WORCESTER—The Worcester Talking Book Library (WTBL) at the Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square, excitedly announces that it has been certified to provide audio materials to readers with disabilities nationwide via BARD, the Braille and Audio Reading Download service from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) at the Library of Congress.
This certification was achieved through the Network-Produced Audiobooks Training Program by NLS, a goal WTBL has pursued since February 2024.
WTBL’s first audiobook, “The Combat Zone: Murder, Race, and Boston’s Struggle for Justice” by Jan Brogan, recorded by WTBL staffer Joel Keisling, has been cataloged as DBC03255 and is now available on BARD. This milestone highlights WTBL’s commitment to increasing the variety and accessibility of materials on the BARD service.
“We are thrilled to have our first audiobook submission available on BARD,” said Lee Anne Hooley, head of the Worcester Talking Book Library, in the announcement. “This achievement reflects our commitment to expanding access to diverse and engaging materials for our patrons. We are currently working to curate a collection of local books, and will be looking for volunteers to record these works.”
The NLS (National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled) offers a free library service for U.S. residents and American citizens abroad who have low vision, blindness, or a disability that makes reading standard print difficult. Through a nationwide network of libraries, NLS provides books and magazines in audio and braille formats, along with playback equipment, at no cost to patrons.
Additionally, materials can be downloaded online and accessed via smart devices using the BARD Mobile app. NLS also offers music instructional materials in large print, braille, ebraille, and recorded formats.
“By contributing to the BARD service, we are not only enhancing the Worcester Talking Book Library’s offerings, but also supporting a nationwide network of readers with visual and print disabilities,” said Jason Homer, executive director of the Worcester Public Library, in a statement.
For more information about the BARD service, visit loc.gov/nls/or call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323).
Send news to Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
