Earlier this year, NLS received approval from the Librarian of Congress to change our name. NLS and the Library of Congress sought input on this change from stakeholder groups and gathered data through various public channels as we considered our new moniker. We have been contemplating a change for some time and we’re very pleased to see this day arrive.

As of today, October 1, 2019, our name will officially become “National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled,” or in Spanish, “Servicio Nacional de Bibliotecas para personas ciegas o con dificultades para acceder al texto impreso.” Generally, though, we will continue to be referred to by the abbreviation NLS. We are also introducing our new logo, which is in keeping with the new graphic identity the Library of Congress implemented in late 2018.

With this name change, we intend to address the use of outdated language in our old name and more clearly communicate the breadth of those we serve. The language “print disabled” also brings NLS into closer alignment with the Marrakesh Treaty External to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled, to which the United States became a signatory in February of this year.

Finally, our name emphasizes the patron-centric perspective that is central to the Library’s Strategic Plan.

We are proud to share our new name and graphic identity with you as we feel that the new name, as with all of NLS’s work, rightly puts the emphasis on the people we serve.

Sincerely,

Karen Keninger

NLS Director