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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. New options for using BARD include streaming through the BARD webplayer or the 'My Talking Books' Skill with Alexa. 

Begin using BARD

  1. Become a Patron - you must be an active patron with the Braille and Talking Book Library in order to use BARD. Fill out an application for service to begin and include an email address to use with the BARD account. 

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

There are many ways patrons can use BARD. Learn which is the right fit for you by visiting the NLS BARD sign-up page to explore all the options. Or, learn about BARD mobile 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. Patrons can also join the virtual 'Many Faces of BARD' online events put on by NLS to find out more or learn about specific BARD related functions. 

BARD Flyer