News about reading

Keep up with the latest news about all things reading, from RNIB's National Library and Talking Books, to the latest reviews of eBook readers.

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Latest news

The joy of ebooks

We were delighted to read this eloquent letter, which was published in a national newspaper

Satisfied readers' requests

What would you like to see in the library? We are always happy to hear which books our readers would like to see us add to the library. Because of limited resources we can't promise that it will get chosen, but all requests are considered. Here's a few titles successfully suggested by readers.

Downton Abbey star narrates audiobook

For those of us who love audiobooks, it's great to hear about the growing popularity and increasing availability of unabridged audiobooks. The Galaxy National Book awards this year created a new category especially for audiobooks, and the winner was Louisa Young's "My Dear I Wanted to Tell You", narrated by Dan Stevens. He's the star of the massive television hit Downton Abbey. Dan is a "long-term convert" to audiobooks and talks eloquently of how much he enjoys acting out characters in audio.

World Book Night 2012

Do you love a book so much you want everyone to read it? Sign up to give away free audio books on World Book Night and you can share your passion for reading with others.

Braille and giant print reader preferences

In October we wrote to all braille and giant print readers to ask for information about your reading preferences. This is important because we will be introducing a new computer system later next year and we need to know what kind of books you enjoy reading so we can prepare in advance.

ebook readers event

RNIB National Library Service is hosting an introduction to ebook readers event at National Library Service, Bredbury near Stockport on Wednesday 8th February 10am -12.30pm and 1.30 to 4.00pm and Thursday 9th February 2012, 10am -12.30pm and 1.30 to 4.00pm.

Quiz winner

Well done to Katherine Healey from Buckingham who named all the rib ticklers in our last quiz correctly. We're bidding farewell to the quiz but we couldn't just leave you wondering about the answers.

Braille donations to the Library

The Library often receives offers of braille books. Unfortunately, we no longer run an Overseas Gifts Programme, so we ask that anyone wishing to donate braille books contact the library first to check whether the titles are needed.

Switch on to technology!

Technology isn't just about having the latest gadget; it's about making life easier. Many of the latest high street products are designed with blind and partially sighted people in mind. It's often just about knowing how to access the right features. This is something that Maggy Bower discovered after purchasing an Amazon Kindle.

Kidz up north

If you are a parent of a blind or partially sighted child, make a note in your diary about the Kidz Up North exhibition at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton, on Thursday, 24 November 2011, 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Last updated: 20 September 2012

Make a donation

Right now we can only reach one in three of the people who need our help most.

Please make a donation and help us support more blind and partially sighted people.