BARD Mobile App Now Available for Texas Talking Book Patrons

Wednesday, September 25, 2013 • Austin, TX • News Release

Patrons of TSLAC’s Talking Book Program (TBP), a free library service for Texans of all ages unable to read standard print material, can now enjoy their talking books on the go.

TBP patrons with working BARD accounts and an Apple iOS device can install a free application that enables them to download audio and Braille books, magazines, and music scores directly to that device. BARD Mobile will work on any iOS device running iOS 4.3.3 or later. This includes the iPhone 3GS and all later iPhones, all iPads, and fourth generation or later iPod touches. To install BARD Mobile, go to Apple’s online app store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bard-mobile/id705229586?mt=8.

The BARD Mobile user guide is available in the app, in the Help section of the BARD Mobile bookshelf. It is also available online at https://nlsbard.loc.gov/apidocs/BARDMobile.userguide.iOS.1.0.html. It is recommended that users read the user guide. To read Braille books with BARD Mobile, you'll need a Braille display. Section 7 of the user guide explains how to configure your display and provides keystrokes that make reading Braille a smooth experience.

BARD contains nearly 50,000 books, magazines, and music scores in Braille and audio formats, with new selections added daily.

The Talking Book Program is a division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at the Library of Congress, which issued BARD Mobile.

TBP patrons can ask questions about BARD Mobile by calling TBP toll-free at (800) 252-9605 in Texas or (512) 463-5458 in Austin. They can also visit TBP’s homepage for more information: www.texastalkingbooks.org