KTBL offers the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service to our registered users. BARD books may be accessed in several ways, including the free BARD Mobile app, BARD Express software, or with an Amazon Smart Speaker. You may also download digital braille books from BARD directly to the braille eReader and some Talking Book Players provided by the National Library Service. To use BARD you will need high speed internet access and a working email address.
Establishing an Account
BARD is available to registered users of the Kentucky Talking Book Library. If you are not currently a member of our library, information about eligibility and applications for service can be found here:
Eligibility for Talking Book Service.
Current patrons can call or email the library to establish a BARD account. Contact us at: 800-372-2968or send an email to
ktbl.mail@ky.gov.
BARD Website
Registered BARD users can access the BARD website here:
NLS BARD.
The National Library Service maintains a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page about BARD here:
BARD 2.0 FAQ.
BARD Mobile
BARD Mobile is available for iOS, Android, and some Kindle Fire devices. The app allows you to search for and listen to BARD books from your phone or tablet.
The app is available in the Apple App Store: BARD Mobile for iOS
The app is available in the Google Play Store: BARD Mobile for Android
The app is available on Amazon: BARD Mobile for Fire Tablets
BARD Express
BARD Express software is available for Windows-based computers. This software allows you to search for and download BARD books and also includes a player that allows you to listen to books directly on your computer. For more information about BARD Express, including the download link, visit: Welcome to BARD Express.
My Talking Books on Smart Speaker
BARD is available on Amazon Alexa devices using the My Talking Books skill. You must have a compatible Amazon device to use the skill. For more information about using BARD on an Alexa device or to register for access visit:
Welcome to My Talking Books on Smart Speaker.
BARD on NLS Players and eReaders
The NLS braille eReader and DA2 Talking Book Player can download books directly from BARD. Users must have a BARD account and access to a secure Wi-Fi network. Contact the library for more information about using BARD with these players.
Books can also be downloaded to a flash drive or personal digital cartridge and used with any NLS player. Flash drives can be purchased at many stores, including discount, drug, and office supply stores. They plug into a port on the right side of the NLS player. Personal digital cartridges can be purchased from the Perkins School for the Blind here:
Perkins Library Products
BARD Tech Support
If you have any difficulty using BARD, please contact KTBL. We can assist you.
Contact Information
Kentucky Talking Book Library
PO Box 537
Frankfort KY 40602
800.372.2968
502.564.5791
KTBL.Mail@ky.gov
We are available to assist you 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (Eastern Time Zone) Monday-Friday.