Listening Books
Listening Books is passionate about making books accessible to everyone and runs an audiobook library service for anyone in the UK who struggles to read or hold a book due to an illness, disability or learning difficulty
The charity already supports around 29,000 members across the UK, providing a wealth of fiction and non-fiction titles for both adults and children
Upon joining, members are able to stream audiobooks from the charity’s website, download them to a portable device such as an iPod or smart phone or have them sent through the post on MP3 CD
Listening Books boasts a huge library of over 7,000 titles and not only stocks a wide range of fiction but also provides titles that support learning and self-development, through their Sound Learning programme
Our service provides a link to the wonderful world of books, but can also be a relief from pain, boredom and loneliness
Access to literature can help counteract the social exclusion which can be felt by a number of people over the age of 65 who experience reading difficulties due to an age related illness or disability
For many of our members who cannot hold a book, our service is a lifeline, a friend and a comfort, lifting them out of what are often challenging circumstance
‘Listening Books is an invaluable service to me – I eagerly await the post to see which books arrive, as I instantly forget what I’ve put on my list! Sometimes I think, ‘what on earth is this, surely I never requested it’, only to find it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read…I have tackled books which I would never have read, even in the days when I could and it has widened my experience.’
Judith Rowan, Member
‘My health problems mean that I am often in pain at night. Listening Books keep me sane during those times when sleep eludes me and I give thanks every day for this service. I am a particular admirer of Trollope, especially when brilliantly read by Timothy West whose skills in this area are second to none. All housebound disabled lovers of literature will appreciate, I’m sure, the pleasure, relaxation and escapism brought to us by Listening Books. Long may they continue.’
Pauline Higgins
”I joined Listening Books in March 2004 because I could no longer read a book in the normal way due to my extreme short sight. Unfortunately in 2005 circumstances changed and I am now registered blind which meant I was entitled to the RNIB free Talking Book service. However I have always enjoyed reading and decided to continue my subscription to Listening Books as the service is excellent and it gives me an even wider choice of books. My husband watches the television which means I tend to listen using headphones. The readers of the books are so good that the voices can lull you off to sleep so I do the simple knitting of strips which are made into cot blankets for charity to keep me awake. I would be lost without my audio books and finding the Listening Books website opened up the world of reading for me again.”
Joan Barrett, Member
Telephone: 0207 407 9417
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.listening-books.org.uk
