How to Access Free Books from the National Library Service (NLS)
For Americans who are blind or have a print disability, access to books and magazines should never be a barrier to reading. The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), a program of the Library of Congress, provides a free, comprehensive library service that delivers audio and braille books, magazines, and music materials directly to eligible individuals across the country. To get an idea of all that NLS has to offer, you can browse the catalog on their website.
For many with progressive vision loss, reading can be an important form of self-care. Whether you prefer to listen to an audiobook on a talking-book player, read in electronic braille, or browse and download titles instantly to your smartphone, NLS has a solution for you. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: who qualifies for NLS services, how to enroll, and how to start accessing thousands of titles right away.
Who Is Eligible for NLS Services?
NLS services are available to any U.S. resident or American citizen living abroad who is unable to read or use regular print materials as a result of a visual, physical, perceptual, or reading disability. Eligibility is broad and includes:
- Individuals with visual impairments, defined as visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less
- Individuals whose visual disability, with correction and regardless of optical measurement, prevents the reading of standard printed material
- Individuals with physical disabilities that prevent them from reading or holding printed materials
- Individuals with perceptual or reading disabilities who are unable to read printed works to substantially the same degree as a person without an impairment
- Blind veterans or veterans with print disabilities who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces — these individuals receive special priority
Eligibility also extends to those with temporary disabilities, individuals disabled from birth or due to aging, medical conditions, or trauma, and qualifying dependents of active military or diplomatic personnel living abroad. U.S. citizens living outside the country must provide either a U.S. passport number or U.S. birth certificate copy as proof of citizenship. Eligible non-US citizens who are dependents of active-duty military or diplomatic personnel will need to provide a copy of the service member’s orders posting them abroad and listing the applicant as a dependent.
Certification of eligibility is required and must come from a competent authority, which includes doctors, ophthalmologists, optometrists, registered nurses, therapists, rehabilitation teachers, school psychologists, certified reading specialists, social workers, and professional librarians, among others.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local NLS network library — they are there to help guide you through the process.
Once you determine eligibility, follow these simple steps to start reading! (Select any step below for detailed instructions.)
- Find your network library
- Apply for services
- Receive your equipment
- Sign up for BARD
- Choose your delivery method
Step 1: Find Your National Library Service (NLS) Network Library
NLS delivers its services through a nationwide network of cooperating libraries. Your local network library will be your primary point of contact throughout the enrollment process and beyond. They can help you sign up, answer questions about equipment, suggest titles of interest, and grant you access to the BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) digital download service.
All network libraries provide access to NLS-produced braille and talking books and magazines, circulated via postage-free mail. Some libraries have additional collections, such as large-print books and described DVDs.
To find the library that serves your area, you have several options:
- Call 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323) to be connected directly with your network library
- Use the NLS Network Library Locator to find your library by state
For readers local to New England, here is a shortlist of network libraries:
- Massachusetts: Perkins Library — (617) 972-7240 | (800) 852-3133
- Connecticut: Connecticut Library for Accessible Books — (860) 704-2220 | (800) 842-4516
- Maine: Library Services for the Blind and Print Disabled — (207) 287-5650 | (800) 762-7106
- New Hampshire: New Hampshire State Library, Talking Book Services — (603) 271-3429 | (800) 491-4200
- Rhode Island: Talking Books Library — (401) 574-9310
- Vermont: ABLE Library — (802) 636-0020 | (800) 479-1711
Once you’ve identified your library, you can interact with them via phone, fax, mail, or email — whichever is most convenient for you. Use the NLS Network Library Locator for additional contact details in all states.
Step 2: Apply for NLS Services
Applying for NLS services is straightforward. Here’s how to get started:
- Submit an online information request via the NLS Information Request Form, or contact your local network library directly.
- Provide documentation of your eligibility — this typically means a medical certification of your visual or physical disability, signed by one of the competent authorities listed above.
- Complete the application process with your network library, either online, by mail, or by phone.
Once your application is reviewed and approved, your network library will contact you with the next steps, including information about available equipment and how to access reading materials.
If you need additional assistance at any point, you can contact NLS directly at nls@loc.gov or call 202-707-5100 or 800-424-8567 toll-free.
