Archive Website of the UK government

Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.

Archive brought to you by Cross Stitch UK

Main menu

Wednesday, 3 October 2023

Books, magazines and newspapers in accessible formats

If you are blind or visually impaired it is possible to enjoy books, magazines and newspapers in accessible formats. This includes Braille, large print and audio versions.

Talking books

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has a large library of talking books. There is a subscription cost and you will need to get the application form signed by your local doctor or ophthalmologist. This is to confirm your eligibility to use the service.

Telephone the RNIB customer services: 0845 762 6843

Your local council may be able to supply a machine for playing talking books.

Braille, Moon and large print books

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) also publishes magazines and other material in Braille and Moon. They include television and radio guides, plus leisure, hobby and lifestyle magazines.

Moon is an embossed system of reading which is easier than the more complex Braille system.

Talking newspapers and magazines

The organisation Talking Newspapers and Magazines (TNAUK) offers subscribers to its service a choice of formats for recorded national newspapers and magazines. These include audio cassettes, CDs and email.

TNAUK offers over 200 publications including popular lifestyle magazines. Their digital service provides all the national newspapers on a daily basis.

Telephone: 01435 866 102

There are also over 500 local newspapers in Britain that supply talking newspapers, mainly in tape format. For more information on local talking newspapers, visit the Talking News Federation website.

Access local library services online

If you have difficulty getting to your local library, you can often search the library catalogue and manage library loans on your local authority website. The following link will let you enter details of where you live and take you to your local authority website.

Access keys

If you would like to take part in our website visitor survey, please visit the site and then come back and select this link to take part in the survey.