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Download with BARD

NLS BARD tablet up close

Download with BARD

NLS BARD promotional video, Macular

BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download)

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) provides downloadable braille and audio books and magazines through BARD. Go mobile with the free BARD mobile app, or download books from the BARD website to a flash drive to use with the digital talking book player.

Three steps to begin using BARD

  1. Become a Patron
  2. Register for BARD
  3. Choose a Device

Note: To utilize BARD, you can download the free BARD Mobile app to your smart device, get a free talking book player on long-term loan from BTBL, or buy a commercial player (such as a Victor Stream) if there are features you prefer. BARD Mobile is available at the App Store for iOS or the Play Store for Android. A list of compatible commercial players can be found on the NLS website. 

Already a BARD member?

Visit the BARD log-in page, enter your information, and start downloading! 

Other Resources

Learn about BARD by watching the BARD Mobile 'How-To Series' created by NLS on YouTube. This series features 16 how-to videos about various BARD functions, such as using BARD on an Android and using the Voiceover functions on your device.

BARD Express

This free Windows-based application simplifies searching for, downloading, and transferring audio materials from BARD to a cartridge or a USB flash drive for playback on a digital player. An active BARD account and a personal computer running Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, or 10 are needed in order to use BARD Express. View the BARD Express How-To Series YouTube videos to learn more.

BARD Flyer