Bookshare

Bookshare

​​​About Bookshare:

Bookshare® is an ebook library that makes reading easier. Members can access a huge collection of ebooks and read their way with the most customizable ebooks for people with reading barriers. See how Bookshare ebooks work

The library has 786,623 titles and is the most extensive collection of accessible ebooks in the world. It includes books for school, career, and reading pleasure, as well as titles in over 34 languages. The collection is supported by a dedicated volunteer community and partnerships with over 820 US and international publishers.​ 

 Bookshare is meant to be used in conjunction with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled's (NLS) services and is compatible with the player. 


And the library has made this service FREE to registered library patrons.​


Contact the library for access to BookShare:

reference.desk@maryland.gov | 410-230-2424

​Who qualifies for Bookshare?

Low Vision/Blindness:

A person who is blind or has low vision and who is unable to read standard print qualifies for Bookshare as long as a competent authority confirms that the person is legally blind or has a significant problem accessing text.


Physical Disability:

A person with a physical disability who is unable to read standard print qualifies for Bookshare as long as a competent authority confirms that the physical disability significantly interferes with reading.


Print-Disabilities:

A person with a learning disability such as dyslexia qualifies for Bookshare as long as a competent authority confirms that the learning disability significantly interferes with reading.


Who Doesn't Automatically Qualify?

People with disabilities such as: 

    • autism
    • intellectual disabilities
    • attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    • hearing loss
    • dysgraphia
    • dyscalculia

And people whose first language is not English DO NOT QUALIFY ON THESE CRITERIA ALONE under the laws and agreements that determine Bookshare eligibility.     


However, it is quite possible that a person with one or more of these disabilities could still qualify for Bookshare because of an accompanying print disability. For example, a person who is both deaf and blind or who has ADHD and significant dyslexia could qualify.  More information about Bookshare Qualifications.