Our progress and achievements
1926 Our pioneering work begins
Many First World War soldiers were blinded in action and found braille too difficult to learn on their return from the Front. So, in 1926 we began testing the possibility of the concept of a Talking Book, using long-playing records which were played on gramophones. In fact, it was thanks to RNIB's trailblazing that LPs were eventually adopted by the music industry in the UK!
1935 First Talking Books sent out
On 7 November 1935, RNIB sent out the first Talking Books to blind and partially sighted people including 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' by Agatha Christie and 'Typhoon' by Joseph Conrad. The books were recorded on 12-inch discs made from shellac and each side lasted 25 minutes so that a typical book or novel would fit onto ten double sided records. Listen to an extract from one of the first Talking Books.
By September 1937, 966 machines had been sent out to readers with 42 new titles recorded.
1940 Keep calm and carry on
The service was dealt a severe blow. The recording studio and production unit were bombed during the war. Undeterred, a temporary studio was set up only to suffer the same fate some months later. One recording machine had fortunately survived both bombs and so recording began once again in August 1941.
1949 New research breakthrough
After the war ended, the number of library members grew as research continued to look at new ways of improving the service. In 1949 magnetic tape began to look like a viable alternative to replace gramophone records.
1960 First Talking Book tape player
The new Talking Book player which played 'tape' was introduced for the first time. The cassette was so big and heavy the postman had to deliver it separately to the normal mail. To return it to the library the member had to take it back to the Post Office rather than post it in the post box!
1977 Recording gets revolutionary
Recording had now switched to ¼" tape at the new Talking Book studios. There were three studio suites, which consisted of two studios and a control room. Engineers recorded two books simultaneously, using professional narrators.
2002 Talking Books go digital
In 2002 we were recording books digitally and had sent out our new 21st century Talking Book players. Listen to an extract from a contemporary Talking Book.
Talking Books are now issued on unique long-playing CDs which can hold more material than standard CDs. The players are designed for ease-of-use by people with sight problems. Find out more about how the Talking Books service works.
2010 Talking Books 75th anniversary
This year RNIB celebrates the 75th anniversary of Talking Books and looks back on a proud history. Since the service started we have issued over 75 million books to more than two million people. Our service now boasts the largest library of unabridged audio books in the UK. From a collection of nearly 18,000 titles, customers can choose to read anything from thrillers to travel, romances to comedy, sci-fi to westerns.
The future of Talking Books
We're currently investigating new Talking Book formats, such as memory sticks and downloads. We're also exploring ways to offer a wider range of audio players. From late 2011, our new library computer system will enable customers to browse for books more easily and manage their own reading lists online.
Make a donation
We need your help to fund our vital services for blind and partially sighted people in the UK. Right now we can only reach one in three of the people who need our help most.
Please make a donation and help us reach them all.
A third of our vital work helping people with sight loss is only possible thanks to people continuing their support through a legacy gift. Find out how you can leave a gift to RNIB in your Will.