NLS at the
Library of Congress


National Library Service (NLS) is a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical, perceptual, or reading disability that prevents them from using regular print materials. Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS circulates books and magazines in braille or audio formats, that are instantly downloadable to a personal device or delivered by mail free of charge.

Grandson and grandfather sitting together and using laptop and headphones

NEW MATERIALS

Talking Book Topics, Braille Book Review, and International Language Quarterly list selections of titles recently added to the NLS collection on the Catalog and BARD. NLS also has book lists (minibibliographies) on specific subjects and produces popular magazines in audio and braille.

Front covers of NLS News newsletters showing headlines on the importance of accessibility and That All May Read to NLS’ mission

NEWS AND UPDATES

Read about the latest NLS news, products, services, initiatives, and events and exhibits! Find online programs to enrich your NLS experience, such as The Many Faces of BARD and Quarterly Patron Corner. Also check out website updates and BARD updates for the latest additions and improvements.

Mobile phone displaying the BARD mobile App on the Now Reading screen

CATALOG AND BARD

Explore the NLS Catalog and BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download online service) to find items of interest. The NLS Catalog contains hundreds of thousands catalog records for talking books, braille books, music scores, magazines, and other accessible material.

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