Whether you're a young bookworm or a teenage book addict, we've got something for you at the library. We recommend that you join the library yourself, rather than just through your school or college, so that you can enjoy everything we offer directly. Contact us by email at library@rnib.org.uk or call 0303 123 9999.
We don't have books for the very youngest children (ages 0-4) - these are provided by ClearVision or your local library can help.
What you can borrow
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A choice of over 2,000 books in giant print, braille or audio
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Borrow up to six books at a time. Postage is free.
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Lots to choose from - adventure, love, fantasy, funny stories, stories about animals, families or underpants and aliens!
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You can also borrow poetry and non-fiction books on topics like cookery, pets and sport.
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Borrow classic stories like Thomas the Tank Engine, James and The Giant Peach and Watership Down. Or find books by favourite authors such as Jacqueline Wilson, Garth Nix and J.K. Rowling.
Finding the right book
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Our Children's Librarian can help you find the books you want to read and suggest others you might never have thought of trying. Send an email to childrenslibrarian@rnib.org.uk or call 0161 355 2061
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You can search our catalogue on the website at Library Catalogue or download our book lists on themes like relationships, detective stories and sport.
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Pick up tips and ideas in the 'Bookbox' section of our Read On magazine. 'Bookbox' is just for young readers and is full of book reviews and interviews with your favourite authors.
Books for learning
If you're trying to get an answer for your homework, or you want to know more about a hobby, we can help. In addition to non fiction books, we offer free online reference services including newspapers, magazines, dictionaries and encyclopedias.
Birthday books
We send all our young readers a birthday book up to the age of 12 so that you can build up a collection of favourites to keep at home. Each year on your birthday, you will receive a book token and a list of books to choose from in giant print, braille or audio.
For parents and teachers
We welcome enquiries from parents, teachers and other professionals working with blind and partially sighted children. Our Children's Librarian can provide advice about supporting the reading needs of children with sight loss.
RNIB National Library Service does not loan text books although many of our fiction and non fiction titles do support the National Curriculum. For information on school subjects and curriculum issues, email our Curriculum Information Officer children@rnib.org.uk.
Other sources of help
Ways of Reading is a free leaflet designed to help you find reading materials in accessible formats for children of all ages who are blind or partially sighted - for pleasure, information or school work.