The State Library Talking Books and Braille Library is the Louisiana affiliate of the National Library Service (NLS). The NLS offers wonderful services for the blind and print disabled in Louisiana and around the country. Anyone that needs these services can have them free of charge.

Here are some short videos that introduce NLS services:

• NLS Braille and Talking Books and Magazines
  NLS patrons speak about the benefits of receiving free Braille and talking books, magazines, and music materials in the mail giving them the freedom to read their way.
   
• NLS BARD and BARD Mobile
  Patrons speak about the benefits of downloading free Braille and talking books, magazines, and music materials through the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) and BARD Mobile.
   
• NLS Music Materials
  Patrons speak about the benefits of receiving free audio, Braille, and large-print music scores, texts, and other instructional materials and recordings in the mail or downloading them through BARD.

BARD Express

BARD Express is a Windows-based application that simplifies the process of searching for, downloading, and transferring audio materials to a cartridge or USB flash drive (no more having to "unzip" files).

BARD Express is designed for use on personal computers running Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. It does not run on Macintosh computers.

Here are eight videos that NLS has produced that explain the service:

• An Introduction to BARD Express
• BARD Express: Transferring Materials to a Cartridge
• BARD Express: Managing Devices
• BARD Express: Browsing the BARD Collection
• BARD Express: Tips & Tricks
• BARD Express: Using Your Wish List
• BARD Express: Setting & Changing Preferences
• BARD Express: Browsing the Recently-Added & Most-Popular Lists

New Generation Victor Stream

The New Generation Victor Stream is an NLS authorized player that can be used to download books from BARD. The following audio podcasts demonstrate how to register and use your Wi-Fi capable New Generation Victor Reader Stream device. If you need more help with Victor Stream products, contact Humanware at 1-800-722-3393.

• Stream 4.3 Audio Demo-mono
• Stream Next Gen Getting Started
• Victor Reader Stream 4.4 NLS BARD Audio Demo
• Victor Reader Stream 4.4 Podcast Audio Demo

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For more information, contact the State Library's Talking Books and Braille Department at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 800-543-4702 (225-342-0035).