The Library of Congress' National Library Service (NLS) provides free unabridged books, magazine, music and equipment to people who are visually or physically impaired and have difficulty reading printed material.
How Does This Service Work?
The Richmond Library and Resource Center (LRC) at the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) lends a free digital player and digital books to registered patrons.
- Digital books are mailed to patrons in special cases with prepaid return postage.
- Patrons can also download digital books directly to smart phone or tablet via Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD).
- Patrons can request specific titles or ask a Reader Advisor to select titles for them.
- Borrowing period is 6 weeks.
- No late fines.
Available to Talking Book Services Patrons via the National Library Service
NLS Provides the following, mailed via USPS at no charge to you:
- Digital audiobook player. All devices provide high-quality sound, offer variable speed controls and have built-in audio instructions. Related equipment includes:
- Lightweight headphones. Listening devices designed to minimize strain on the user's head and neck.
- High-volume players. Patrons with significant hearing loss may request a player with higher volume options.
- Pillow speakers. Speakers designed for individuals who are confined to bed, allowing them to listen to audiobooks by placing the speaker under their pillow.
- Breath switch. An adaptive device allowing patrons to control the functions of NLS digital talking book players using their breath.
- Talking books. Audiobook cartridges are delivered to your door at no cost via USPS. You return them the same way, through postage-free mail. Search the NLS catalog.
- Braille. Braille books and magazines on paper are delivered directly to your door at no cost.
- Music. NLS provides music appreciation materials, music scores and music instruction in braille, audio and large print.
- Braille eReader. Humanware braille eReaders has a 20-cell braille display, eight-key Perkins-style keyboard and can download electronic braille through BARD or transfer from cartridges sent through the mail.
- iBill currency reader. Users can insert a banknote into this compact device, which will announce the banknote's value by voice, a pattern of tones or a pattern of vibrations.
- Magazines in special media. Periodicals are produced in a variety of formats, including digital audio, digital download, digital text, eBraille, large print and press braille. Not all periodicals are offered in all formats. Magazines are prepared off-site and mailed to you directly.
Download titles 24/7 with the BARD Mobile App:
- Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) is a web-based service that provides access to thousands of braille and talking books, magazines and music scores.
Eligibility
- Users must be unable to read print books due to visual or physical impairment.
- Application must be certified by a competent authority.
How to Register
Download and print an application, or request an application be mailed to you.
- Application for individual with Parental Acknowledgment - English [fillable form]
- Application for individual with Parental Acknowledgment - English [printable]
- Application for individual - Spanish [printable] - NLS en la Biblioteca del Congreso
- Application for Institutions [printable]
Return completed and signed application to:
Mail: Library and Resource Center, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 800, Richmond VA 23228
Phone: 1-800-552-7015
Email: Peggy.Gross@dbvi.virginia.gov
Email: Bryan.Henderson@dbvi.virginia.gov
Email: Janay.Whitehead@dbvi.virginia.gov
If you need assistance, contact Arlington Public Library at talkingbooks@arlingtonva.us or by phone at 703-228-6333.
Arlington Public Library Also Lends
- Audiobooks on CD
- Large type books
- eAudiobooks and eBooks