Application for Service

Before Applying

Please make sure you live in Michigan and meet the Eligibility Requirements listed below. You may return the application via mail, fax, or email. After BTBL has received your application, a staff member will call you to explain our service.

• Application for Individuals
• Application for Institutions
• Parental Acknowledgement Supplemental Form (required for all patrons 18 years or younger)

Eligibility Requirements

BTBL provides service to Michigan residents who fall into any of the following categories:

1. An individual who is blind or has a visual impairment that makes them unable to comfortably read print books
2. An individual who has a perceptual or reading disability
3. An individual who has a physical disability that makes it hard to hold or manipulate a book or to focus or move the eyes as needed to read a print book
4. Facilities such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes, that regularly serve clients meeting the eligibility requirements

If you live outside of Michigan, please see the list of Network Libraries through the National Library Service for the Print Disabled for service in your home state. 

NOTE: As of 01/01/2025, all youth patrons 18 and under must have a parental acknowledgement form on file to continue service. Parents / guardians of current youth patrons can use the NLS Parental Acknowledgement Supplemental Form above. New youth patrons need to fill out both an application for individuals AND the parental acknowledgement form before service can begin. 

Who is a "certifying authority"?

All applications for service must be submitted with a certifying signature from a competent authority (electronic signatures are now acceptable). A certifying authority is defined to include doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, ophthalmologist, optometrist, psychologist, registered nurse, therapist, and professional staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or welfare agencies (such as an educator, a social worker, case worker, counselor, rehabilitation teacher, certified reading specialist, school psychologist, superintendent, or librarian). Certifying authorities must not be relatives of the applicant, even if otherwise qualified.