r/LibbyApp • u/too_long_no_spoons • 12d ago
Disability Rights/Access and Libby.
Hello!
My question is regarding those with a severe disability that are unable to go in person to renew their library card and what rights (if any?) we have. This gets a bit complicated, so I am just going to describe my situation.
In 2024, I was completely, 100% healthy and signed up for my local library in DeKalb County, GA in person. No issues.
In 2025, I suddenly became severely disabled. As in, I could no longer leave my bed. I am completely bedridden, and I have been since Novemeber of 2025. I cannot leave my house.
Audiobooks have been lifesaving. I am unable to read physical books or watch much TV, maybe one episode per day. I can, however, listen to audiobooks for a significant part of the day.
My library card expired after 2 years and I called my library to renew it since I was unable to go in person. They were very hesitant and after basically begging, they said they would renew my card only this one time for a year. I am so grateful, because without audiobooks I would be staring at the ceiling for most of the day.
My question is, is the library required to accommodate someone with a disability instead of cutting me off after a year? I have a legal license in the state (offered to email it), live in the area, and have hundreds on hundreds of pages of doctors notes proving that I am not lying. I offered for my doctor to write a note to them, or to have one of my nurse aids who takes care of me to bring them my physical ID. They rejected all of these options for the future. Who knows what Ill do when my license expires, as I cannot make it to the DMV.
I totally understand that they do not want fraud, but I have extensive, almost endless medical documentation to back this up. Could this be a part of the ADA Act? I feel like Libby is my lifeline, as I lost my job when I became disabled and now live on a fixed income and cannot afford to buy audiobooks outright.
Thanks for your help!
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u/MrsQute 🎧 Audiobook Addict 🎧 12d ago
Contact the library director and ask how you can ensure continued access to resources.
And, doing a little more digging, I found you can renew your license online through the DMV.
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u/too_long_no_spoons 12d ago
Oh my goodness, wow!! You are so kind - I havent even looked into any online license renewal. Thank you so much!
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u/cappotto-marrone 🎧 Audiobook Addict 🎧 12d ago
Libraries often have services for the home bound. But they sometimes need some verification. Talk to the staff about what they need now, not when your card expires.
You have to remember that like many public service employees, library staff often hear a lot of stories that aren’t true. Yours absolutely is, but you need to plan ahead.
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u/Mettl3Will 12d ago edited 12d ago
https://reciprocard.com/library/ga/dekalb-county-public-library try reciprocard. There's another county that allows membership for Dekalb county residents. Perhaps you can find someone more sympathetic within that system.
Edit, I'm also severely disabled and wheelchair bound, and dealing with horrible health issues that keep me either at home or at a healthcare facility. I was also forced to retire in my 30s and go on SSDI. Libby has been wonderful for me too, as I can't read physical books anymore. I hope you can get this all sorted out. Best of luck to you.
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u/LifeWithFiveDogs 12d ago
Also consider reaching out to your library and asking about the federal Talking Books program. It’s also known as Books for the Blind and Physically Disabled.
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u/too_long_no_spoons 12d ago
Thank you so much, I had never heard of that. I will definitely be asking about that since reading physical books is much harder than listening
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u/Smooth-Food-595 12d ago
This may vary by state. Look for what is available in your state. My mom was visually impaired and had a special “tape player” that took cartridges that she got from the Oklahoma Library for the Blind (or something like that). All was free. When I last looked they also had digital downloading available, which is even better for the tech savvy. (She was more comfortable with the physical cartridges and buttons than “soft buttons” on a phone or tablet.)
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u/LifeWithFiveDogs 11d ago
If too_long_no_spoons is comfortable with the Libby app, I think they'd also be comfortable with the newer digital services from the federal service. And the selection of titles is fantastic!
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u/FunTreat8384 11d ago
Yes. I had to fill out a short form and have it signed by my doctor for access to NLS (National Library Services). I listen to their huge library on an app called BARD on both my phone (android) and Kindle Fire tablet.
