Literacy Resources for Patrons with Print-Reading Disabilities:

NLS BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download service)

• The BARD program allows patrons of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to download talking books and braille books.
• The BARD collection includes best-sellers, fiction and non-fiction, books for younger readers, foreign-language titles, and a range of magazines.
• Anyone who is legally blind or has a disability which makes reading print difficult can apply for NLS (National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped) membership. To learn more about NLS, call the Andrew Heiskell Library main number, (212) 206-5400.
• Talking books can be downloaded from a Mac or PC and played on a free digital talking book machine (DTBM) provided by the library.
• Braille books can be downloaded from a Mac or PC and read using a braille note-taker or refreshable braille display.
• Both audio and braille books can be downloaded and read on an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch using the free BARD Mobile app, available in the Apple App Store.
• The Andrew Heiskell Library has both braille displays and digital talking book machines available and can help interested patrons learn how to access BARD. To learn more, call (212) 621-0627.
• To apply for BARD, visit nlsbard.loc.gov and click the BARD Application link.

Bookshare.org:

• Bookshare is an extensive online library of books and magazines that can be downloaded and read with a patron’s preferred assistive technology, including magnification, speech output, and refreshable braille displays.
• Bookshare’s collection includes best-sellers, fiction, nonfiction, books for younger readers, textbooks, and books on a variety of specialized and technical subjects.
• Anyone with a disability which makes print reading difficult is eligible for a Bookshare membership.
• Bookshare offers free memberships to K-12 and college students, as well as students enrolled in continuing education or vocational rehabilitation classes.
• The New York Public Library offers a free one-year Bookshare membership to any patron with a NYPL library card who is also eligible for Bookshare. To learn more, call (212) 6210627.
• For all others, there is a $25 sign-up fee and a $50 annual fee associated with the service.
• To apply, visit www.Bookshare.org and click the Join link.
• To explore the types of assistive technology that can help you read Bookshare books, call (212) 621-0627.

NFB Newsline:

• NFB Newsline provides access to hundreds of newspapers and magazines.
• The New York Times, New York Post and New York Daily News, along with local publications from across the country, are provided by NFB Newsline.
• The service also carries national publications including the Economist, New Yorker, Wired, People, and many more; some foreign-language publications; and offerings from the web, including the Huffington Post.
• NFB Newsline also includes TV listings, weather advisories, and civic information (such as the text of ballot initiatives) for voters.
• NFB Newsline can be accessed via any touchtone phone. Articles are read out loud, and subscribers can navigate them using the keys on the telephone keypad. This method is ideal for individuals who would rather not use a computer to access news and information.
• The service can also be accessed using the free NFB Newsline app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, or online using any Mac or PC. Finally, Newsline content can be downloaded to a digital talking book player such as the Victor Stream, Booksense, or the NLS Digital Talking Book machine.
• NFB Newsline is available to anyone with a disability that makes reading regular print difficult. Membership is free.
• To sign up, visit www.nfbnewslineonlineonline.org or call (410) 659-9314.
• The Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library can assist you to explore the range of assistive technology that can be used to access NFB Newsline. To learn more, call (212) 621-0627.

Learning Ally:

• Learning Ally provides talking books that are read and recorded by volunteers.
• This service’s offerings cover many subjects, but it is particularly geared to students and professionals in academia, so textbooks and technical materials make up a substantial portion of the collection.
• Talking books can be played using a range of media players; an NLS Digital Talking Book Machine (DTBM) or other talking book player; the free Learning Ally app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch; or software for Mac or PC that is included at no charge with a Learning Ally membership.
• Learning Ally membership is available to anyone with a disability that makes reading print difficult.
• The cost of an annual membership to this service is $119.
• To sign up, call (800) 221-4792 or visit www.learningally.org.
• The Andrew Heiskell Library can help you explore the range of assistive technologies that can be used to access Learning Ally content. To learn more, call (212) 621-0627.