"The National Library Service For the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Library of Congress, administers the braille and talking-book program, a free library service for residents of the United States and its territories and American citizens living abroad whose low vision, blindness, or physical disability makes reading regular print difficult. Through its national network of cooperating libraries, NLS mails digital audio players and books and magazines - in audio and in braille - directly to enrollees at no cost. Music instructional materials also are available in large-print, braille, and recorded formats. Select materials are available online for download via the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service online and via BARD Mobile, available through the App Store. To learn more, call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) or visit the NLS website" (NLSB, 2023).
Visit the NLS Catalog today to start browsing for your next book!
The Kansas Talking books is a service that provides free reading material in different formats. "Any Kansas resident with a visual impairment, physical impairment, or reading disability that prevents the reading of traditional print materials is eligible for Kansas Talking Books. Schools and medical facilities who serve qualifying individuals may also be eligible" (State Library of Kansas Talking Books Service, 2023).
Librarians are now able to sign in confirmation that their patron is in need of this service. You can download, print out, and help the patron fill out an application here.
Everyone has a favorite book they revisit regularly. Maybe it’s a collection of poems or fairytales, a literary classic or beloved children’s story. Or something practical, like a cookbook or crochet instruction manual.
If you’re an NLS patron and braille reader, NLS can help you have your favorites at your fingertips. Through our Braille-on-Demand program, you can request up to five books a month in hardcopy braille to keep indefinitely for your personal use. Choose from any of the tens of thousands of braille titles available on BARD, the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download website.
To request a Braille-on-Demand book, use the NLS Braille on Demand Request Form External. You may complete the form yourself or contact your Regional Library System or Ask an NLS Librarian for assistance" (National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled via The Library of Congress).
"BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) is a free library service of downloadable braille and audio reading material for residents of the United States and US citizens living abroad who are unable to read or use standard printed material because of visual or physical disabilities. BARD provides access to thousands of special-format books, magazines, and music scores. The site is password-protected. All files are downloadable as compressed audio or formatted ebraille files. BARD is a partnership between NLS and its network of cooperating libraries. NLS maintains the website, uploads titles, and supplies libraries with circulation statistics. This page has steps to begin using BARD and information on how to begin using BARD Mobile and BARD Express. Already registered with BARD and ready to begin searching? Find books and magazines in BARD now" (National Library Service, 2023).
"Braille at Your Fingertips: Accessing Braille Webinar (recording)
Maggie and Michael introduce viewers to the many braille resources offered to eligible patrons; including books, magazines, and electronic braille. Watch the recording" (State Library of Kansas Talking Books Services).
The above video goes over all of the Braille services that are offered such as: Hard Copy and Digital Braille through Utah State, Braille eReader and refreshable Braille display, BARD, Braille on demand, and so much more.
If you have any questions please contact Cathy Rhan.