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Talking books

If you have sight problems, an alternative to reading a book may be to listen to a talking book.

Commercially recorded talking books on standard cassette tapes are available for loan from all Calderdale Libraries.

People who are blind or partially sighted can borrow talking books free of charge. This also applies to any borrower who is unable to read in the ordinary way, due to having had a Stroke or being a sufferer of arthritis or any other reason.

In order to benefit from this free service we ask that you bring written confirmation from your Doctor or Social Worker when you first apply.

Many people find that listening to a talking book gives them a great deal of pleasure.

New titles are added to stock on a regular basis and titles are circulated between all our libraries.

If you enjoy listening to talking books, why not join a Readers' Group?

Akroyd Library Talking Book Readers' Group

This popular group meet to chat over tea and biscuits to talk about the books they have listened to.

The group includes many people who are visually impaired and if required it is possible to be picked up and dropped home by the Access Bus. This enables lone visually impaired people to access library facilities.

If you enjoy listening to talking books and feel that you would enjoy taking part in a readers' group contact:

• Name
• Wendy at Akroyd Library
• Telephone
• 01422 352277.

Speaking Volumes project

This project has been made possible with funding from Yorkshire Museums, Library & Archives Council and the Arts Council to bring the enjoyment of reading, and involvement in reading activities, to people with a visual impairment through public libraries in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

The scheme aims to give access to a significant number of large talking book collections in the region to encourage visually impaired readers to enjoy access to books from leading authors.

As well as inviting readers to participate in Talking Book Readers' Groups, the project offers further support with the help of a fully accessible, informative and interactive website.

Speaking Volumes|

Other sources of talking books

There are other sources of recorded books available for visually impaired users. The 3 major ones are:

• Royal National Institute for the Blind| - Talking Book Service
  Telephone 0181 9036666
• Calibre Audio Library|
  Telephone 01296 432339
• Talking Newspapers and Magazines|
  Telephone 01435 866102.

For more information regarding talking books, please telephone 01422 392614 or Fax 01422 392615.

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