Join the National Library Service (NLS) for the Many Faces of BARD program on Thursday, November 14, at 6:00 p.m. central time. The topic will be using NLS BARD on the HIMS SensePlayer.
BARD stands for Braille and Audio Reading Download service and is a registered trademark for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
Registration is not required. The session is scheduled for one hour with time for questions. Click on the link to join: https://tinyurl.com/29zv8pxe.
Join the National Library Service (NLS) on Tuesday, October 29, at 6:00 p.m. central time for the next session of the online series That All May eRead. This session will cover how to access online services using the Zoomax and Humanware braille ereaders.
Registration is not required.
Click on the link to join: https://tinyurl.com/4z5sht89
These sessions will be recorded.
So, you’re moving to another state. That is always stressful. There are so many things to think about: packing all of your things, finding a new place to live, MOVING all of your stuff, and then unpacking. It is a BEAR. So don’t let your Talking Book Program service be just one more thing to worry about. We’re here to put your mind at ease.
First, no matter which state you move to, there is a Talking Book Program service. EVERYONE who is eligible for service can obtain service, no matter which state you live in. You can find your new state’s regional Talking Book Program at NLS Find Your Library.
We can transfer your service to whichever state you’re moving to. Once you’ve obtained your new address, give us a call about a week prior to your move at 1-800-252-9605, or send an email to tbp.services@tsl.texas.gov.
If you have a talking book player, let us know, and we’ll alert your new state that you’re bringing one with you. Please send all other materials, magazines, and book cartridges, as well as physical braille materials, back to us here in Texas.
We also realize you may need information about disability resources in your new state. Here are a few ideas for finding them:
First, ask your new Talking Book Program library staff. They may know and even have a list of disability-related organizations. In fact, you can also call us at the Texas library. We have a Disability Information and Referral Center, and our librarian can research agencies in other states.
2-1-1: Try calling 2-1-1 to locate local information and resources. This is a free information and referral service that is available in every state.
Eldercare Locator: 800-677-1116 (call or chat, Monday – Friday, 8 am – 9 pm, Eastern) Eldercare Locator can provide contacts for state agencies such as Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC’s) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAA’s) which can connect you to more specific resources.
The National Federation for the Blind (NFB) and the American Council for the Blind (ACB) both have links to state affiliates:
Maybe you’re moving abroad, which is very exciting! We STILL have you covered. The NLS Overseas Service assists US citizens who qualify for the service and live outside of the United States. Eligible non-US citizens who are dependents of active-duty military or diplomatic personnel may also apply for service. Just contact them to let them know to which country you’re moving. Here is the contact information for the Overseas Service below:
Overseas Service National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled 1291 Taylor Street, NW Washington, DC 20542
Telephone: 202-707-9261
Toll-free: 800-424-8567
Fax: 202-707-0712
E-mail: nlsoverseas@loc.gov
Remember: We know how difficult moving can be. Let your Talking Book Program make it just a little bit easier for you.
2025 is right around the corner, and we have the perfect item to help you start the year off right. The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled provides braille and print/braille calendars to its patrons free of charge. Calendars are available in two sizes: a larger wall calendar in print/braille and a smaller, pocket-sized calendar in braille only. Best of all, you can order multiple copies of each calendar.
Once you are subscribed, you will receive a calendar each year unless you choose to stop your subscription. If you received calendars in 2024, you do not need to order again, unless you want to change the type or number of calendars that you receive. Calendars for 2025 will be shipped this fall.
To get your calendar, e-mail tbp.services@tsl.texas.gov or call 1-800-252-9605 and let us know which calendar you would like to order.
Join the National Library Service (NLS) on Tuesday, August 27, at 6:00 p.m. (Central) for the next session of the online series That All May E-Read. This session will cover how to read BARD Mobile books using the Zoomax and Humanware Braille eReaders.
Registration is not required. Click on the link to join: https://tinyurl.com/5n8tmubr.
These sessions will be recorded.
