If your sight is poor - or if you have another disability that prevents you reading print - you can still enjoy all the pleasure a good book brings.

Our library has the largest lending collection of audiobooks in the UK in open format - that's to say, you don't need special playback equipment.

That means there is something for all tastes and you can listen anywhere, at home or on the move.

What we offer

Our postal library service includes:
a choice of almost 11,000 unabridged audiobooks for all tastes - fiction and non-fiction - chosen specially to appeal to members
over 3000 books for children and young people - read more about Young Calibre here
books read cover to cover by professional actors and broadcasters
all books in digital format on MP3 CD, memory stick or via download and streaming
free postage and no fines for late or lost books
flexible lending to suit your needs
the option to choose your books online
a friendly, personal, quick service.

There is a single administration fee of £35 (includes VAT) or £20 (includes VAT) for under 16s to join the library. Thereafter, we do not charge any subscription and there are no fines for lost, late or damaged books- anything you contribute is a purely voluntary donation. We make a small charge for our print catalogues but the online catalogue is free.

Who can join?

Female Calibre MemberYou can become a member if you have a sight problem, dyslexia or a disability that prevents you from accessing print.

Click here to find out how to join.

How the service works

When you become a member we ask you to tell us what kind of books you like to read (such as detective novels, biography and so on) and whether you want books on digital MP3 CDs,memory sticks, streaming or a combination of these media. (Click here to read more about our digital service. ) Then we do the rest, making sure you are never without a book to read. We also send out regular audio newsletters.

Children and young people 16 and under can select books by educational key stages. They can also borrow books from the main library if they wish, other than x-rated ones (which are not suitable for junior members).

Calibre books are sent to members and returned free of charge. Calibre bears the postage costs for everyone, even those who are not visually impaired and do not qualify for Articles for the Blind Scheme.

If you would like to know more about how we choose and record the books, and get them to members, click here for a tour 'behind the scenes'.

What members say

Our service is described as 'truly life-enhancing' by many of our members. Here are more comments from some of our 14,000 members or you can check out what they say on our Facebook page and on Twitter:

"The readers really bring the books to life."

"Your talking book library has opened another world for me."

"I listen when I'm ironing or in the garden."

"My mother is 90 years old, registered blind and your audio books have been a godsend for her."

"I can listen to a story whenever I want." (Joshua, aged 9)

"The service is so easy to use."

"Your audio library has given my visually impaired son many hours of enjoyment."

"No sooner do I post a book back than another two arrive."

"The new MP3 disks are so convenient and the sound quality is brilliant."

"I cannot visualize life without my Calibre books. They replace not only ordinary books but newspapers, magazines, television, knitting, sewing, even many of my activities outside the house. I cannot thank you enough."

Self Referral