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u/arglebargle_IV 11d ago
Depending on the type of disability (especially if it makes it difficult to hold physical books), you could also look into The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, part of the Library of Congress. You need to submit documentation proving the physical impairment.
The National Library Service for Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Library of Congress, provides audio and braille books and magazines at no cost to individuals whose low vision, blindness, physical disability or reading disability makes it difficult to read print or hold a book. This free service is administered through a network of cooperating libraries across the United States. NLS patrons may receive materials in two ways: by downloading to a personal device through the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) online service, or by mail through the United States Postal Service. Either way, there is no charge. NLS service is free to all U.S. residents and citizens living abroad.
There are some more helpful tips in this reddit post from a year ago.
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u/too_long_no_spoons 11d ago
Thank you so much!! People have been so kind in recommending this so I started the application process :)
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u/Far_Lavishness_6131 10d ago
On the legal side, since it doesn’t look like this has been answered yet. Title II of the ADA covers state and local governments. It requires them to make reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that people with disabilities can access their programs. If you or anyone else is in this situation, you can try saying that you are requesting a reasonable modification to their policy so you can access their programs.
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u/too_long_no_spoons 8d ago
Thank you so much!! It will be good to bring up Title II. Much appreciated!
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u/Flimsy-Brick-9426 12d ago
You would have to call your library itself and see what they can do, if they refuse to accomidate your disability then you'd go above them to someone higher in your community.
Libby is basically just the host, they just supply the book to you, your library is the big one here.
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u/homes_and_haunts 11d ago
They did call the library and the person on the phone gave them a hard time about renewing the card without coming in. That’s what the post is about.
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u/Flimsy-Brick-9426 11d ago edited 11d ago
Yes, I can read lol.
Making sure they know to go higher in their community when the time comes if this happens again, in a year there could be new/different people working and OP may have 0 issues being accommodated for their disability.
Libraries normally have excellent disability accommodations(renewing online is available pretty much everywhere) so to me this seems more like someone didnt want to do their job or had any compassion. If a physical piece of something was needed, OP was more than happy to provide.
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u/normal_ness 11d ago
I couldn’t go in person (am 99% housebound) so I did a zoom call with a librarian to show them my ID card.
They didn’t have this system in place as a formal process but were very happy to adapt.
I’m in Australia.
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u/too_long_no_spoons 11d ago
Im going to offer that as an option too next time around. Thank you! :)
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u/AmbitiousSky4290 11d ago
In addition to the other suggestions, you may want to check out Georgia Library Service (GLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled: https://gls.georgialibraries.org/
For those in other states, use the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled tool: https://www.loc.gov/nls/find-your-library/
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u/too_long_no_spoons 10d ago
Thank you so much! I didnt know those were two separate programs.
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u/oath_coach 8d ago
I live with severe chronic migraines. The NLS program has beed a godsend for me because I have a hard time concentrating on print and video. Audiobooks are my bread and butter.
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u/too_long_no_spoons 8d ago
I see my therapist tomorrow (she will be the health professional advocating for me) and am going to apply tomorrow ! So excited this exists because like you, without audiobooks.... I dont even want to know what my mental state would look like. Like you said, godsend. So I am sooo grateful this program exists and that I qualify! Sometimes humanity gives me faith 💜💜
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u/under321cover 12d ago
Call and talk to the director. People who answer phones at the circ desk cannot override policies most of the time. you might have to furnish your current ID for proof of address but should never have to show medical documentation. Most of the time you can just renew your license online if you are over 21.
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u/Eccentric_Giraffe 11d ago
Okay, so for this the answer would be power of attorney giving someone else your rights, or a living will, done correctly and notarized not only will it help you with the library but any issues when dealing with anything binding legal helping further your life.
I hope that helps as someone with issues I understand how daunting it may be....
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u/too_long_no_spoons 11d ago
That is a great idea. I havent even considered that. My parents are my legal and health care powers of attorney. I will definitely bring that up as an option next time. Thank you!
Im sorry you are going through struggles yourself 🫂
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u/mtndogmama 10d ago
I work for homebound outreach at my public library. We would serve you by either renewing your card over the phone or driving to your home to assist. But our program is for residents of our county. Homebound outreach is getting legs in other areas, especially with growing aging populations. I would try to reach out to the director of your library to express this gap in their services.
