A Californian man has been accused of shamelessly exploiting a vital government service designed for the blind and disabled, ordering a staggering fifty expensive books on a state-funded reading scheme.
Steven Reese, from Sacramento, used the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, run by the Library of Congress, to request a vast personal library. The haul included numerous high-value hardback books on niche political and historical topics, all paid for by American taxpayers.
The Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) Scheme
The scheme provides free access to thousands of braille and audio books for those who are unable to read standard print due to visual or physical disabilities. Users can request specific titles, which are then produced and mailed out without charge.
While the programme is a lifeline for many, Reese's actions have been labelled a clear abuse of the system, raising serious questions about oversight and the potential for widespread exploitation.
A Personal Library at Public Expense
Among the fifty books ordered by Reese were numerous volumes on former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, a biography of ex-FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, and multiple books on the Watergate scandal.
Each digital book cartridge, which holds the audio content, costs an estimated $100 to produce and mail. This suggests Reese's reading spree may have cost the public purse approximately $5,000.
Justifying the Requests
When confronted, Reese defended his actions, claiming his requests were for "research purposes" and that he was "within his rights" as a registered user of the service. He stated he has a "visual impairment" that makes reading standard print difficult.
However, critics argue that the sheer volume and specific nature of the requests suggest an attempt to acquire a costly personal collection rather than a genuine need for reading material.
Calls for Tighter Regulations
This incident has ignited a fierce debate about the need for stricter safeguards within publicly-funded assistance programmes. Critics are demanding an immediate review of the system's protocols to prevent similar abuse in the future.
"This is a grotesque misuse of a service intended for the most vulnerable," said one political analyst. "It's imperative that the Library of Congress introduces checks to ensure this vital resource is protected for those who truly need it."
