Step by step: Sign up for BARD
BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) is a free service provided by the National Library Service (NLS). It gives TBBL patrons on-demand access to 120,000 digital books and 120 magazines.
Remember: Before you sign up for BARD, you must first make sure you are signed up for TBBL.
Check Your BARD Status
Depending on how and when you signed up for TBBL service, you may already have a BARD account.
Determine your BARD account status based on when and how you signed up for TBBL service.
| Signup Date |
Active Email Provided |
BARD Account Status |
| After November 2023 |
Yes |
You were automatically signed up! Start downloading books. Please note: If your TBBL account has been inactive for more than 6 months, you will need to register for BARD. |
| Before November 2023 |
Yes |
You must register for BARD. |
| Any timeframe |
No |
You must register for BARD. Additionally, please note that you will not be able to register for BARD until you add a working email address to your TBBL account. |
Don't forget: Expert TBBL staff are ready to help! Contact us with any questions about your account status.
If you need to sign up for TBBL:
- Sign up for TBBL before you try to sign up for BARD. Make sure you’re using a working email address to register.
- Once you’re confirmed as a TBBL patron, follow the steps below.
If you are here to sign up for BARD:
- Start the BARD application for individuals on the NLS website.
- In the dropdown menu, choose “NY – The New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (in Albany, NY),” then click “Submit.”
- Fill out and submit the application.
- TBBL verifies that you’re an eligible and active patron. This usually takes about two business days.
- If you’re approved, we’ll email you with a BARD username and temporary password.
- If there is a problem with your application, you will receive an email denying your BARD services. For example, if you try to sign up for BARD without an email address, or with a different email address from the one that you used on your TBBL account, the system will deny your BARD services.
- When you log in the first time, the BARD website will ask you to change your password to one that you’ve picked out yourself. You’ll also submit a form to agree to the terms of use for the BARD service.
- It’s time to get downloading! After you complete the process, you can search for and download digital audiobooks or braille books from the NLS BARD website.
- If you do not have a personal digital device like a smartphone, tablet, or computer, 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!