How exciting! You’re going off to college. It’s really your first true step into adulthood. So, it can be a little daunting too. But remember, you’re not alone; your talking book service can be there with you for this big transition.
If you’re going to a college in Texas, just call us to let us know your new contact information so we don’t lose touch!
But if you’re moving to a college out of state, don’t worry! No matter which state you move to, there is a talking book program service. And we can transfer your service to that state since you’ll be there for the majority of the year. Once you’ve obtained your new address, give us a call about a week prior to your move at 1-800-252-9605 or send an email to tbp.services@tsl.texas.gov.
Unfortunately, the Talking Book Program does not have textbooks in our collection. But we do often have supplementary materials. For example, you’re taking a course on African American literature. We won’t have your textbook in our collection, BUT we have a lot of books written by and about African American authors. We also have general books about the Harlem Renaissance. Once you get your syllabus, feel free to contact us and see which books are in our collection. Or, better yet, search BARD.
| APH: Accessible Textbooks: An accessible textbook locator service. |
| Learning Ally: Learning Ally is a national nonprofit that provides reading materials in a variety of accessible formats for people with a wide range of reading disabilities, including blindness, visual impairment, dyslexia, and other learning differences. Students can browse the library, order and download audiobooks, and listen/study on PCs and Mac computers, smartphones and tablets running Android or Apple iOS, as well as on specialized assistive technology devices. |
| Bookshare® is a FREE, federally-funded library of ebooks designed for students with learning differences. Students who struggle to read traditional books are empowered to read in ways that work for them with specialized ebooks in audio, audio with highlighted text, large font, and braille. |
| Sight into Sound: An audio production service. |
Let us know if there is other information you need. For example, if you’re writing a paper and need some research pointers, give us a call. Remember, even though you’re an adult, we are still your public library.
Join the National Library Service (NLS) on Tuesday, July 30, at 6:00 p.m. (Central) for the first session of a new monthly program called That All May eRead, which will focus on using the NLS braille e-readers.
Each session will include a brief demonstration of a feature or use case, with time for questions about both the Zoomax and Humanware Braille eReaders.
Registration is not required. Click on the link to join: https://tinyurl.com/2rnzv5ht
These sessions will be recorded.
Join the National Library Service (NLS) for the Many Faces of BARD program on Thursday, April 11, at 6:00 p.m. (Central). NLS will provide an introduction and demonstration of the new BARD 2.0.
BARD stands for Braille and Audio Reading Download service and is a registered trademark for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
Registration is not required. The session is scheduled for one hour with time for questions. Click on the link to join: https://tinyurl.com/bdcftz98
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled and the Library of Congress are excited to be participating in America’s Field Trip, part of the official celebration of the nation’s semi quincentennial – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest inviting students in grades 3 through 12 to submit artwork, videos, or essays responding to the question “What does America mean to you?” First-place winners will have the opportunity to participate in special tours at historical, educational, and cultural sites across the country such as Yellowstone National Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Library of Congress.
The deadline to enter is May 17, 2024. Find more information and submission guidelines at https://america250.org/FieldTrip
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) is releasing BARD Mobile iOS version 2.2.2 this week, introducing enhanced features and improvements.
BARD Mobile enables NLS patrons to download and listen to audiobooks and magazines directly from their iOS devices. Registered Texas Talking Book patrons will need a BARD account and a device running iOS versions 14 through 17 to use this updated version of the app.
Among the highlights:
The app can now be operated by voice commands for playback and navigation, including stopping and resuming playback, fast-forward and rewind by various intervals, and setting a sleep timer or a bookmark. Users can add Siri shortcuts in the app’s settings.
Set up to four languages in the app’s settings and then filter search results by selecting a preferred language.
We have boosted color contrast between selected and unselected search categories. This update enhances visibility with Smart Invert, Classic Invert, and Dark Mode on.
The app supports iOS versions 14 through 17.
This is a phased release, and the version will be available to all users by February 29.