What it does
NLS BARD delivers audio and electronic braille books and magazines to eligible members of the US National Library Service network.
First enroll with the NLS library serving your locality, then ask that library to activate BARD. The service covers US residents and American citizens abroad who have a qualifying print disability; a professional must certify eligibility. It is free to eligible readers.
Choose the playback route after enrollment. BARD Mobile serves supported mobile devices, while BARD Express provides a Windows route. Electronic braille requires an appropriate braille display. A public catalogue search and an approved BARD account are different stages of access.
A paper NLS enrollment application can be made without email, but BARD digital access needs an email account. BARD Express plays on Windows; a Mac can download and transfer material to a compatible talking-book player.
Strengths
- Audio and electronic braille formats
- No direct charge to eligible readers
Watch out for
- Requires NLS enrollment and certified eligibility
Best for
- Eligible US readers seeking accessible library downloads
Sources
- Sign up for BARD and Accessing BARD - National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) | Library of Congress (Oct 26, 2026)
- Who We Serve: Free Library Services for People with Print Disabilities - NLS (Oct 26, 2026)
- Frequently Asked Questions - National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) | Library of Congress (Oct 26, 2026)