BARD Mobile

Access and read talking books from NLS BARD on your Android device!

Library Of Congress · gov.loc.nls.dtb

5.0 out of 5 (1 rating) 100K+ downloads v2.1.1 38.4 MB Android 9+ PEGI 3 · Everyone

Download APK 38.4 MB All versions

Signature matches the Google Play version Details

At a glance

Latest version: v2.1.1 (149)
Updated: Jan 3, 2026 (9 months ago)
APK size: 38.4 MB
Requires: Android 9+ (API 28)
CPU support: ARM 32-bit, ARM 64-bit
Category: Books & Reference (app)
Listed since: Apr 24, 2021 (at least)
Permissions: 11 (2 sensitive)
Website: loc.gov
Developer contact: [email protected]
Privacy: Developer's privacy policy

About this APK

BARD Mobile is an app by Library Of Congress in the Books & Reference category, listed since at least April 2021. It includes native code for ARM 32-bit and ARM 64-bit, so it runs on practically every phone.

Since version 2.1.0, the APK grew from 25.1 MB to 38.4 MB. It asks for 11 permissions, 2 of them sensitive: record audio and read phone status and identity. It asks for the same permissions as version 2.1.0.

What's new in v2.1.1

This version supports Android OS versions 10-14. Other updates include: 1. Fully supported in-app search functionality, including music search and search in languages other than English. 2. The app is now fully localized for Spanish, including the TalkBack function. 3. Several bugs have been addressed in this release, enhancing the overall stability and performance of the app. Note: The User Guide is being updated and will be released at a later date.

Description

From the listing uploaded by “appupdater”.

CARRY A LIBRARY IN YOUR POCKET Access tens of thousands of books—from current best sellers to much-loved classics, popular magazines, and music instruction and scores—in audio and electronic braille, with new selections added daily. WHO IS ELIGIBLE? BARD Mobile is a service of NLS. NLS provides free audio and braille reading materials to residents of the US and American citizens living abroad who cannot read regular print. If you are blind or have temporary or permanent low vision or a physical or reading disability that prevents you from holding or reading the printed page, you may be eligible for this program. For more information, visit https://www.loc.gov/nls/about/eligibility-for-nls-services. HOW DO I GET STARTED? This app allows access for eligible users who have enrolled in the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) at the Library of Congress. To enroll, call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) and follow the prompts to find your state. Or to learn more at https://www.loc.gov/thatallmayread. If you are already an NLS patron, contact your cooperating NLS library to request a BARD account. You can find your library by visiting https://www.loc.gov/nls/find-a-local-library/. SUPPORT For support and help with BARD account issues, or to report bugs, email [email protected]. For FAQ, visit https://www.loc.gov/nls/braille-audio-reading-materials/bard-access/nls-bard-frequently-asked-questions/. For the User Guides: https://www.loc.gov/nls/braille-audio-reading-materials/bard-access/bard-mobile-android/

Version history

2 versions are listed, going back to v2.1.0.

v2.1.1 LATEST Jan 3, 2026 38.4 MB TRUSTED v2.1.0 Mar 26, 2026 25.1 MB TRUSTED

All 2 versions

Security & authenticity

Security rating: Trusted

Signing certificate

Signature matches the Google Play version Checked by the source store on Jan 3, 2026.
Certificate issued to “LOC” This is the certificate of the Google Play version.
Same certificate as the other version checked

Store checks and file details

Developer signature verified Jan 3, 2026
Validated against Google Play Jan 3, 2026
Signed byOU=NLS, O=LOC, L=Washington, ST=DC, C=US
Signing certificate (SHA-1)96:28:BA:3A:D3:7B:6E:9B:8C:6E:72:18:C3:87:D8:5E:94:FB:6E:7B
File MD5c677e4fdf4569ed6fecef2b8e00acd15
Uploaded by “appupdater” Gold tier · 117,810 followers · uploading since 2020

Scans and ratings come from the source store; the certificate comparisons are AAPKs's own, made from the files' published signatures (1 other version compared). AAPKs doesn't scan files itself — compare the MD5 and signer after downloading.

Permissions (11)

BARD Mobile requests 11 permissions, 2 of them sensitive.

Read phone status and identity Sensitive android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE
Record audio (microphone) Sensitive android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO
Control vibration android.permission.VIBRATE
Foreground service media playback android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MEDIA_PLAYBACK
Full network access android.permission.INTERNET
Internal broadcast protection (app-defined) gov.loc.nls.dtb.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION
Prevent the device from sleeping android.permission.WAKE_LOCK
Run at startup android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED
Run foreground services android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE
View network connections android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE
Write internal storage android.permission.WRITE_INTERNAL_STORAGE

Required hardware & features

Microphone android.hardware.microphone
Usb accessory android.hardware.usb.accessory

BARD Mobile APK: questions and answers

Can I install this APK over the version I already have?

Yes, if your installed copy is older. It is signed like the Google Play version, so Android installs it as an update and keeps your data.

Is the BARD Mobile APK safe?

No one can promise that a file is safe, but some things can be checked. The source store rates this file Trusted. Its signature matches the Google Play version. It is signed with the same certificate as the other version checked. After downloading, check that the file's MD5 is c677e4fdf4569ed6fecef2b8e00acd15.