Library services for blind and partially sighted people

If you are blind or partially sighted, some library services are free. All you need is a concessionary library card. Follow the link on this page to find out more about concessionary membership.

All libraries and mobile libraries have large print books and talking books and you can borrow these free of charge. If you cannot find what you want please ask the staff and they will get it for you, also free of charge.

A leaflet " Library services for sensory impaired people" is available for download from this page

Talking Books

There are lists available to help you choose a talking book on tape and/or CD. Each list covers a different type of book - Adventure and Horror, Crime, Family stories, Modern life, Romantic adventure, Westerns and General fiction. The non-fiction types are Biography and Reminiscence, Comedy, General Interest, Health and Fitness, History, Poetry and plays, Religion and Travel.

The latest lists can be read on-line or downloaded from the page called "Talking Books at the library". Please follow the link on this page. If you would prefer a printed version of the list, please ask. You can request a monthly update of new titles on talking book by e-mail.

Be Aware campaign

Shropshire Libraries has signed up to the "Be Aware" campaign. This provides you with a one stop shop for books on tape, CD, Braille, Moon and large print. You can order material from Calibre; RNIB (Royal National institute for the Blind); NLB (National Library for the Blind); and TNAUK (Talking Newspapers Association of UK) through your local library. You need to be a member to borrow books from some of the suppliers. Your local library will be able to help - just ask for details. Children with visual impairments can borrow large print books and Braille books free of charge as well as books on tape and CD. Ask your local library to get the books for you.

DVDs

Blind and partially sighted adults and children can also borrow Audio described videos and DVDs free of charge. These are popular films that have been enhanced for your enjoyment with a narrator describing the action when the characters are not speaking and does not interfere with the action of the film. The videos and DVDs play on ordinary video and DVD players - no special equipment is needed.

Home Library Service

If you are unable to visit a library due to your disability, you can apply for the Home Library Service. Please follow the link on this page for more information.

Closed circuit TV magnifier

Ludlow Library, The Library at the Lantern, Sundorne, Shrewsbury and the Reference Library in Shrewsbury have CCTV for your use. This magnifies print to make it easier for you to read newspapers, magazines, papers, letters and books.

Supernova software

You can access the Internet and use word processing software on People's Network computers free of charge in all libraries. Supernova accessibility software is available in some libraries, please ask for details.

Learning to touch type

This is a three tape course from the RNIB to help blind and partially sighted people of all ages to learn to touch type. you can request it from any library.

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