Skip to content

Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD)

Home The Talking Book and Braille Center Books and Magazines Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD)

BARD, the Braille and Audio Reading Download service, offers downloadable books and magazines for patrons who are unable to read standard print due to a visual, print, or physical disability.

BARD is offered by the NJ State Library Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC) and the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Library of Congress.

National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Library of Congress Logo

BARD Overview

BARD 2.0 Offers New Features for TBBC Patrons

Members of TBBC can choose from tens of thousands of accessible audiobooks, dozens of audio magazines, and over 11,000 Braille files. All of these materials can be downloaded from BARD.

You must be registered with TBBC in order to register for BARD.

Blind women sitting with a non blind woman both smiling at a computer
  • The audiobooks you receive from TBBC and the BARD files will only play on devices authorized by NLS.
  • The digital talking book player you receive from TBBC is an authorized device. Here is a list of other NLS-authorized devices that can be purchased.
  • BARD Mobile App: Apple iOS, Android and Amazon Fire users can enjoy their BARD materials by using the BARD Mobile App.
  • Both eligible individual NJ residents and all institutions that serve eligible residents can apply for BARD accounts.
  • BARD users can log in here.
  • If you are using the digital talking book player, you can download to a cartridge and play audiobooks and audio magazines on the machine. Here are tips:
    • Use a flash drive that is between 2 and 8 gigabytes.
    • Your flash drive must be clean with no files on it.
    • Always format your flash drive before you use it.

BARD Application Instructions

In order to register for BARD, you must first be registered with TBBC. If you are not a member of TBBC, call us at 1-800-792-8322 or download an application.

Individuals

If you are approved to participate, you will receive a “Welcome to BARD” email message. If there is a problem, you will receive a message explaining the problem.

Institutions

If you need assistance with your BARD application, just call our toll-free number at 800-792-8322.

Please note that the information you provide will be shared with NLS, and with the manufacturer of your purchased digital talking-book player (if necessary).

If you are planning to use a purchased digital talking-book player, you must register it once you have access to the BARD site.

  1. At the BARD web site, scroll down until you find “Update Account Settings” and select this link.
  2. At the next page, look for “Select this link to add a purchased player.”

BARD Frequently Asked Questions

How long does will it take for registration?

Once a person applies for BARD, it will take approximately 3 days for the registration to be completed.

Does a person or facility need to apply for BARD?

The services from BARD require a separate online BARD application. Apply here.

Will the BARD audiobooks play on a computer or laptop?

BARD 2.0 Offers New Features for TBBC Patrons.

The files are encrypted by NLS to protect their copyright. The BARD files will only play on the Digital Talking Book Machine (DTBM) or other approved devices. A list of NLS- approved devices is available to registered BARD users. Patrons will have to download software patches for their approved devices. If anyone has questions, he/she can call TBBC at 800-792-8322.

Does a person or facility need to apply for BARD?

To get a BARD account, please call us at 800-792-8322 or email us at tbbc@njstatelib.org.

Will the BARD audiobooks play on a computer or laptop?

No. The files are encrypted by NLS to protect their copyright. The BARD files will only play on the DTBM or other approved devices. A list of NLS-approved devices is available to registered BARD users. Patrons will have to download software patches for their approved devices. If you have an iPhone, iPad, Android, or Amazon Fire device, you can use the BARD Mobile app.

If anyone has questions, they can call TBBC at 800-792-8322.

Will the BARD audiobooks, audio magazines and Braille files play on a mobile device?

The BARD Mobile app will enable BARD files to play on an iPhone, iPad, Android, or Amazon Fire device. To log into the app, you will need a BARD account.

Do the BARD audiobooks expire?

No, the BARD audiobooks do not expire.

I downloaded from BARD multiple books and magazines to a flash drive or to a blank digital cartridge. How do I access them on the DTBM?

Plug the flash drive into the USB port that is on the right side of the player next to the port for headphones.  It is the rectangular-shaped port. The player will count the number of items on the USB flash drive. There are two ways to navigate the different books stored on the flash drive.

  1. Sequential Play: To use Sequential Play, wait until the title you are currently on is completely finished. The player will then announce, “End of book, press Play/Stop to go to next book.” At that point, press the large, square, green, Play/Stop button once. The player will then begin reading the next item on the flash drive.
  2. Bookshelf: To use the Bookshelf, hold down the large, square, green, Play/Stop button until you hear the player say the word bookshelf.  Then, use the fast forward and rewind buttons to locate each book or magazine.  When you get to the item you want to listen to, press Play/Stop again. The player will then begin reading your current selection. When you finish listening and want to find another item to listen to, you will need to return to the “bookshelf” by holding down the Play/Stop button.

NLS Braille eReader Pilot Project

TBBC announced that the NLS invited us to participate in the NLS Braille eReader Pilot Project in July of 2021.

TBBC was one of five Regional Libraries of selected for Phase 1 of the pilot project.

The other four libraries that participated were:

  • Kentucky Talking Book Library
  • Iowa Library for the Blind
  • Maryland Library for the Blind
  • Utah State Library Division

The purpose of the NLS Braille eReader Pilot was to test the functionality of the eReader devices, collect feedback from pilot patrons, and validate distribution processes at network libraries. The pilot libraries were selected based on criteria including region, circulation system, and size, and on their ability to meet reporting requirements and provide technical support during the pilot. The library was given more information as the pilot moved forward.

The NLS Braille eReader Pilot Project laid the groundwork for the general distribution of braille eReaders, which increased access to digital braille materials, promoted braille literacy, and provided access to tens of thousands of braille titles in digital format.

The eBraille readers were approximately 8 inches by 5 inches and fit into the palm of a person hand. It could be used on computers with accessible software. Over 19,000 books and magazines in the NLS’s digital database could be downloaded directly to the player.

Do You Still Have Questions?

TBBC is open to walk-in visitors Monday through Friday 8:00, a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and State Holidays.

Servicios Hispanos

Institute of Museum and Library Services Logo

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this website do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

NJSL offers a variety of newsletters to keep you updated on our events, resources, and services.
Subscribe to our Newsletters!
This is default text for notification bar
Learn more