Libraries are free to join and if you are blind or partially sighted, you are entitled to a concessionary library card which lets you borrow most talking books, DVDs and music CDs free of charge. 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.
Talking Books
Talking books are available from all community and mobile libraries, The concessionary library card allows you to request items free of charge.
Bee Aware scheme
Shropshire Libraries has signed up to the "Bee Aware" scheme. This provides you with a one stop shop for books on tape, CD, Braille and Moon, in large and giant print. You can order material from Calibre, RNIB (Royal National institute for the Blind) National Library Service and TNAUK (Talking Newspapers Association of UK) through your local library. Some of the suppliers impose conditions on what they loan: also the availability of titles in different formats is limited. Your local library will be able to help - just let the staff know which title you want to read and what format you need. Children with visual impairments can use this service too.
DVDs
Libraries have audio described DVDs which blind and partially sighted adults and children can borrow. 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. These DVDs play on ordinary equipment and a special player is not necessary.
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 and The Library at the Lantern in north Shrewsbury have CCTV for your use. This magnifies print to make it easier for you to read newspapers, magazines, papers, letters and books.
Access to digital technology
You can use word processing software and access the Internet on People's Network computers free of charge in all libraries. Microsoft builds accessibility features into it's programmes and Supernova accessibility software is available in some libraries, please ask for details.
Larger libraries have a large print high visibility keyboard available for use by members of the public. There is also a spare keyboard which can be sent to any other library where there is a local need. It is hoped eventually to have adapted keyboards available in all libraries.