Libraries and learning resource centres are great places to go for reading.
They also offer other benefits like:
Here’s how to make the most of the reading resources and centres in your community.
Sensory story times are a fun and engaging way to introduce reading to young children. Many local libraries and community centres offer sensory story activities for children aged 0-5.
These activities are often accessible and inclusive and may give you ideas for reading and play at home.
Read more about early years support for children with vision impairment.
Libraries and learning resource centres in schools, colleges and other education settings often support both curricular study and extra-curricular activities. Children with vision impairment should have equal access to all facilities in their education setting, including libraries and learning resource centres.
To find out more, see our education for children with vision impairment section
Bookshare is a free online service offering over 1.3 million curriculum materials in a range of accessible formats for education professionals and parents supporting students with print disabilities including dyslexia and vision impairment:
The CFVI sets out and explains the support that children and young people with vision impairment need so they get appropriate and equitable access to education:
Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI)
Parents and carers can use the CFVI Parent and Carer Guide to understand how their child’s vision impairment support in education is planned and delivered:
Your local library often has brilliant resources available for children and young people of all ages, sometimes including sensory sacks, stories and activities. If you have a specific book or resource in mind, ask your librarian to help you find it in your preferred format or request it from another service if it's not currently available.
Libraries often provide other accessibility tools, like eBooks, audiobooks, handheld or freestanding magnifiers, and equipment with specialist apps. Talk with library staff about what equipment is available.
These digital library apps allow you to download free audio and eBooks and have accessibility settings that library staff can demonstrate:
Local libraries also often have story times or reading clubs that encourage children of all ages and abilities to enjoy reading together. Check your local library’s events page for more details of these activities.
Anyone with vision impairment can enjoy reading books and magazines using RNIB’s services.
RNIB Library
RNIB’s library collection is the UK’s largest collection of accessible reading and music materials, with thousands of accessible titles and a wide choice of genres for all ages and interests:
RNIB Reading Services
Young people can download titles from RNIB Reading Services directly to their smartphone, tablet, computer or other reading device if they have their parent or guardian’s permission.
Choose from a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles in DAISY audio and electronic braille formats:
RNIB Newsagent
Want a magazine in an accessible format? RNIB Newsagent has free subscriptions to children’s titles such as Missy, Pure, Blast Off, National Geographic Kids and First News:
If you have any difficulty accessing any library and learning resource centre provision, we can help. Contact RNIB Helpline for advice on 0303 123 9999 or [email protected].
For a list of other specialist libraries and reading resources, visit our page on Accessible formats and providers.
RNIB provides free, specialist advice and support for children and young people with vision impairment – from birth to age 25 – and their families.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, or you’d like more information about anything mentioned on this page, we can help.
We offer:
Please contact our Helpline on 0303 123 9999.