Download Books and Magazines

The Library offers talking books and magazines through three services.

1. BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) is a national program through which users can borrow braille and audio books. You must apply for this service. Format: digital talking book

2. NOBLE (North Carolina BARD Local) is a North Carolina service through which users can download audio books, magazines, and podcasts. No application is necessary. Format: digital talking book, podcasts, digital braille

3. Web Braille is a service through which users can download electronic files that can be read using a computer with a braille display or on a portable electronic reading device. You must apply for this service.

Apply

BARD

All About BARD - a simple audio guide to getting started downloading books.

BARD is a convenient way to download and listen to talking books on an approved talking book player. To apply:

  1. Go to the BARD application site - https://nlsbard.loc.gov/NC1A/ApplicationInstructions.html and read the instructions carefully.
  2. Make sure you are an active NLS user. Being active means that you are active in cassette, digital book, braille or you subscribe to magazines. NLS does not recognize patrons who are solely large print readers as active.
  3. Contact us to verify we have your correct information, to avoid delays in approving your application.
  4. Fill out the application, using the same name and address you have listed with us.
  5. If you are a new NLS patron, please allow at least 7 days before applying to make sure that all of your information is on file with NLS.

Web Braille

Web braille offers a downloadable electronic file that can be read using a computer with a braille display or on a portable electronic reading device. To apply, contact us, providing an e-mail address and a six-to-eight-character password. Once your subscription is activated, you will receive access instructions by e-mail.

Understanding the Technology

To download digital books, users should have the following technology resources:

  1. An individual email account. Each BARD account requires a unique email address.
  2. High-speed Internet connection
  3. Digital talking book player (for BARD and some NOBLE items)
  4. Blank digital talking book cartridge

Users should also have the following technology skills:

  1. How to unzip files
  2. Moving files from a computer to another device
  3. Understanding how the player they will use works

More tips for downloading titles

Technical support at this time is provided by sending email to NLSDownload@loc.gov.