National Library Service
A Free Reading Resource for Seniors
Reading is a fundamental activity that supports cognitive health. Whether reading for entertainment, to learn something new, or to stay informed, it can be a great way to keep the mind healthy and fit. As a person ages, however, declines in vision can make standard-sized text harder to read, or arthritic hands can make a book hard to hold. While audiobooks can be a solution for this, they often require an expensive smart device and regularly purchased content to maintain variety.
To better support those with vision impairments or who can’t handle print materials easily, the National Library Service Braille and Audio Reading Download program (NLS BARD) is a free service that’s supported by the federal government’s Library of Congress. The program offers a wide variety of audiobooks (including fiction, non-fiction, magazines, or newspapers), can loan playback equipment, and offers training to use any audiobook device.
To be eligible for NLS services, you must have a visual or physical impairment that prevents you from reading standard print. You’ll need to apply to the program, and once approved, you can borrow by mail or download to a personal device up to 12 audiobooks at a time (and renew them as often as needed). Physical audiobooks are mailed to you free of charge, and you can return them by mail or at any participating library.
The NLS BARD program is offered in every state, can assist in obtaining foreign language content, and is available in many different formats. If you or someone you know is interested in receiving more information about this program, you can call their -toll-free help desk at 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323) or click on the link below. Everyone should be able to enjoy the benefits of reading and the NLS BARD program provides a variety of free services that can help anyone do so.
https://www.loc.gov/nls/about/overview/
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