APH Library: Three Unique Collections

What is the APH Library? The APH Library is composed of three unique and valuable collections: the M.C. Migel Memorial Collection, the APH Research and Professional Development Collection, and the Blind Musicians Collection. The library’s mission is to promote research, education, as well as social and cultural awareness by collecting, preserving, and providing access to these important resources.  

The M.C. Migel Collection, named in honor of philanthropist Moses Charles Migel, is the centerpiece of the APH Library. Migel, a visionary advocate for people who are blind or low vision, helped establish the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) in 1921 and served as its first president. This historic collection was acquired from AFB in 2009, and APH continues its stewardship by maintaining and expanding the collection and increasing its availability to the field. To date, Migel materials digitized by APH have seen over 1.7 million downloads from all over the world.   

The Migel Collection is recognized as one of the most comprehensive non-medical collections on blindness or low vision in the world. It includes books, reports, and journals that span education, rehabilitation, advocacy, and the lived experiences of people who are blind or low vision. The collection also maintains active journal subscriptions, ensuring users have access to the latest research and professional insights, including the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, Teaching Exceptional Children, and the Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities.   

The APH Research and Professional Development Collection is a vital resource designed to support the ongoing learning and growth of APH staff in the field of blindness or low vision.  Whether you’re developing a new product, preparing a presentation, or simply expanding your expertise, this collection is curated to inspire innovation and support professional excellence. During our recent open house, Educational Product Innovation (EPI) and The Dot Experience discovered material useful in product development and planning activities. We continually reach out to internal departments, such as Human Resources and Outreach, to help grow our collection of topics useful for the professional development of the APH staff.  

The Blind Musicians Collection is the only known collection dedicated to preserving works of music by blind or low vision musicians regardless of genre, period, or notoriety. The collection includes 130 artists, 350 albums, a listening station, and public access via a Spotify playlist. As part of developing the listening station, we reached out to employees from other departments to make sure it was accessible to blind or low vision users.  

Did you know that READS librarians provide a range of information services? The APH Library team includes four librarians, who provide expert research assistance to APH employees, educators, and visiting scholars. Their work includes digitizing and preserving rare or sensitive archival materials, supporting copyright and trademark research for product development, managing the library collections, hosting an employee book club, responding to reference inquiries, and offering training in information literacy and intellectual property to APH departments. On top of it all, they manage the Louis database—a vital resource that connects users to accessible educational materials nationwide.  

Ready to explore the APH Library? In 2026, the APH Library will be relocating to a brand-new space as part of The Dot Experience construction project. This move marks a major step forward in expanding the library’s role as a vibrant hub for learning, creativity, and community engagement. The new location will feature a welcoming reading room and a dedicated music listening station—perfect for exploring the Blind Musicians Collection in a whole new way. Even more exciting, the librarians are planning to introduce after-hours events and launch a movie club, creating new opportunities for connection, enrichment, and fun beyond the workday.  

Whether you’re looking for research support, unique historical materials, or to listen to our music collection, the APH Library team is here to help. With expert guidance, specialized collections, and a commitment to accessibility, we’re proud to support the APH community and beyond. Search the catalog, suggest new materials, or reach out for personalized assistance. Contact us at resource@aph.org or visit our website to get started.