: Avoid jargon, slang, or technical terms unless they are appropriate.
- Full-caps can be difficult to read and misinterpreted by screen readers.
- Capitalize the first letter of each word to make hashtags more legible and prevent screen reader gaffs. For example, #GeorgiaLibraries not #georgialibraries
- Put hashtags and mentions at the end. Punctuation marks are read aloud by screen readers. Be mindful of how hashtags or @ mentions can disrupt copy.
- Avoid saying “click here.” Use descriptive call-to-actions like: Sign up, Try it for free, or subscribe.
- Limit emoji use. Emoji and emoticons are read aloud by assistive tech. That means people will hear things like “loudly crying face” or “pile of poo.” Before using one, look up how it translates to text.
- Use an adequate font size so text is legible, especially when used in images or areas that aren’t modifiable. 14-pt font is the minimum font-size for accessibility and for qualification of materials to be mailed to eligible persons as Free Matter for the Blind.
Social Media Graphics
Use these graphics to share on your library’s social media or website.
Be sure to add alt text for any images you use.
Click on an image to open the gallery, then right-click on the image to download and save it to your computer.
Shareable Video
Share this GLS promotional video to let your community know about all of the services available and how to sign up for them.
Consider posting it to your social media accounts and website, sharing with local media, and sending to patrons via email.
You can also download alternate versions:
> Video with or without embedded captions
> Audio-only versions
Web Graphics and Digital Signs
Web Buttons
Download and place a button on your website to link to GLS information and resources.
Digital Signs
Use these graphics on lobby monitors or other digital screens to raise awareness of library services and resources for people who are blind or print disabled.
These images can be also be resized to use in social media posts or on your website.
Click on an image to open, then right-click to download and save to your computer.
Social Media Messages
Use these messages on social media platforms to help your community learn about available accessibility resources and services.
Hashtags: #Accessibility #AccessibilityMatters #BlindAwareness #DisablilityAwareness #Inclusivity #InclusivityMatters #GeorgiaLibraries
Facebook: georgialibrariesglass