NLS is doing an excellent job of allowing multiple devices to access BARD.  Patrons can now use a device that fits their needs while being able to enjoy reading books and magazines.

The Alexa smart speaker is a commercial device that NLS is allowing patrons to use to download items from BARD. The recent grant from the Bordentown Elks Lodge 2085 allowing TBBC to distribute 40 Amazon Echo Dot smart speakers brought to light an issue that patrons will need to be made aware of.

Working with representatives from NLS as well as the United States Postal Service, the post office decided that since access to the BARD program was not the prime function of the Alexa smart speaker, TBBC could not send out the Alexa smart speakers to children in the summer reading program under the provision of “Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped.”

The additional cost to ensure that children in the program receive this gift was in the hundreds of dollars.  Fortunately for TBBC children, a bequest from the estate of Barbara Shalit will enable the children to receive the Alexa smart speakers.

This is only a reminder that as NLS opens more opportunities for patrons there may be circumstances where postage will need to be paid.