RNIB library holds one of the largest collections of accessible format music outside of the USA.
The music library is free to members of the RNIB Library.
You can choose from a wide range of vocal and instrumental scores, from classical pieces and opera to popular music and jazz.
You can find out more and sign up below.
Our music library is enjoyed by amateur and professional musicians as well as music teachers and students.
Whether you're an established musician, have been inspired to learn a new skill or want to revive an old hobby we have something for you.
We offer:
Braille music is based on the same six dots as traditional braille letters but in addition there are separate symbols for each note, key, tempo and duration.
Once mastered, the braille music code opens up a world of pleasure and fulfilment and keeps the magic of playing an instrument alive.
We offer:
Our giant print music scores are in a format called Modified Stave Notation (MSN). The books are in 16mm MSN, which means the stave measures just over a centimetre and a half and the notation is sized to fit. Any text is in 24 point bold text and the books are A4-sized.
Telephone: 0303 123 9999
Email: [email protected]
Our Giant Print lending library facility will be closing from 31 January 2021 to be replaced with new systems that offer our readers a better service.
The current library was built to serve thousands and thousands of people. Today it has around a thousand readers, each borrowing an average of six books per year. It has become unsustainable. Over the past two years, more than half of the collection has not been borrowed at all.
The majority of our readers have already voted with their feet and switched over to RNIB’s Online Reading Services with over 35,000 downloads in October alone. These digital services offer a far greater choice of books, in a wide variety of digital formats suiting braille and print users. For those readers who have a continued need for giant printed books, from February our new print on demand service will offer those readers a much better free "print on demand" book delivery service.
“I would like to reassure everyone that they will still be able to access the giant print books they want," explained David Clarke, RNIB's director of services.
“This move represents a significant upgrade for our library readers. At present the Giant Print Library stocks only 3,000 children’s books and only offers them in 24pt text.
“From 1 February 2021, the Giant Print Library will be replaced. Our customer feedback suggests that the majority of readers will favour the convenience of eBooks, supplied through our Bookshare platform, giving our young readers instant access to over 20,000 children’s titles. However, we are aware that some readers will prefer, or require, a paper book. From February, our free Personal Transcription Service will incorporate Print On Demand books from the Bookshare collection."
For those readers choosing to switch to eBooks, we recognise that not every family has access to a tablet or a Kindle, so we can offer technology grants and supplies. If you have any further questions or concerns regarding this transition, please contact our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email [email protected].
Find out more about the Giant Print library closure and alternative ways to read.
Audio tuition courses are ideal if you are unable to access a score. All audio tuition courses are only available for loan on standard audio CD and are part of the free music services.
Learning to play music by ear can be challenging if you are used to sight reading your music, but it can be very rewarding and once mastered means the joy of playing an instrument can continue.
The Music Advisory Service team are always happy to help if you need advice on playing, performing, teaching or even just listening to music. Visit the music pages or email them at [email protected]
Accessing personal transcription is quick and easy. Call your regional centre in Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow or Ivybridge or RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.
For more information or to sign up for our music library, get in touch:
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