Latest titles in braille, audio, and in foreign languages

Get the latest books faster online through Talking Book Topics, Braille Book Review, and the Foreign Language Quarterly.

boy listening with headphones at desk with an open book in classroom

Talking books and reading disabilities

Persons with reading disabilities, such as dyslexia, are eligible for the NLS talking-book program. Learn more about the application process to sign up.

iBill with five dollar bill being read at cafe

Free Currency Readers for Eligible Individuals

NLS partners with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to provide free bill readers to those who are blind or visually impaired.

NLS at the Library of Congress

What's new at NLS

National Library Service (NLS) is a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical, perceptual, or reading disability that prevents them from using regular print materials. Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS circulates books and magazines in braille or audio formats, that are instantly downloadable to a personal device or delivered by mail free of charge.

Got a question for an NLS librarian? Our reference section can help you dive deeper into one of our reference publications or answer questions related to NLS service. Email [email protected] for help.
Learn more about BARD and other online services [PDF] and how you can sign up for BARD to download books and magazines instantly. Want assistance getting started? Get help with BARD and NLS equipment.

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ENROLLMENT AND EQUIPMENT

Sign up to use NLS services. Learn how to receive equipment and materials through the mail and register for online downloads.

BRAILLE AND AUDIO READING MATERIALS

Locate a book, magazine, or musical score. Search the NLS catalog and learn how to acquire special-format materials from many sources.

RESOURCES

Find a wealth of referrals. Learn about sources of assistive technology, education, employment advice, and more.

ABOUT

Learn what we do and why. Explore the past, present, and future of NLS.