Step 3: Receive Your Equipment
After enrollment, your network library will set you up with the tools you need to start reading right away.
- Talking-book player: Your library will provide a free digital talking-book player on long-term loan. These players offer high-quality sound and are designed with accessibility in mind — featuring large buttons, braille labels beside the controls, variable speed controls, a sleep timer, and built-in audio instructions.
- Refreshable braille display: If you plan to read electronic braille books downloaded from BARD, you will need a refreshable braille e-reader. NLS can provide one on loan — contact your network library for details.
- BARD Mobile app: If you prefer to use your own smartphone or tablet, you can download the free BARD Mobile app, available for iOS, Android, and Fire devices.
Step 4: Sign Up for BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download)
BARD is NLS’s powerful digital download service, and it dramatically expands your access to reading materials. Once you are enrolled as an NLS patron, ask your network library to sign you up for BARD.
What BARD offers:
- Instant access to hundreds of thousands of titles in audio and electronic braille formats – including books, magazines, and music materials
- A constantly growing catalog that includes current bestsellers, literary classics, mysteries, westerns, romances, biographies, and how-to books
- A wide selection of children’s and young adult books
- Titles in Spanish and other world languages
- The ability to automatically subscribe to magazines of your choice
- Dozens of new titles added every week
Once enrolled, you can access BARD through the website, the BARD Mobile app on your smartphone or tablet, or BARD Express on a Windows PC — which allows you to play books and magazines directly from your computer. You can also download books and magazines from BARD to a USB drive or NLS digital cartridge to use with your talking-book player. NLS patrons with an Amazon Alexa smart speaker can also access the My Talking Books skill, which lets you access and listen to English language books from BARD using simple voice commands (currently in beta testing).
Music Service and Materials from the National Library Service
The NLS Music Service offers a rich collection of accessible music resources for patrons who are blind, visually impaired, or have physical disabilities. The largest of its kind in the world, this collection includes braille and large print music scores, music instruction books, magazines, and audio materials about music and musicians. Whether you’re a musician seeking practice materials or simply someone who loves learning about music, this service provides invaluable resources. Additionally, music materials are available as digital downloads through the BARD service or can be ordered on physical cartridges or in braille format. With an expansive selection catering to varied skill levels, the NLS Music Service ensures that music remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
While most NLS materials are circulated through network libraries, music materials circulate directly to patrons from NLS headquarters in Washington, D.C. To request music materials from the NLS Music Service, patrons who are already registered with their network library can contact the NLS music section directly by phone, email, or postal mail:
Phone: 800-424-8567 ext. 2
Email: nlsm@loc.gov
Music Section
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20542
The collection can be searched online, and members can download materials directly via the BARD service or arrange for physical copies to be delivered to their home.
Step 5: Choose Your Preferred Delivery Method
NLS gives you the flexibility to receive materials the way that works best for you. There are two primary options:
1. Download instantly through BARD
Browse and download audio books, braille books, and magazines directly to your personal device, talking-book player, or computer — anytime, anywhere. This is the fastest way to access new titles and is ideal for those who want immediate access.
2. Receive materials by mail through the U.S. Postal Service
If you prefer physical materials or don’t have reliable internet access, NLS will mail books, magazines, and music scores directly to your door — completely free of charge. Return postage is also free and a return address card included, making this a convenient, zero-cost option from start to finish.
You can use both delivery methods interchangeably, depending on your preferences and needs at any given time.
Start Your Reading Journey Today
NLS is a free, comprehensive resource that ensures every eligible American has access to the joy of reading — regardless of visual ability, physical limitations, or economic circumstances. With multiple delivery options, thousands of titles spanning every genre and interest, and user-friendly equipment designed for accessibility, there is no better time to get started.
Contact your local network library today to begin the enrollment process. If you’re in New England, use the direct links provided in Step 1 above. For all other states, visit the NLS Network Library Locator to find the library that serves your area. You can also call 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323) for immediate assistance.
Access to books is a right, not a privilege — and NLS is here to make sure that all may read.
Last updated September 11, 2026.
Author Information
Reviewed by Stuart Flom, AdaptiVision Founder & President
Source
NLS at the Library of Congress – National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) | Library of Congress. (2026, July 17). National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) | Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/nls/
