Reading

RNIB National Library Service

Summary: Everything you need to know about your library.

What can your library offer you?

RNIB National Library Service is the largest specialist library in the UK for readers with sight loss with over 40,000 titles. You can borrow up to six books at a time. Postage is free.

How to join

Anyone who wants to read books in alternative formats can join the library. Please contact our Customer Services Team:

Telephone: 0845 762 6843 or 01733 37 53 50
Minicom: 0845 758 5691
Email: cservices@rnib.org.uk
Fax: 01733 37 50 01

You can download an application form:

Some callers may find it cheaper to call a landline, so we have detailed both 08 prefixed numbers and landline equivalents.

Choosing books

Read our guide to buying and borrowing books from RNIB: get the book you want. We also provide book lists to give you ideas, or ask one of our librarians to make a list for you. For in-depth reading advice please contact our Reader Services Team:

Telephone: 01733 37 53 33
Email: libraryinfo@rnib.org.uk

More places to search for books:

  • You could also try:

Library news

Visit our new library news page:

Reader's forum

Talk with others about books on the new RNIB Reader's forum. Just go to the board and register to join in or simply browse the messages. Your comments and views are welcomed, especially if you have never posted a message to the forums before.

Magazines

In Read On we will tell you about the services and books on offer and we’ll also bring you information about events and exciting new developments. The magazine is free and is sent out to all library users or you can download a copy.

New Books magazine is an update of all new book titles available for loan and sale from RNIB, designed to make it easy for you to choose the books you want to read. New Books is free and is sent to all library users and is also available to browse online or to download.

Other magazines from RNIB:

You might also like to try Big Print, the only national weekly newspaper with an accompanying TV and Radio guide in large print. Big Print is available on subscription in the UK and costs £1.18 per issue. You can choose from quarterly, half yearly or annually, and postage and delivery is free of charge.

RNIB also offers a wide range of leisure magazines covering topics from music, current affairs and celebrity gossip to education, employment and vocational support.

Research Library

The RNIB Research Library is Europe’s largest, most comprehensive and diverse collection of print and electronic materials covering all aspects sight loss. The library primarily provides research information in print and electronic formats.

Right to Read

RNIB believes that people with sight problems should be able to read the same book as everyone else, at the same time and at no extra cost. Help us to defend your rights by involving yourself in the Right to Read campaign.

The Copyright (Visually Impaired Persons) Act 2002 means that people with sight problems can get an accessible copy of a book for their own use without having to apply for permission.

Content author: cservices@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 27/08/2008 10:05

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When helping a blind person on steps you should:





Your stories

Mary’s story – Mary joined a Telephone Book Club and meets new people over the phone who share her passion. "I live alone. I’ve always been quite active but suddenly I find that I’m not. Reading is my biggest pleasure, I’ve read all my life. The group is very good if you live alone. You get to know other people." Mary’s full story.