# BARD Mobile

> Free Braille and Audio Books

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id705229586](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id705229586)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id705229586`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Library Of Congress
- **Category:** Books
- **Rating:** 3.90 / 5 (196 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.2.6
- **Last updated:** 2026-07-03
- **First published:** 2013-09-19
- **Size:** 22 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-25
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bard-mobile/id705229586)
- **Website:** [https://www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/sign-up-for-bard-and-bard-mobile/](https://www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/sign-up-for-bard-and-bard-mobile/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://www.loc.gov/legal/#privacy\_policy](https://www.loc.gov/legal/#privacy_policy)

## Description

BARD Mobile brings a portable library to your pocket. Access tens of thousands of titles—from best sellers to classics, magazines, and music scores—in audio and electronic braille, with new selections added daily.

BARD Mobile is a service of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) at the Library of Congress. Eligible users include US residents and American citizens abroad who cannot read regular print. To enroll, call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) or visit loc.gov/thatallmayread; existing NLS patrons can request a BARD account through their local library. For support, guides, and FAQs, visit loc.gov/nls/braille-audio-reading-materials/bard-access/bard-mobile-ios-version/

## Rankings

- #112,415 — Overall

## Review summary

BARD Mobile is valued for its large title catalog, accessibility for blind/VI users, and offline downloads, plus ease of use. However, users report recurring login/authentication problems, downloads stuck in queue, and accessibility issues with VoiceOver and braille displays, particularly after iOS updates. Stability and cross-device syncing issues also detract from the experience and navigation challenges persist for search/browse tasks.

### Pros

- Large catalog of books with a vast selection of titles
- Accessibility-focused design for blind/visually impaired users, including human narration
- Offline access via downloading books for later listening
- User-friendly, easy-to-use interface

### Cons

- Frequent login/authentication issues (account suspensions, password resets, cross-device login problems)
- Download queue problems where items stay queued or fail to download
- VoiceOver and braille accessibility issues, especially after updates (iOS 26) with navigation and braille displays
- Stability and compatibility problems (crashes on launch, unreliable syncing, iOS compatibility)

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id705229586)