Registered patrons of the Library for the Blind and Print Disable can receive books, magazines and music materials in braille or audio format, through free mail delivery or digital download.
The National Library Service (NLS) maintains an online catalog that can be searched to find titles of interest.
Digital Audio Books through BARD
Digital audio books may be downloaded through NLS’ Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD). Registered users may download up to 30 books per month free of charge.
BARD is restricted to registered users. Individuals may apply online for BARD access. LBPH staff will review submissions for eligibility, and contact qualifying users with sign-on instructions or concerning any problems with the application.
BARD users must have an e-mail address set up in his or her name, home address and must have high speed internet access.
Equipment Required for BARD:
Books can be downloaded in a zipped format to a computer and extracted to a USB drive or an NLS compatible flash memory card, which can be used in an NLS digital player. Players are freely loaned for extended periods from LBPH.
BARD Mobile is also available from both Apple iTunes App Store and Google Play Store. Use BARD Mobile to download audio books or magazines directly to Apple or Android tablets and cellphones. The NLS provides a user guide with instructions on how to use BARD Mobile.
BARD books may also be played on commercially available NLS compatible players.
Ordering Books and Magazines
Books
Search the NLS online catalog to find titles of interest, then contact your reader advisor directly by phone, fax, mail, or email to have books sent immediately or added to your request list. In the Little Rock area call 501-682-1155. If you are outside of Little Rock, call Toll Free 1-866-660-0885, or send an email to nlsbooks@ade.arkansas.gov.
Magazine Subscriptions
The National Library Service (NLS) provides approximately 75 popular MAGAZINES in Braille or recorded format. If you would like to receive free subscriptions to any of these magazines, call the library at 501-682-1155 (Toll Free 1-866-660-0885), or e-mail nlsbooks@ade.arkansas.gov.
Music
Eligible borrowers may receive MUSIC materials directly from the Music Section of NLS. The collection consists of scores in Braille and large print; textbooks and books about music in Braille and large print; and elementary instruction for voice, piano, organ, guitar, recorder, accordion, banjo, and harmonica in recorded form. You may send an email to the Music Section at nls@loc.gov.
Braille
The National Library Service for the Blind (NLS) in Washington provides information on literary, mathematics, and music BRAILLE transcription and proofreading instruction (locally and via correspondence); literary Braille competency certification; and Braille technology.
