Here is a list of a range of library services available to customers of Manchester Libraries with visual impairments.
We work with various partners to bring our customers the widest range of accessible audio books and e books. These include –
Borrowbox Audio Books and E-Books
Our Borrowbox app has thousands of books in audio and ebook format to download and borrow for free. The e-books also have the option to change the background colour of the page and increase the font size to much larger print.
RB Digital Audio Books
Access 1000’s of audio books for free from the RB Digital app! There are unlimited copies available, so there’s always a wide range to choose from.
Ulverscroft Audio Books
Ulverscroft have a special offer for our customers! Free unlimited access to over 500 bestselling e-audiobooks. You just need to register on their website.
Other Services Available to our Customers –
Books to Go – Housebound Service
Books to Go provides a home delivery service for Manchester residents. If you have limited mobility, a visual impairment or any difficulty leaving your home, you are invited to apply to become a Books to Go customer.
Our central store of over 30,000 items of stock means that we are bound to have what you like to read. We have books in both ordinary and large-print size, talking books and DVDs
British Wireless For The Blind – Keeping Everyone Connected
Our Books to Go team also work with our partners at British Wireless for the Blind.
Living with sight loss can be lonely and isolating, causing many to revert into themselves only making this issue worse. The British Wireless for the Blind Fund aims to ease these feelings by providing the joy of sound along with the companionship of radio.
Our Books to Go team work with the charity to deliver specially adapted audio equipment to those who would not usually be able to afford it, on a free loan to visually impaired people across Manchester.
Henshaws Digital Assessment
Digital assessments & training across Greater Manchester. Are you struggling to read books. newspapers, letters or product labels? Do you find it more difficult to keep in touch with friends and family? Our partner Henshaws can help. Find out more information here.
More support and information from National Organisations
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is one of the UK’s leading sight loss charities and the largest community of blind and partially sighted people.
They recognise everyone’s unique experience of sight loss and offer help and support for blind and partially sighted people – this can be anything from practical and emotional support, campaigning for change and reading services.
Clearvision
ClearVision is a postal lending library of children’s books designed to be shared by visually impaired and sighted children and adults. They lend books in print and braille, and tactile format across the UK and Ireland.
