Payment service unavailable - We are making important improvements to our payment system, so phone and online payments won't be available from Tuesday 26 November to Wednesday 4 December. Find out more about the improvements and other ways to pay during this time.

Audiobooks

Free talking books if you are visually impaired or can't hold printed material

Navigate this page
Back to Libraries

Contents

Free talking books if you are visually impaired or can't hold printed material

Get startedApplyChargesDyslexia

Get started

You can borrow talking books free of charge if you:

  • are registered blind or partially sighted
  • have a physical disability which prevents you from holding or using printed books
  • are dyslexic

Apply

To apply for this service you should ask your doctor, optician or specialist social worker to fill in the ‘Audiobooks Application Form’ for you. The form can be downloaded below:

You should then take it to your local library. Or you can show an Royal National Institute of Blind People card or other proof of your visual condition to staff.

Charges

There is no charge for requesting or borrowing talking books if you qualify for the free service. However, you will be charged for overdue items and a charge will also be made for any lost or damaged items.

Dyslexia

For children with dyslexia, a signature from a teacher is required.

For adults with dyslexia, a signature from a basic skills tutor or a teacher certified by the British Dyslexia Association is required.

Return the completed application form to your local library where staff will be available to help you select talking book titles.

Last updated: February 29, 2024

Next review due: August 29, 2024

Back to top