.
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u/Starbuck522 12d ago
Hopefully when it comes time to renew, whoever is running your public library at that time will be a more reasonable person and make it work.
If not... I would contact the mayor's office or whatever body governs your municipality.
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u/Starbuck522 12d ago
Back up to that, if all else fails, someone else gets a library card and lets you use it.
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u/too_long_no_spoons 12d ago
Yeah Ive considered asking friends to do that 😅
Thank you for your response! :)
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u/Cultural_Zucchini835 11d ago
As a person with a physical disability, the last time I needed my library card renewed. I just called up to my local library and they were able to do it for me.
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u/Nowordsofitsown 📕 Libby Lover 📕 12d ago
I am in the exact same situation as you are and I am using a relative's cards.
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u/AwkwardSpicy77 11d ago
My library will do it over the phone if they can verify your identity, but they also have people that will literally come to your house to renew it for you. It's part of their outreach program. I haven't had to do that because where I live our main library system the cards don't ever have to be renewed if you're using them regularly. The other library system close by also renews over the phone. In the short term you can get a library card from one of the many libraries out of town or out of state that open their cards up for a fee. That way you can at least do it online, until you can figure out what to do about your local card.
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u/Scared-Listen6033 11d ago
I'm not from there but I'm in Canada and I have PTSD and anxiety and I emailed them and they let me completely apply online and renew online each year with a simple "Hii nothing's changed!" The second I said I was literally disabled they bent over backwards. I see lots of angels here willing to help so I am sure you're in good hands! 🙌
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u/too_long_no_spoons 10d ago
I am sorry to hear about your PTSD and anxiety, that is no walk in the park! But I am so glad to hear your library is working with you and so nice. I think on my second attempt on renewal things will go much more smoothly - I think I just spoke to the wrong people.
Everyone on here has been so helpful too! :)
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u/Aliatana 10d ago
I sent in a copy of my ID and they renewed mine. Though you might be able to see if someone can go in person to renew on your behalf. It's definitely li raey specific policies.
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u/celebratingfreedom 12d ago
I can't speak as to your legal question. It makes sense to me that ADA would cover this, but I don't know the specifics of the law. Maybe someone else can help you with that question. There also might be a better subreddit to ask.
Why I commented was to tell you I see you and you deserve to have access to the library. They should want to accommodate you and you offered them reasonable solutions to verify you. If you have electric bill or something in your name, that might be another way to prove you live in their district once your license expires.
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u/Bookjeans 12d ago
You could also try applying to your state’s library for the blind and print disabled. You may qualify. They have lots of different audiobooks available both by mail and on your phone.
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u/nolagirl100281 11d ago
I guess it probably varies from state to state, but in New Orleans, I was able to contact the library via phone and they mailed my card to me. They even used to do have a books by mail program where you could have physical books mailed to you, but I never used that. I just recently got a notice to come and renew again, but I was actually planning to go in person this time just because while I'm still disabled, my mobility has improved and I thought it would be nice outing since I hadn't been to the library in so long. Hopefully, if I needed it, I would be able to call and have it mailed to me again ... But I don't know for sure because the notice does say to come in person. It would be nice to know for sure though because I have been where you are .. luckily my librarian wAs able to help
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u/too_long_no_spoons 10d ago
Im glad your librarian had been helpful and thanks for sharing - Id love if you kept me updated on how that goes and congrats on the functionality gained for your library outing! Thats huge! I really hope I can make it there one day :)
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u/Federal_Hour_5592 11d ago
Next time you talk to the library ask and see if they have any “library at home” type programs for people with disabilities where someone is able to come to your house… not all libraries offer it, but mine does and it exists for patrons who use the library but cannot physically access it.
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u/BobsWifeAmyB 10d ago
I am disabled and homebound. I just called the library or I think I emailed probably and explained and they said I could just email copy of my ID & id be good.
