Free braille books for children are available through several established programmes designed to support literacy and braille awareness from an early age. These initiatives are primarily targeted at blind and low-vision children, with some extending to parents and educators. While many of the listed programmes are based in the United States, they often serve international audiences or provide digital resources accessible from the UK. The programmes vary in their offerings, ranging from physical braille books to downloadable materials and audio formats. Eligibility typically requires the child to be blind or have low vision, and in some cases, to be a registered braille reader. Registration processes are generally straightforward, often involving online forms or direct contact with the organising bodies.
Overview of Available Programmes
Several organisations provide free braille books to children, each with distinct focus areas and eligibility criteria. The following programmes are detailed in the source material, offering a mix of physical and digital resources.
Braille Tales
Braille Tales is a collaborative effort between the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This programme provides six free print/braille books annually to blind or low-vision children under the age of six, as well as to blind or low-vision parents of children under six. The books are selected from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library titles, with braille labels added to facilitate family reading. The programme is open to US residents, including those in US territories such as American Samoa and Puerto Rico, though Hawaii is currently excluded due to lack of subscribers. Approximately 10,000 books are mailed each year, and at least one bilingual Spanish/English book is included annually. For 2026, upcoming titles include "You Are a Honey Bee!", "K is for Kindness", "A Little Like Magic", and "Over in the Garden". Additionally, audio files of Imagination Library books are available as free downloads. Registration is handled through the APH website, and queries can be directed to [email protected].
Seedlings Free Braille Books
The Seedlings programme offers free braille books to blind or low-vision children in the United States from birth through age 21. Participants may order up to five braille books per year, limited to books with one or two volumes. Seedlings uses Unified English Braille (UEB) except for the EBAE (English Braille, American Edition) category. The programme provides various formats, including print-braille-picture books (both contracted and uncontracted braille), print-and-braille books (contracted and uncontracted), and contracted braille-only books. Orders are limited to eight titles per shipment, with a production time of 4-6 weeks, or longer for multi-volume books. The books are supplied by volunteers of the Temple Beth El Sisterhood, who welcome donations of Braille paper, binding supplies, or monetary support. Requests can be made through the Seedlings website.
The Braille Bindery
The Braille Bindery provides free braille books for blind or low-vision children, offering nearly 2,000 popular titles in both contracted and uncontracted braille. All books use United English Braille (UEB), and selections can be made via the Book Lists page on their website. The bindery accepts requests for specific books not currently in their catalogue. This programme is designed for children to read and keep the books.
National Braille Press Beginning Braille Materials
National Braille Press distributes beginning braille materials to blind or low-vision children from birth to seven years of age in the United States and Canada. These materials are provided to Early Intervention professionals and educators, but families can request one bag per blind child. The bags contain resources to introduce braille concepts.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) Braille-on-Demand
The NLS Braille-on-Demand programme allows registered NLS users to request up to five hardcopy braille books per month to keep. Titles are limited to those available on BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download). The books are braille-only, not print/braille. Users must complete and submit the NLS Braille on Demand Request Form, and assistance is available via email at [email protected] (note: this email appears to be specific to Braille Tales; NLS contact details should be verified separately).
Braille Institute Braille Special Collection
The Braille Institute’s Braille Special Collection provides up to four books per year to blind or low-vision children in the United States or Canada, as well as to Teachers of Visually Impaired (TVIs). The programme aims to increase braille literacy and reading enthusiasm.
ShareBraille (American Action Fund)
ShareBraille is a free online service that facilitates the exchange of braille books among users. After registering and logging in, users can share their own braille books or browse the catalogue. If a user requests a book offered by another, it can be shipped at no cost within the United States and Canada using Free Matter for the Blind. Registration is required to participate.
CVI Book Nook
CVI Book Nook creates customisable materials for children with cortical visual impairment (CVI) or low vision. The programme offers downloadable PowerPoints of book pages that parents or teachers can modify by adding photos, changing backgrounds, fonts, or colours. A notable resource is the book "What’s Your Story?", which allows the creation of personalised books highlighting a child’s strengths, hobbies, and eye condition.
Oakmont Visual Aids Workshop
Based in Santa Rosa, California, the Oakmont Visual Aids Workshop produces free, handmade braille materials assembled by volunteers. These materials are intended for those working with children who are blind or low vision and include teaching aids for concepts such as letters, numbers, punctuation, shapes, comparisons, and counting cards. A catalogue and order form are available online.
Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)
This library, part of the National Library Service, offers thousands of braille book titles and over 30 magazines in braille and electronic formats. Books and magazines can be mailed or downloaded for free. Registration is required; patrons can contact the library via phone or the Bridges Helpdesk for assistance. The helpdesk provides multiple contact methods, including an accessible web form, email, text, and voicemail. This programme is coordinated by The IMAGE Center of Maryland and funded by the Maryland Department of Education.
Eligibility and Registration Requirements
Eligibility for these programmes varies but generally targets blind or low-vision children. Specific criteria include:
- Age Limits: Some programmes, like Braille Tales, are limited to children under six, while Seedlings extends to age 21.
- Vision Status: Most require the child to be blind or have low vision; some, like the Braille Institute, also include TVIs.
- Residency: Braille Tales is US-only, but others like the Braille Bindery and Braille Institute serve both the US and Canada.
- Braille Reading Ability: Certain programmes, such as the Braille Books Program, require the child to be a braille reader.
Registration processes are typically online, though some require direct contact. For example, Braille Tales uses an online registration form, while Seedlings and ShareBraille require account creation. The NLS programme necessitates prior registration with the National Library Service.
Limitations and Considerations
While these programmes offer valuable resources, there are limitations to be aware of:
- Geographic Restrictions: Many programmes are US- or Canada-centric, which may limit access for UK-based families. However, digital resources like CVI Book Nook PowerPoints may be accessible internationally.
- Order Limits: Seedlings restricts orders to five books per year and eight titles per shipment. NLS allows five books per month.
- Production Times: Seedlings orders can take 4-6 weeks, with longer waits for multi-volume books.
- Format Specificity: NLS Braille-on-Demand provides braille-only books, not print/braille.
- Resource Availability: Some programmes rely on donations or volunteers, which may affect supply.
UK consumers should verify if any UK-specific programmes exist, as the provided sources focus on North American initiatives. For UK-based options, contacting local libraries or blindness charities may yield additional opportunities.
Digital and Audio Alternatives
In addition to physical books, several programmes offer digital or audio resources:
- APH/Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Audio Books: Eligible individuals can access APH-recorded Braille Tales books via free playback equipment from the National Library Service’s Talking Book programme.
- CVI Book Nook: Provides downloadable, customisable PowerPoint files for immediate use.
- Braille Tales Audio Files: Free downloads of Imagination Library books are available.
These alternatives can be particularly useful for families outside the primary service areas or for those seeking immediate access.
Conclusion
The programmes listed provide a range of free braille books and materials for blind and low-vision children, with a focus on literacy and early braille exposure. While most are based in the United States and Canada, digital resources may offer broader accessibility. Families interested in these resources should review eligibility criteria and registration requirements carefully. For UK-specific options, further research into local organisations is recommended.