BARD, NOBLE and Web Braille

Go to BARD - https://nlsbard.loc.gov/NC1A - Download digital talking books

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

As a library patron you have access to an electronic version of the books we offer in both audio and braille. These services are free of charge to active patrons who qualify. They are also easy to use. The library has prepared a simple audio guide - All About BARD to help patrons get started using BARD.

Being active in the NLS service 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. Patrons wishing only to download books and magazines should verify that they are made active in digital book. Then apply to BARD or Web Braille to start downloading books and magazines.

Go to NOBLE - http://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/lbph/noble.html - Download local

The library also offers locally produced magazines for download from the library's own version of BARD called NOBLE (North Carolina BARD Local). NOBLE will offer the most recent editions of North Carolina magazines on a quarterly basis. Just as with BARD these audio versions will be in the NLS digital talking book format and can only be read on a digital talking book player or approved third-party player. Different from BARD you do not need to apply separately for this service. As long as you have an active library account you can download these items and listen to them for free.

Understanding the Technology

To participate, you must be able to use email. All correspondence with NLS about BARD is conducted through email. Something to remember is that many families have shared email accounts. If more than one member of a family would like to apply for the their own BARD account then each family member has to have their own email account.

The patron should have enough understanding of a computer in order to use the technology that is required for this service, such as:

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

You also need a high-speed Internet connection and email. If this sounds like you, then apply for BARD - https://nlsbard.loc.gov/NC1A/ApplicationInstructions.html and start downloading your books and magazines.

Because the service is fairly new there is very limited technical support. Technical support at this time is provided by sending email to NLSDownload@loc.gov.

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Apply for BARD

BARD offers Downloadable Talking Books as an alternative way of receiving audio recorded books from NLS. It offers a convenient way to listen to talking books on an approved talking book player. Currently there are over 18,000 titles and growing. To download talking books you need to go to the BARD application site - https://nlsbard.loc.gov/NC1A/ApplicationInstructions.html and read the instructions very carefully. Once you understand what is required you may fill out the application. For the application please make sure you use the same name and address you have listed with the library. It is a good idea to contact the library first to verify your information is correct so that there is no delay in approval. 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.

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Apply for Web Braille

Web Braille offers an exciting alternative to traditional braille books. It offers a convenient downloadable electronic file that can be read using a computer with a braille display or on a portable electronic reading device. Currently there are over 10,000 titles and growing. To sign up for this exciting service please contact the library and provide the library with an e-mail address and a six-to-eight-character password. Once your subscription is activated, you will receive access instructions by e-mail.

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