If standard print has become hard to read, you have free options before you buy anything. The Library of Congress's National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) is a free audiobook and braille library service, and its guide to large-print materials says large-print collections can be found in most public libraries.
This guide starts with the free options, explains what large print means, and then lists examples to buy. GMG does not test products. Our guidance comes from the Library of Congress and the specifications stated in the product listings, and we link to each source.
📋Quick Summary
- NLS is a "free audiobook and braille library service" for people with low vision, blindness, or another disability that makes it difficult to read print. It provides audio and braille books, not large print.
- NLS says large-print collections can be found in most public libraries, which may also provide access through interlibrary loan.
- NLS says large-print materials are most commonly available in 16- to 18-point type, while most adult books are set in 10- to 12-point type.
- These are everyday products, not medical equipment, so plan to pay for them yourself.
| Medicare Advantage | If you have a plan, ask whether its over-the-counter allowance applies |
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Who it is for
- People who find standard print hard to read but still prefer a printed page.
- Family members choosing a gift for a parent or grandparent.
Who should skip it
- If reading print has become very hard, [NLS](https://www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/apply-for-nls-services/) audio or braille books may suit you better. NLS says its service is free.
- If your vision has changed, talk with your eye care provider. This is general information, not a recommendation for your situation.
Start with the free options
NLS describes itself as a free audiobook and braille library service for people with "temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical, perceptual or reading disability that makes it difficult to read print." Books and magazines are downloadable to a personal device or delivered by mail "free of charge," and NLS loans the equipment to play them "free of charge."
NLS does not provide large-print books. To apply, your application must be certified by a "competent authority," such as a doctor, optometrist, therapist or librarian. You can find your local network library or ask questions at 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323).
For large print, start with your public library. NLS says large-print collections can be found in most public libraries, which may also provide access through interlibrary loan. Ask a librarian how to search for large-print titles.
The Eldercare Locator, at 1-800-677-1116, connects you to local support resources for older adults and their families. Your state's SHIP counselors can help you read your plan's benefits for free.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, ask whether its over-the-counter allowance applies. Benefits vary by plan, so check your Evidence of Coverage or call the number on your card.
What large print means
Type size is measured in points, and type that is one inch high measures 72 points. NLS's large-print guide says most adult books are set in 10- to 12-point type, newspapers are often 8-point, and large-print materials are most commonly available in 16- to 18-point type. The minimum size the US Postal Service sets for its Free Matter for the Blind mailing standard is 14-point type.
Product listings often say "large print" without giving a point size. Look for the size in the product details or the sample pages, and compare it with the 16 to 18 points NLS describes.
Choosing large-print editions
NLS's guide lists publishers and distributors of large-print books, including Center Point Large Print, Doubleday Large Print and Dover Publications, which it says offers classics in large print.
What to look for: a listing that says the edition is large print; the publisher; the format, paperback or hardcover; and the page count. Your library may have the title to borrow first.
Large-print puzzle books
NLS's guide also lists a publisher that offers large-print crossword puzzles. Crossword, word search and sudoku books are sold in large print, often in packs. The listings below state the publisher, the format and the page count.
Puzzle books are a pastime, and this guide makes no claim about memory or brain health. For context, the National Institute on Aging's summary of a National Academies review says current evidence "does not support a mass public education campaign to encourage people to adopt specific interventions to prevent cognitive decline or dementia."
Products that meet these criteria
GMG has not tested these products. Each is listed because its Amazon listing says large print in the title or edition, and each was sold by Amazon.com on the date checked. The titles are examples of what is available and not recommendations of particular books. Confirm the type size, the current price and the format before you buy. Product names are paid links.
| Product (Amazon listing) | Type | What the listing states | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The New York Times Large-Print Mindful Crossword Puzzlespaid link | Large-print crossword book | Publisher St. Martin's Griffin. Large type / large print edition. 288 pages. 120 easy-to-hard puzzles. | Sold as one book of 120 puzzles. |
| KAPPA Super Saver LARGE PRINT Crosswords Puzzle Pack, set of 6 full-size bookspaid link | Large-print crossword packs | Publisher Kappa Books Publishers. Paperback. Set of six full-size books. | Check the sample pages for type size before buying a set of six. |
| KAPPA Super Saver LARGE PRINT Word Search Puzzle Pack, pack of 6 full-size bookspaid link | Large-print word search packs | Publisher Kappa Books Publishers. Paperback. Pack of six full-size books. Print length listed as 80 pages. | Check the sample pages for type size before buying a pack of six. |
| Brain Games - Large Print Sudoku Puzzles (Green)paid link | Large-print sudoku book | Publisher Publications International, Ltd. 192 pages. More than 160 puzzles at five levels of difficulty. Each puzzle is on a full page. | "Brain Games" is the series name. |
| Dreamland: A Novel (Random House Large Print)paid link | Large-print edition of a novel | Publisher Random House Large Print. Large type / large print edition. Paperback. 464 pages. | An example of a large-print edition. Your library may have large-print novels to borrow. |
| The Things We Cannot Say (Thorndike Press Large Print Basic)paid link | Large-print edition of a novel | Publisher Thorndike Press. Large type / large print edition. Hardcover. 661 pages. | An example of a hardcover large-print edition. Your library may have it to borrow. |
Listing details were checked on October 11, 2026 and can change.
- NLS talking books and braille: A free audiobook and braille service for eligible readers. Find your network library or ask questions at 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323).
- Your public library: NLS says large-print collections can be found in most public libraries, which may also provide access through interlibrary loan.
- Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116. A public service that connects you to local support resources for older adults and their families.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): A free counselor can help you read your plan documents.
Common questions about large-print books and puzzles
- Does Medicare cover large-print books or puzzle books?
- These are everyday products, not medical equipment, so plan to pay for them yourself. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, ask whether its over-the-counter allowance applies.
- Does NLS provide large-print books?
- No. NLS is a free audiobook and braille library service for people with low vision, blindness or another disability that makes it difficult to read print. Its Large Print Materials guide lists sources of large-print books, and says large-print collections can be found in most public libraries.
- Who can use NLS?
- NLS serves people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical, perceptual or reading disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. The application must be certified by a competent authority, such as a doctor, optometrist, therapist or librarian.
- How big is large print?
- NLS says large-print materials are most commonly available in 16- to 18-point type, while most adult books are set in 10- to 12-point type.
- Can I borrow large-print books from a library?
- NLS says large-print collections can be found in most public libraries, which may also provide access through interlibrary loan. Ask your library how to search for large-print titles.
- Do puzzle books protect memory?
- This guide makes no claim about memory or dementia. The National Institute on Aging's summary of a National Academies review says current evidence does not support a mass public education campaign to encourage people to adopt specific interventions to prevent cognitive decline or dementia.
✅What This Means For You
Turning 65: Try your library's large-print collection before you buy.
Already on Medicare: If print has become hard to read, tell your eye care provider and ask your library about large print and audio books.
IRMAA-affected: A higher Part B premium doesn't change this. Books and puzzles are bought out of pocket either way.
Medicare Advantage enrollees: Ask your plan whether its over-the-counter allowance applies before you buy.
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