WTBBL closed to public
As of July 1, 2025, the library building is open by appointment only and phones go to voicemail due to loss of funding. Services continue as usual. To request an appointment, call 800-542-0866 or email [email protected].
BARD
In addition to the materials circulated by WTBBL, our patrons can request access to BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download), the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download service digital collection. With BARD, patrons have instant access to hundreds of thousands of books, magazines, musical scores, and music instructional materials in audio and electronic braille (ebraille).
If you are already a library patron or part of an organization with an institutional library account and are interested in signing up for access to BARD, please submit a BARD Application.
Listen to the BARD Basics MP3 audio file and/or read the short BARD Basics Handout for a quick overview of BARD.
Visit the BARD website to log in.
Note: An email address is required to register for and use BARD.
BARD Mobile
The BARD Mobile app is free and allows patrons to read audiobooks and download ebraille directly on their smartphones, tablets, and Amazon Kindle devices.
To read braille using a smartphone or tablet, you will need a refreshable braille display. WTBBL loans NLS Braille eReaders to eligible patrons. Learn more about Braille eReaders from WTBBL.
Apple iOS Resources
BARD Mobile is available to download on the Apple iPhone and iPad.
- Download the app at BARD for Apple iOS.
- Apple iOS User Manuals
- Tutorial videos are available at How to Use BARD Mobile for iOS
Android Resources
BARD Mobile is available to download on Android smartphones and tablets. Android devices include Samsung, Google, Motorola, Vivo, and many more.
- Download the app at BARD for Android
- Android User Guides
- Tutorial videos are available at How to Use BARD Mobile for Android Videos
Amazon Kindle Resources
- Download the app at BARD for Amazon Kindle.
- BARD Mobile User Manual for Kindle Fire Tablets
BARD Smart Speaker Skill
BARD is now available on Amazon Alexa smart speakers through the My Talking Books skill. You will need your own smart speaker and Amazon account to use this skill.
Note: The My Talking Books skill is currently only available for Amazon Alexa smart speakers.
- Submit the My Talking Books Registration Form in order to gain access to the My Talking Books skill.
- Please contact 800-542-0866 or [email protected] for assistance filling out the form.
- My Talking Books User Guide
- Access My Talking Books Command List for a full list of commands and phrases to navigate the smart speaker skill
For more information, visit Welcome to My Talking Books on Smart Speaker from NLS.
BARD Website
Use the BARD website to:
- Browse the BARD collection
- Download books onto mobile storage media such as USB flash drives*, SD cards, or one of your own blank talking book cartridges for use in either an NLS Digital Talking Book Player, or another NLS-compatible commercially available device.
- Manage your Wish List
- Modify your BARD account settings
Visit NLS’s Welcome to BARD webpage for instructions on using the BARD website.
*We recommend using USB flash drives no larger than 32GBs. Large USB drives may not play in the NLS Digital Talking Book Player.
BARD Express
If you’re looking for an even easier way to download and copy books to your storage media, NLS offers the free software BARD Express.
Use BARD Express to:
- Easily download and copy books to your USB flash drives, SD cards, or blank talking book cartridges to listen to on an NLS Talking Book Player, or another NLS-compatible commercially available device. BARD Express will do all the work for you!
- Browse the BARD collection without having to visit the website.
- Listen to books on your computer with the built-in audio player.
For help using BARD Express:
Note: BARD Express is only compatible with Windows computers.
Looking for more help?
Please email [email protected] or call 800-542-0866 for more assistance with BARD. Sixty-minute virtual or in-person one-on-one trainings are also available to schedule.
Additional Resources:
- NLS’s monthly The Many Faces of BARD online programs focus on a different aspect of BARD every month and are open to all. There are usually opportunities to ask questions at the end of each session.
- Subscribe to the NLS BARD support list to receive email news from NLS about BARD.