BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download)
Access thousands of free audio and braille books, magazines, and music scores available for instant download!
BARD is the Braille and Audio Reading Download service offered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print and Disabled (NLS), part of the Library of Congress. It is a digital database with over 100,000 audio and braille books, as well as more than 70 audio and braille magazines, available for eligible borrowers to download.
TBBC the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center, provides free, home-delivered accessible reading service to New Jersey residents of all ages. These services are for individuals who have difficulty reading standard print, holding a book, or turning pages due to a physical impairment, reading disability or vision challenge.
The Morris County Library has partnered with the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center to provide this service to eligible individuals. Our librarian can also serve as a certifying authority for individual applications to the TBBC to obtain access to BARD.
How do I register for BARD?
To register for BARD, you must first be registered with TBBC.
- Complete the TBBC Application
Download and fill out the TBBC individual application in your preferred format (Word, PDF, or Spanish). Applications are available through the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS).
Application in English and Spanish-National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) Library of Congress.
- Visit the Morris County Library
Visit our Library to learn more or schedule an appointment with a trained librarian to review and certify your application. Call 973-285-6970 for assistance
- Submit the Certified Application
Send your Certified applications to TBBC by:
email: TBBC@njstatelib.org
fax: 609-406-7181
mail: Talking Book & Braille Center, PO Box 501, Trenton, NJ 08625
- Register for a BARD account
Once your application is approved, you will receive an email. Use this email to register for a BARD account online through the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled--Library of Congress https://www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/apply-for-nls-services.
For more information, visit the BARD Apply for Service page and BARD FAQS.
Questions? Call New Jersey State Library toll-free at 1-800-792-8322 for assistance.