Reading

Joining the library

Summary: Information about getting books from the National Library Service

• How do I join the library?
• Talking books
• Requesting books from the library
• Book delivery
• Loan periods
• Returning books
• Let us know what you think
• How to contact us

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How do I join the library?

Anyone with sight loss, or acting on behalf of a blind or partially sighted person, can join the Library. Just call Customer Services on 0845 762 6843 or 01733 37 53 50 (some callers may find it cheaper to call a landline, so we have detailed both 08 prefixed numbers and landline equivalents) or email cservices@rnib.org.uk. You can also download an application form here:

• National Library Service application form (Word)
• National Library Service application form (PDF)

• Help with PDFs

Talking books

The information on this page refers specifically to books in braille, large or giant print and Moon, the process for joining Talking Books is slightly different. If you would like to receive Talking Books you can find out how to join the Talking Book Service and also how to gain access to the Learning and Skills Library.

Requesting books from the library

When you join the library, we will automatically set up a personal bookshelf for you. Your personal bookshelf is the list of books you would like to read. The list is held on computer and you can start adding titles to it straightaway.

We recommend that you aim to have at least 15 titles on your personal bookshelf. This means if some of the books on your shelf are out on loan, there are still plenty of others we can send you.

We can help you with choosing books if you are stuck for ideas. You can also suggest books which we might add to our stock. We are happy to reserve any books which are out on loan to another reader.

Book delivery

Books are delivered and returned free of charge under the Articles for the Blind scheme. We can arrange to send your books to a different address, in addition to your home address, if this helps you. This could be:

• a school or college address
• an office or work address
• a neighbour's or helper's address
• a holiday address (so books don't have to go in your luggage)

If you do not receive a book within 7 to 10 days, please ring the library. There may be a delay in the post, but we can confirm that we have dealt with your request. Please note that, although we send all volumes of a book at the same time, they can become separated in the post.

Loan periods

Braille, Moon and large or giant print books can be borrowed for up to three months. Please return your books as soon as you have read them, as other readers may be waiting. You may renew your books by phone, letter or email, unless they are required by another reader.

Returning books

The last date for returning your books is given on a braille slip which you will find with the return labels in the first volume of your consignment (alternative arrangements are made for Moon and giant print readers). The return labels are self-adhesive, simply remove the backing and stick to the address panel on the bag.

There is no need to wait until you finish the entire book before starting to return the volumes. Please return them to your local Post Office. There is no charge and no forms to fill in. If you have a problem returning your books, please let us know and we can put you in touch with Royal Mail.

Let us know what you think

We aim to provide a first class library service to all our readers. We welcome your feedback on any of our services so please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions.

How to contact us

RNIB Customer Services, opening hours: 8.45am-6pm Monday to Friday, closed Thursday 3.30pm-4.30pm, open Saturday 9am-4pm.

Telephone: 0845 762 6843

Email: cservices@rnib.org.uk

Minicom: 0845 758 5691

Fax: 01733 375001

Letter:

RNIB National Library Service
PO Box 173
Peterborough
PE2 6WS

We welcome letters in print, braille, on tape or disk, or by email.

Content author: cservices@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 08/04/2008 18:38