Services for visually impaired people

Bradford Libraries: Reading and listening material in accessible formats

If you would like to listen to this page, please use the BrowseAloud feature on this page.

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

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

In order to borrow books in any of these formats you need to be a member of the library. There is no charge for borrowing CDs and Playaways.

If you need help registering 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 cigarette packet.

The borrower supplies headphones and an AA battery.

There is a list of titles to borrow and instructions at the bottom of this page or check our catalogue for a list of playaway titles which you can reserve online.

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/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/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

City Library now have a new digital magnifier.  This was bought for the library by a local charity, in conjunction with Bradford Libraries Access Group.

The new Optelec ClearView C Speech is a unique 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 until it is suitable for viewing.  The machine can also read the text aloud to you (not handwritten text).  Select your preferred reading voice and sit back, relax, and listen to documents as they are read aloud. Combining a clear voice with magnification or high contrast makes reading so much easier.

The digital magnifier is located on the first floor of City Library.  Anybody wishing to use the equipment will need to speak to staff to first and they will be given the control panel.

Mood boosting books

Bradford Libraries now have a collection of Reading Well Mood-boosting Books.  This is a national promotion of uplifting titles, including novels, poetry and non-fiction. The books are all recommended by readers and reading groups.  Please visit the Reading Well website to see which titles are available.