Borrowing a Talking Book

Choosing a Talking Book

You can choose up to six Talking Books at a time. There are a variety of ways to choose books and you can also get support from professional librarians.

Using our Talking Book Catalogue helps you search for any audio book currently available for loan.

Our New Books magazine tells you all about the latest books available.

Borrowing and returning Talking Books

Each CD has your address details printed on it and is sent out in a re-useable square cardboard wallet with a Velcro fastening.

You will automatically receive up to six popular titles upon subscription, to keep you going until we receive your personal selection.

Adding Talking Books to your selection list

When you subscribe to the Talking Book Service, we need to know what books you wish to borrow. You can complete the 'Reading Preferences' selection list on the application form or contact us to tell us about your favourite authors, titles or genres. You can update and amend this list at any time.
  • When we receive your list, every time you return a book, another choice will be automatically sent out to you.
  • There is no limit to the number of titles you can have on your selection list at any one time (we recommend at least 20).
  • You'll get a brand new CD each delivery and you'll receive books in the order you've specified in your selection list. Just return your book when you're ready.
  • There are no late delivery charges.

Free postage for Talking Books

The re-usable wallet has our return address, so returning your CDs is easy. Simply turn the CD over so the raised lip side is visible through the wallet's window and drop it in the post.

Postage is free under the Articles for the Blind scheme.

Last updated: 20 December 2011

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.

Subscribe online today!

Join our Talking Book service today and choose from the UK's largest collection of unabridged audio books on CD.

Our fast on-demand service means you receive the books you want to read straight away.

The gift of reading

Treat a loved one to a gift subscription to Talking Books.