BARD: Your library, your way.
BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) is a free service provided by the National Library Service (NLS). We work with the NLS to provide BARD in New York State (outside of New York City and Long Island).
How is BARD different from TBBL?
While TBBL (the Talking Book and Braille Library) is a physical service for people who are unable to use standard print materials, BARD allows you to instantly download more than 150,000 digital books and over 100 magazine titles directly to the devices you already use, like smartphones, tablets, or computers. You won’t need to wait for physical books to be mailed to your home, and there's no waiting list for new and popular titles!
What if I don't have a personal digital device?
No problem. You can borrow a free digital book player that you can use with BARD materials. Our website has more information about digital books and players. Contact us if you get stuck!
How do I know if I qualify for BARD?
If you qualify for TBBL, you qualify for BARD.
I’m ready to sign up for BARD. What do I do next?
Before you try to sign up for BARD, you must first make sure you are signed up for TBBL. You can register for TBBL on our website. When your TBBL services are approved, you can then sign up for BARD. We have instructions to help guide you through the BARD sign-up process.
More BARD Resources
Reasons to Use BARD
We made a list of great reasons to use BARD and how it’s different from other services.
Finding Books, Magazines and Other Materials in Alternative Formats
We put together a page full of resources to help you find the materials you’re looking for.
National Library Service (NLS)
The NLS, part of the national Library of Congress, hosts BARD services and circulates books and magazines in braille or audio formats through a national network of cooperating libraries (like us!).
YouTube: NLS Bard and BARD Mobile
Why BARD? The NLS produced a short video about why patrons like the service.