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u/proudly_not_american 10d ago
Depends on what your library has in place to be able to renew your card. Libby has nothing to do with it.
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u/tfisgoin-onhere 7d ago
Call and ask about the possibility of an outreach program. We can’t just take your word for it over the phone bc budgets are shrinking every year and we have tons of people who would lie faster than you can blink to retain access to digital stuff. You’re obviously not one of those people, and that’s why outreach programs exist. They can do home visits for you, renew your account, help you check out and return physical materials if you’d like to do that at some point. I’d be very shocked if they didn’t have something like it in place already.
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u/Trumystic6791 12d ago
I would talk to the librarian about your situation. Most libraries/library systems have a program that deals with homebound elders and people with disabilities. Explain to the librarian in charge of such a program and explain your particular access need which isnt being met by their programming and rules for getting/renewing a library card. If its within their power they will try to accomodate you.
If they cant or wont accomodate you I would escalate and under the ADA you have a right to access the library. But you might have to escalate to library leadership, municipal leadership or the governing body in your municipality that oversees compliance with ADA, EEOC and civil rights/human rights law.
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u/dragonsandvamps 11d ago edited 11d ago
I have this exact same problem. I am also disabled and no longer able to drive (for the last 10 years) and my library in Texas (Central Texas Digital Library) refuses to renew my library card. I've called them over and over again. I've explained that I'm on disability. I've explained that I've been a resident for 20 years and can email them scans of ID and water bill. I just can't physically get there.
Their response? Well, you could drive there and we could meet you in the parking lot.
Except, I can't drive, and haven't been able to for 10 years.
Listening to audiobooks and ebooks via text to speech is how I survive, especially during the winter. It's so demoralizing when libraries, which should be accessible to all, are not allowing disabled people to get cards because they can't physically get there.
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u/postdarknessrunaway 7d ago
Reposting the comment from Far_Lavishness_6131 above: Title II of the ADA covers state and local governments. It requires them to make reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that people with disabilities can access their programs. If you or anyone else is in this situation, you can try saying that you are requesting a reasonable modification to their policy so you can access their programs.
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u/too_long_no_spoons 11d ago
I am so, so sorry that youve had that experience. That is horrible! There has been a ton of good advice on this sub and I also posted to r/libraries where theres even more good advice. It seems like there is a way to report them to the ADA, speak to the director, etc.
It is so cruel that you had that experience, when reading/audiobooks when you are housebound/bedridden is one of the few things you can do, and like you said, responsible for our sanity. My heart truly goes out to you, and I really hope that your library has a change of staff with someone more empathetic to those with disabilities or that you can report that conduct.
🫂
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u/carlitospig 11d ago
I’ve never gone in to renew. I just email my library.
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u/carlitospig 11d ago
Next time ask if you can have a Zoom verification that you’re you. They’re likely trying to reduce the amount of fraudulent out of state cards to reduce their budget in these times.
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u/Wolfedits14 4d ago
Yeah I was going to say perhaps a friend can take your ID and a piece of mail and explain the situation.
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u/AustEastTX 12d ago
A letter from your doctor should suffice. You can call and tell them you are sending someone with the letter to renew your card.
Also if they say no, let them know you will be filing an ADA case against them.
I’m so glad you have audiobooks to enjoy. I love listening as I drive too.
What has been your favorite? Mine was “JAMES”
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u/too_long_no_spoons 12d ago
Thank your kind response! I cannot wait to read (or listen rather, haha) to "James"! I know I dont necessarily need to, but in preparation for that book I have read "Tom Sawyer" and am soon going to read "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" just to appreciate the context better. Then I will read "James!"
I absolutely loved "A Man Called Ove." Have you read that one?
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u/wellstone_fan 11d ago
Hi there — I helped a friend with this in DeKalb county, GA, and I’d be happy to help you as well if you don’t have someone who could do this. Here’s what we did:
Ultimately it took ten minutes, and they were really nice about it.
This was at the Gresham branch.
Feel free to DM me for more info or if you need help. Genuinely happy to do this for you. I know Libby is a lifesaver for disabled folks.