3.8
805 reviews
100K+
Downloads
Content rating
Everyone
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About this app

CARRY A LIBRARY IN YOUR POCKET
Access tens of thousands of books—from current best sellers to much-loved classics, popular magazines, and music instruction and scores—in audio and electronic braille, with new selections added daily.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
BARD Mobile is a service of NLS. NLS provides free audio and braille reading materials to residents of the US and American citizens living abroad who cannot read regular print. If you are blind or have temporary or permanent low vision or a physical or reading disability that prevents you from holding or reading the printed page, you may be eligible for this program. For more information, visit https://www.loc.gov/nls/about/eligibility-for-nls-services.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?
This app allows access for eligible users who have enrolled in the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) at the Library of Congress. To enroll, call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) and follow the prompts to find your state. Or to learn more at https://www.loc.gov/thatallmayread.

If you are already an NLS patron, contact your cooperating NLS library to request a BARD account. You can find your library by visiting https://www.loc.gov/nls/find-a-local-library/.

SUPPORT
For support and help with BARD account issues, or to report bugs, email NLSDownload@loc.gov. For FAQ, visit https://www.loc.gov/nls/braille-audio-reading-materials/bard-access/nls-bard-frequently-asked-questions/. For the User Guides: https://www.loc.gov/nls/braille-audio-reading-materials/bard-access/bard-mobile-android/
Updated on
Jan 10, 2024

Data safety

Safety starts with understanding how developers collect and share your data. Data privacy and security practices may vary based on your use, region, and age. The developer provided this information and may update it over time.
No data shared with third parties
Learn more about how developers declare sharing
This app may collect these data types
Personal info, App activity and 2 others
Data is encrypted in transit
Data can’t be deleted
Committed to follow the Play Families Policy

Ratings and reviews

3.8
708 reviews
Amy Herstein
December 13, 2023
I need to add more stars and update my review. I said just yesterday that there is no way to easily delete from Droid, but this isn't true: click More Options, Delete, and OK when it tells you the books are unchecked, then check the checkboxes with the books, OK, and then OK again. A bit clunky, but it works. Overall, I love this service and prefer that the app be clean, no voice search or other cumbersome features. It sure beats the heck out of hauling around bulky Braille volumes.
26 people found this review helpful
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Angela Hudson
July 6, 2023
I love BARD. I have been using it for years, and it makes getting books from the Library for the Blind super easy. That said, however, I am very annoyed with the new updates. You can no longer search by series, something I frequently do. Now, in order to get an entire series, I have to look it up online and search each title individually. I get that they're trying to streamline the app, but they need to find a way to add this function back in.
68 people found this review helpful
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A Google user
October 26, 2019
I find the application very convenient and user friendly. Much easier than carrying a big, clunky player. I would request that the settings be updated to include being able to set the "part", "chapter" "bookmark" or "phrase" to which ever one is most convenient for the user as the default setting. Also add an "off" option. I constantly hit the back or forward button on my headset when I am trying to press the stop/play button and it takes me forever to find my place again because it jumps back to the previous chapter.
75 people found this review helpful
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What's new

This version supports Android OS versions 10-14.
Other updates include:
1. Fully supported in-app search functionality, including music search and search in languages other than English.
2. The app is now fully localized for Spanish, including the TalkBack function.
3. Several bugs have been addressed in this release, enhancing the overall stability and performance of the app.
Note: The User Guide is being updated and will be released at a later date.