If you are having difficulty reading or want to know about our full range of services, contact RNIB on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk
Buying and borrowing books
RNIB produces audio, braille and large print editions of titles originally published in standard print, which includes fiction and non-fiction books, braille music manuscripts and accessible maps:
-
the National Library Service is the largest specialist library in the UK with titles available for readers with sight loss to borrow
-
the Talking Book Service for audio book titles available for loan
-
a wide range of Daisy talking books, Daisy players and other reading resources for sale from the online shop
-
the BookStream book club so you can listen to talking book titles via your computer
-
there are over 50 large print best selling titles available to buy in your local bookshop.
Choosing books
Leisure, vocational and professional magazines
RNIB has over 30 accessible leisure and vocational magazines covering a wide range of topics and audiences including magazines for children and young people to ones for adults specialising in technology, politics, physiotherapy, shopping, literature, puzzles, music and more.
Newspapers
-
Big Print is the only national weekly newspaper with accompanying TV and Radio guide in large print.
-
National daily newspapers are available by email on an annual subscription from National Talking Newspapers and Magazines.
-
Many local newspapers can be obtained in an audio format from local Talking Newspaper groups. Contact the Talking News Federation to find your local group.
Keep up-to-date
-
New Books is our regular update for new titles available to buy and borrow from RNIB
-
Our New Product Guide is packed with information about RNIB's latest accessible products, special offers, news and events.
-
To subscribe to these publications free of charge, simply call RNIB on 0303 123 9999.
Talk about books
-
Join our readers forum to talk about books you've enjoyed.
-
Share your love of reading with others via our Telephone Book Clubs.
Accessible formats and reading aids
-
Talking Books are in the Daisy format which lets you skip to a new chapter or insert a bookmark using a lightweight player with accessible controls.
-
Our guide on electronic reading aids gives advice about reading standard print.
-
Our transcription service converts examination papers, curriculum material, magazines, financial and employment related documentation and more into braille, audio and large print.
Campaigns and events
-
Only around five per cent of material published in print is eventually produced in accessible formats such as audio, large print or braille.
-
An acute shortage of books in accessible formats means that blind and partially sighted people are often denied the right to read. RNIB believes blind and partially sighted people should be able to read the same book as everyone else, at the same time and at no extra cost.
-
Find out how you can help to raise the profile and demand of large print in the high street.
-
Make a Noise in Libraries is an annual campaign that aims to bring public libraries and blind and partially sighted people together to improve access to books and information.
Research