Imagine having a library in your pocket. With BARD, you can.
BARD (which stands for Braille and Audio Reading Download) is a free digital library just for people who find reading regular print difficult. It lets you download audiobooks and magazines right to your smartphone, tablet, or specialized player.
Who can use BARD?
If you’re signed up with your state’s Talking Book Program, you’re already eligible. Not signed up yet? Hadley can help you connect with your local Talking Book library.
How do I start?
Just a few steps:
- Apply for a BARD account online, or by calling your Talking Book library. Want help? Try Hadley’s quick workshops:
- Download the BARD Mobile app for Apple or Android. Using a computer? You can use BARD Express instead.
- Log in and explore! Search for books and download your first read.
Prefer a simpler option? You can use the Digital Talking Book player, a free, easy-to-use device from the Talking Book Program.
What can I read?
BARD has something for everyone:
- Bestsellers and classics
- Cookbooks and how-to guides
- Memoirs and history
- Braille books (for electronic braille displays)
Tips to get comfortable
- Start small. Try just one book—short stories work great!
- Practice a little each day. It’ll get easier.
- Ask for help. A friend or librarian can walk you through it.
- Use what works for you—a phone, tablet, computer, or the Digital Talking Book player.
It will feel new at first, but many Hadley learners say BARD quickly becomes second nature. The app works smoothly with screen readers like VoiceOver and TalkBack, and you can browse by title, author, or subject.
Need a hand? Hadley’s here for you: call 800-323-4238 or email [email protected].
Coping with vision loss
Hadley member Carol Mackie shares how she deals with vision loss, including reading with audiobooks in the Insights and Sound Bites podcast episode “It’s OK to ask for help.”
You can listen to Hadley’s podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or by phone: 847-558-1317.
Want to talk books?
Join Book Nook, Hadley’s monthly chat for readers. Share favorite reads, connect with others, and grow your book list.
More practical help from Hadley
Hadley offers step-by-step workshops for using the Digital Talking Book player, starting with Getting to Know Your NLS Player, as well as for using BARD Express on a computer with low vision or with a screen reader.
Are you using BARD already? What’s working—and what’s not? Or maybe you read in other ways?