Background
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Library of Congress, offers a free program for individuals of all ages who have a disability that prevents them from reading regular print. We use human voice actors to record popular books found in public libraries or bookstores. We also offer a wide selection of recorded magazines as well as a large collection of music instruction and appreciation materials.
These recordings, called talking books, may either be downloaded through BARD and the BARD Mobile app (see below). Talking books can also be mailed to the reader for free on a cartridge that can be played on a player—which NLS also provides free of charge—designed for people with disabilities.
NLS does not offer classroom materials such as textbooks. A few sources of that type of material are listed in the “Other Academic Resources” section below.
Eligibility of Persons with Reading Disabilities
Persons with reading disabilities are eligible for the NLS talking-book program. Applicants must be certified by a competent authority (described below) as unable to read regular printed material.
Competent authorities that may certify applicants include: doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, ophthalmologist, optometrist, psychologist, registered nurse, therapist, and professional staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or welfare agencies (such as an educator, social worker, case worker, counselor, rehabilitation teacher, certified reading specialist, school psychologist, superintendent, or librarian).
Read detailed information about the legal requirements of our program.
Application Procedure
A standard application form and additional information about this free library service may be obtained from any NLS cooperating library. The completed application must be submitted to the cooperating library serving the applicant’s locality. You may also call NLS at 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323) to locate the cooperating library serving your locality.
Downloading Books
BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) is a service that provides access to more than a hundred thousand audio books, magazines, and music scores available from NLS. Patrons can access the service via their desktop computers or iOS or Android devices. The iOS and Android mobile apps, known as BARD Mobile, include built-in playback capability, so you can enjoy talking books anytime, anywhere.
Books downloaded to desktop computers will need to be transferred to flash memory cartridges that can be played on NLS-authorized talking-book players. NLS will provide this playback equipment if required.
Please provide your email address when applying for NLS service so that you can request to be registered for BARD.
Other Academic Resources
In addition to NLS, there are other services that provide material to people with print disabilities. Below is information on several of them:
AccessText Network
512 Means St. NW, Ste. 250
Atlanta, Georgia 30318
866-271-4968 toll-free
404-894-7565 fax
[email protected]
The AccessText Network is a partnership between publishers of educational materials and educational institutions. Publishers offer materials in accessible formats through the network for students with disabilities. The materials are shared through the student’s college or university. A student with a qualifying disability can request a book in accessible format from the disability services coordinator in their educational institution. That coordinator has login credentials to the AccessText Network and is able to download the item in a format that the student can read.
Bookshare
www.bookshare.org External
Bookshare provides digital books free to all US students with qualifying disabilities. Books are available for download in audio and braille formats.
HathiTrust
University of Michigan Library
1001 North Buhr Building
200 Hill St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-764-8016
[email protected]
www.hathitrust.org External
The HathiTrust is a partnership of more than a dozen member research libraries that scan their collections to make them available over the Internet. Full texts of materials in the public domain are available. The HathiTrust recently partnered with the National Federation of the Blind to make their collection accessible to people with print disabilities.
Learning Ally
20 Roszel Rd.
Princeton, NJ 08540
609-452-0606
800-221-4792
609-987-8116 fax
[email protected]
www.learningally.org External
Learning Ally is a private, nonprofit organization that lends recorded textbooks and other educational materials to people who cannot read regular print because of visual, perceptual, or other physical disabilities. A registration fee and an annual membership fee are required.
For more information
If you have any questions about the eligibility of those with reading or learning disabilities, would like an application, or would like more information, you may contact NLS using the information below:
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20542
202-707-5100
888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323)
[email protected]
202-707-0712 fax
Updated May 2021
Have a question? Need assistance? NLS librarians are here to help you. Email [email protected] or visit the Ask a Librarian! page.