Step by step: Sign up for BARD
BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) is a free service provided by the National Library Service (NLS). It gives TBBL patrons on-demand access to 120,000 digital books and 120 magazines.
Remember: Before you sign up for BARD, you must first make sure you are signed up for TBBL.
Don't forget: Expert TBBL staff are ready to help! Contact us with any questions about your account status.
If you need to sign up for TBBL:
- Sign up for TBBL before you try to sign up for BARD. Make sure you’re using a working email address to register.
- Once you’re confirmed as a TBBL patron, follow the steps below.
If you are here to sign up for BARD:
- Start the BARD application for individuals on the NLS website.
- In the dropdown menu, choose “NY – The New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (in Albany, NY),” then click “Submit.”
- Fill out and submit the application.
- TBBL verifies that you’re an eligible and active patron. This usually takes about two business days.
- If you’re approved, we’ll email you with a BARD username and temporary password.
- If there is a problem with your application, you will receive an email denying your BARD services. For example, if you try to sign up for BARD without an email address, or with a different email address from the one that you used on your TBBL account, the system will deny your BARD services.
- When you log in the first time, the BARD website will ask you to change your password to one that you’ve picked out yourself. You’ll also submit a form to agree to the terms of use for the BARD service.
- It’s time to get downloading! After you complete the process, you can search for and download digital audiobooks or braille books from the NLS BARD website.
- If you do not have a personal digital device like a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can borrow a free digital book player that you can use with BARD materials. Our website has more information about digital books and players. Contact us if you get stuck!
