Announcements and Notices
Last updated: 07/07/2026.
Topic for July Patron Corner
On Monday, July 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. eastern time, the NLS Patron Engagement Section will host a Patron Corner. The topic for this program is Celebrating 20 Years of BARD: From Analog to Digital. The program will feature NLS narrators who have experienced both sides of the coin. The session will last 90 minutes and will be the first of two sessions celebrating the 20th anniversary of BARD, which NLS began pilot testing in 2006. (Part two is scheduled for October.)
These meetings are not hosted by the Florida Braille and Talking Book Library, however, they are hosted by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress, for all users.
Please join us at:
https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1655016252?pwd=NGMDuSL7yLCTFWCb5oi6euoNWlpnG6.1 .
When you join this Zoom event, you will be in the waiting room until the program starts. When you enter the room, you will be muted. Please stay on mute unless you are called on. If you want to ask a question, you may raise your hand by pressing Alt Y on your computer or Star 9 on your phone. Once you are called on, press Alt A on your computer or Star 6 on your phone to unmute yourself.
This meeting will be recorded. If you do not wish to be recorded, we ask that you avoid speaking during the call. Also, please note that since we are using Zoom.gov for these sessions, if you choose to dial in, you must use the Zoom.gov phone numbers provided. The regular Zoom phone numbers will not allow access to the Zoom.gov IDs.
Following is additional Zoom access information:
Join Zoom Meeting
One tap mobile: US: +16692545252,,1655016252# or +16468287666,,1655016252#
Meeting URL: https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1655016252?pwd=NGMDuSL7yLCTFWCb5oi6euoNWlpnG6.1
Meeting ID: 165 501 6252
Passcode: 664221
Join by Telephone
Dial:
+1 646 828 7666 US (New York)
+1 646 964 1167 US (US Spanish Line)
Meeting ID: 165 501 6252
Smart Speaking to the Smart Speaker, July 2026
The topic for the Thursday, July 16, 2026, Smart Speaking to the Smart Speaker online program will be Updated Preference Options in the My Talking Books Skill on Alexa: Part 1. After the presentation and demonstration, we will answer any questions you have about the My Talking Books skill for Alexa-enabled smart speakers.
These meetings are not hosted by the Florida Braille and Talking Book Library, however, they are hosted by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress, for all users.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. eastern time and will last for one hour. The meeting will be recorded. To access the meeting, go to: https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1613454948?pwd=2ag8UwHBsBuV12Ca4pqHAXaQeTMFvl.1
Remember that the meeting is recorded. Do not speak if you do not wish to be on the recording. If you wish to speak, you may request to do so by raising your hand. On a PC, press Alt Y to toggle raising and lowering your hand; on a Mac, press Option Y; and if dialing in via telephone, press Star 9. To mute or unmute yourself on a PC, press Alt A; on a Mac, press Command-Shift A; and on a telephone, press Star 6. If you choose to dial in to the call, use the telephone numbers provided below. The Zoom.gov ID will not work with standard Zoom.us.
The complete Zoom invitation is below. To review past programming, please go to https://www.loc.gov/nls/news-and-updates/smart-speaking-to-the-smart-speaker.
Meeting URL: https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1613454948?pwd=2ag8UwHBsBuV12Ca4pqHAXaQeTMFvl.1
Meeting ID: 161 345 4948
Passcode: 912911
Join by Telephone
Dial:
+1 646 828 7666 US (New York)
+1 646 964 1167 US (US Spanish Line)
Meeting ID: 161 345 4948
5 each month to keep
You may request up to 5 titles per month with the updated Braille on Demand program from NLS, these are books you can keep!
The form to request a braille-on-demand book can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NLSbrailleondemand.
Patrons may complete the form themselves or contact their network library for assistance. They may also contact NLS Reference at nlsref@loc.gov for assistance in completing the form.
Longer Book Descriptions
NLS is now using publisher-provided book descriptions for new titles added to the collection in Braille Book Review, Talking Book Topics, and on BARD and in the catalog.
These publisher descriptions are longer and present richer, more detailed book descriptions to NLS patrons that is routinely used by other libraries and book providers. These descriptions provide more insight into book topics and will make it easier for patrons to identify and search titles of interest.
New Improved NLS Catalog
Finding your next great read is easier than ever with the new NLS Catalog search features! NLS Catalog boasts a new, clean design and advanced search functionality, direct links to BARD from catalog listings for quick downloads, and for the first time, patrons can directly request books to add to our collection! Patrons will also find links to contact a librarian and other resources to get the most out of NLS. Start exploring the catalog here: https://nlscatalog.loc.gov.
Get NLS News in your Inbox!
Want to get the latest news and updates from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled? NLS’s Patron Engagement Section now hosts an announce-only listserv that will include announcements about NLS programs, services, and products that might be of interest to patrons. New announcements will be posted to the list few times a week. If you are interested in signing up for this listserv, please send your name and email address to the Patron Engagement Section at NLSPES@loc.gov. You will be able to unsubscribe yourself from the list at any time. So email NLSPES@loc.gov now!
Getting Help Downloading
Technology is wonderful when it works. However, when something goes wrong, sometimes it can seem as though it takes forever to get the right help.
Email NLSDownload@loc.gov for immediate help straight from the experts. Be sure to include the email address you use for BARD/BARD Express and specific details about what device you are using, and what error messages you are getting. You cannot give too much information!
