Services for visually impaired people

Bradford Libraries: Reading and listening material in accessible formats

At Bradford Libraries we are working to improve the services we offer to people with a sight loss.

You can often read the book of your choice in a format that best suits your needs. Bradford Libraries support several different formats, including Large Print, Audio CD, Playaway MP3, e-Books and e-Audio books.

Please note - a single title is sometimes available in more than one format. Not all titles are available in all formats.

To borrow books in any of these formats you need to be a member of the library. There is no charge for borrowing items in any of the different formats we stock, including CDs and Playaway MP3s.

If you need help to join the library or have any questions please call into any library or telephone our 24 Hour Automated Service for information about libraries in the district including opening times and direct telephone numbers – the number is 01274 430094

Large print

A large selection of titles available to borrow in 16 point type.

Audio CDs

Books read by an actor and recorded onto a number of CDs which are borrowed in a plastic case.

Advantages

They can be played on a standard CD or DVD player or in a car

Disadvantages

• Difficulty in playing the discs in the correct order
• Difficulty in book marking where you have got to.

Play away MP3

One book is recorded onto an MP3 device which is about the size of a single tape cassette.

You will need to supply your own headphones and an AA battery to use this device.

There are instructions on using Play away MP3s in the Documents section of this page.

You can search for Play away MP3 titles on the Library catalogue by selecting “sound recording” from the format options in Advanced Search. MP3s are described as ABD in the “material type” section of your search results.

Advantages

• Very portable, and can be taken on holiday
• Do not need a specific device to play them
• Can easily bookmark your reading
• Can change the volume or speed of reading

e-Audiobooks

e-Audiobooks are digital books that you download and listen to on your computer. You can also download directly to your smart phone/tablet.

They are read aloud by an actor.

Advantages

• Very portable, and can be taken on holiday
• Do not need a specific device to play them – you can use your phone or tablet
• Can easily bookmark your reading

Disadvantages

You need to be a little computer-savvy to download the books

e-books

An electronic book or e-book is a book-length publication in digital form readable on computers or other electronic devices, such as mobile phones and tablets.

Our ebook collection is continually growing.

Advantages

• The size of the text can be changed to suit the reader
• Very portable
• Do not need a specific device to play them – you can use your phone or tablet or computer
• You can download directly to your phone or tablet.
• Can easily bookmark your reading

Disadvantages

You need to be a little computer-savvy to download the books

E-Magazines and newspapers

Digital magazine/newspaper service that provides access to popular and recreational newspaper/magazines offering a quick and easy way for our library customers to read digital copies of their favourite newspapers and magazines. Using a PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet, you will be able to access Bradford Libraries’ selected digital magazines from wherever you are.

Advantages

• The size of the text can be changed to suit the reader
• Very portable
• Do not need a specific device to play them – you can use your phone or tablet or computer
• You can download directly to your phone or tablet.
• Can easily bookmark your reading
• Many articles have audio-commentary

Access2Books - Braille

Bradford Libraries has added a range of picture books for very young children with added Braille for parents/carers with sight loss.

These are located at City Library, Keighley Library and Shipley Library. As with any other book in the district's libraries these can be reserved at any library, or online and they can be collected from a library of your choice.

Please see PDF on this page for the list of titles.

Telephone numbers for libraries with copies are

• City Library - 01274 433600
• Keighley Library - 01535 618212
• Shipley Library - 01274 437150

Digital magnifier

Bradford Local Studies Library has a digital magnifier. This was bought for the library by a local charity, in conjunction with Bradford Libraries Access Group.

The Optelec ClearView C is a desktop video magnifier that is designed to improve the reading experience for those with poor vision. You can place a book or document on the base and then enlarge the text and change the contrast until it is suitable for viewing.

If you wish to use the Digital Magnifier please contact the Bradford Local Studies team on 01274 433688 or visit the Bradford Local Studies web page for address and contact details.

Home Library Service

If you are physically unable to make use of your local library, and live at home in the Bradford Metropolitan District, you may well be eligible to benefit from the Home Delivery service from Bradford Libraries.

A member of our Home Libraries team will make an initial visit to your home to discuss your reading needs. When you use this service, we will visit every four weeks on the same agreed day and time, bringing a selection of books for you to choose from in the comfort of your own home.

There is no charge for the service - it is absolutely free - and you can borrow books in standard format or large print. We also offer audio books which can be played on an ordinary CD player for you to listen to.

If we do not have the books you want, you can request them for free and we will try and borrow them from another library.

If you are interested in applying or wish to find out more, please contact us on 01274 433669 or email: [email protected]