BARD is a free-of-charge service, provided by the Library of Congress, that provides members of the Talking Books program, opens a new window with instant access to over 300,000 books, magazines, and music materials in audio and electronic braille (eBraille). You’ll find bestsellers, literary classics, mysteries, Westerns, romances, books for children and teens, books in Spanish and other world languages, and more in the catalog, opens a new window.
There are dozens of titles being added each week. BARD users are able to check out up to 250 titles per 30 days and can keep books for as long as it takes to read them; there are no due dates, fines, or fees!
Getting Started with BARD
To get started, you must first be a member of Talking Books, a free braille and audiobook library service for people who have difficulty reading regular print materials due to blindness, temporary or permanent low vision, a print/reading disability (such as dyslexia or dysgraphia), or a physical handicap (such as no longer being able to easily hold a book or turn a page.) You can learn more about Talking Books through our library, opens a new window or at the National Library Service of the Library of Congress’ website, opens a new window.
To enroll in Talking Books, please complete this application, opens a new window and return it to our Access Services department. It can be returned by email to talking-books@crrl.org as well as by “snail mail” or in person. Once enrolled, you will receive an email with instructions on how to set up your BARD account, at which point you’ll be able to log into your account online, opens a new window.
Once your BARD account has been set up, you can then access the collection through either:
- The free BARD Mobile app, which allows for titles to be read on the Android, Apple, or Kindle device of your choice (the most popular method!)
- BARD Express, opens a new window software, which allows for titles to be read on a Windows computer or laptop
To learn more about BARD, check out NLS' Frequently Asked Questions, opens a new window page, or reach out to CRRL's Access Services department, opens a new window. BARD users love the service, and we hope you do, too!
