Free Braille and Talking Book Program for Veterans

2019-06-05T09:19:55-04:00

Whether escaping into a great novel or staying current with popular magazines, the freedom and independence of reading are only a few steps away. This program, from the National Library Service (NLS) and the Library of Congress, provides talking books, audio magazines, and digital talking-book players free of charge.

Any honorably discharged Veteran who is blind, has low vision, or a disability preventing the reading of traditional materials is eligible. Participants choose whether their selected reading materials are delivered by mail, downloaded from the web-based service BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) or through the BARD mobile app for smartphones and tablets. NLS maintains a vast catalog of titles and publications from the latest best-sellers to timeless classics. Plus, Veterans have preferential status in the lending of materials and equipment.

The Braille and Talking Books Program is accomplished through a nationwide network of libraries to serve citizens and Veterans living inside the U.S. or abroad. Applying for this service is easy. Call the National Library Service at 1-888-NLS-READ ( [login to see] ) or visit them on the web below.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Jun 5 at 2019 9:31 AM

2019-06-05T09:31:14-04:00

Great share.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jun 5 at 2019 10:07 AM

2019-06-05T10:07:47-04:00

This is a wonderful resource for impaired vision folks. One of my former clients used this service and the one from Lighthouse extensively.

Response by SSG Arthur Weintraub made Jun 5 at 2019 10:23 PM

2019-06-05T22:23:00-04:00

Where do I continue after filling everything else out?

Response by Lt Col Hollis Booker made Jun 5 at 2019 11:48 PM

2019-06-05T23:48:11-04:00

Advanced cast of glaucoma

Response by TSgt Clement King made Jun 5 at 2019 11:57 PM

2019-06-05T23:57:39-04:00

I HAVE USED THE TALLKING BOOKS PROGRAM HERE IN ARIZOAFOR OVER 10 YEARS.
GREAT PROGRAM. UNLIMITED BOOKS FOR LISTENING;OVER A MILLION AVAILABLE.
TRY IT, FREE NO OBLIGATION.
CLEM IN SUNNY ARIZONA

Response by A1C Charles Hagen made Jun 6 at 2019 12:33 AM

2019-06-06T00:33:03-04:00

I get migraines everyday. What are the limitations on vision. Reading gives me headaches as well so I'm just asking if I qualify

Response by SSG Francisco Rodriguez made Jun 6 at 2019 1:00 AM

2019-06-06T01:00:33-04:00

Reading gives me a headache

Response by PO2 Glenn LaBranche made Jun 6 at 2019 1:57 AM

2019-06-06T01:57:35-04:00

I was not diagnosed with a reading disability while serving, I was attending the Arizona State University, when one of my professors asked about my reading of the material. I was than referred to the schools Disability Resource Center, where I was tested by a psychologist, who found that I have a serious reading disability, I read in an elementary school level. The schools DRC than provided me with audio books of my courses or converted my books into Kurzweil audios.

Response by SPC Guy Miller made Jun 6 at 2019 3:35 AM

2019-06-06T03:35:32-04:00

I love books but I can only read for a little while my eyes start watering and then I just can't read anymore

Response by SP5 Frank Summerall made Jun 6 at 2019 6:01 AM

2019-06-06T06:01:19-04:00

i have vision problems do i qualify.

Response by SMSgt Diane Stadelbauer made Jun 6 at 2019 6:55 AM

2019-06-06T06:55:35-04:00

I am a veteran and while I haven't used this program for myself, my mom (a non-vet) has macular degeneration and uses this program. She receives books in the mail and I download them for her. This program is fantastic and free of all cost. The NLS provides the audio player and while they send the books free and downloads are free and there is no mailing costs, additional cassettes to download books have a minimal charge (under $10 I believe for a 2 gig cassette). I can fit around 20 books on one cassette, and delete and reload books when she if finished. ALL FREE!! Wonderful program!

Response by TSgt Robert Funches made Jun 6 at 2019 8:33 AM

2019-06-06T08:33:39-04:00

Great source of service for our vets

Response by Sgt Dan Standage made Jun 6 at 2019 10:40 AM

2019-06-06T10:40:47-04:00

One of the best resources I'm connected with. The BARD mobile app is great and the folks that work at the Library of Congress are super. I've read more books in this format than at any other time in my life. The National Library Service really opened my world following blindness.

Response by HN Cindy Ropprichter made Jun 6 at 2019 11:00 AM

2019-06-06T11:00:15-04:00

This is wonderful. I have a totally fused neck (service connected) and shoulder issues/surgeries (service connected) so holding up a book and looking at it for long times is not possible for me.

Response by Donna DiMichele made Jun 6 at 2019 3:52 PM

2019-06-06T15:52:12-04:00

If you live in Rhode Island, contact the Talking Books Library at http://www.olis.ri.gov/tbl/ or by telephone at [login to see] Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm or by email [login to see] .gov

State of Rhode Island: Office of Library & Information Services

Response by Capt Steven Hirsch made Jun 6 at 2019 5:08 PM

2019-06-06T17:08:56-04:00

Use this all the time. Great benefit. Many, many good books and magazines available. Would highly recommend to anyone who likes to read but now is not able to do so. Great for playing while in the car or waiting for doctor appointments as you can also plug in a headset.

Response by SPC Martin Gross made Jun 6 at 2019 5:48 PM

2019-06-06T17:48:01-04:00

Those who know me know I love books. It is one of my favorite pastimes and I never get tired of it.

Response by PO2 David Johnson made Jun 6 at 2019 9:23 PM

2019-06-06T21:23:18-04:00

The NLS audio reading program, Also Known As NLS BARD Braille and Talking Book Library, is also available in most metropolitan areas throughout the country through the Library of Congress. Anyone with a computer can download books onto USB drives to be played on the NLS book reader. Otherwise cassettes are mailed to use in the reader. Other methods are discussed on the main page.

I can't tell you of the hours of enjoyment I have had with the NLS reader. It is a tremendous resource for impaired vision or limited ability folks.

Response by PO2 David Snitchler made Jun 8 at 2019 2:29 PM

2019-06-08T14:29:07-04:00

I HAVE GREATLY APPRECIATED THE "TALKING BOOKS"

Response by MSgt William Carrasquillo made Jun 10 at 2019 11:07 AM

2019-06-10T11:07:22-04:00

My Dad was in the Air Force for over 22 years. He is now gone and my mother is in a memory care in a local nursing facility. Mom is 97 years old and her hearing and her sight is a problem in that it leaves very little for her to do. I thought this may be a good way for her to spend her time. She has always liked to read. Mom and Dad were married the whole time my Dad was in the military. I also served in the military. Mom is on Tricare and recieves a monthly pension from the VA to assist her. Please let me know what I need to do to get the audio books. Thank you, Lenny Carrasquillo [login to see] /cell. My Mom is Sarah Carrasquillo and resides at Superior Residences, 1600 Hunt Trace Blvd. 34711-5549. My Dad's SSN is 063-22-2174. If I need to to send a copy of my Dad's DD 214 I can do so.

Response by CPL Darcy Medicine Stone made Jun 13 at 2019 9:56 AM

2019-06-13T09:56:11-04:00

3rd nerve palsy and double vision

Response by PO2 Diana Gonzalez made Jun 19 at 2019 5:13 PM

2019-06-19T17:13:25-04:00

Hello:
I fall into this category as my eye sight has diminished and my hearing as well. How do I get information on auditble books and how to read braile and sign language.