We offer a wide range of services to support blind and visually impaired people.
From audiobooks to Braille, find out more below.
Stories on USB
This free service delivers audiobooks to people who are blind or partially sighted. USB sticks arrive in the post, each equipped with a fiction or non-fiction story to listen to.
It's easy to get started - you'll just need a USB player. These are available to buy from the Guernsey Blind Association website or by telephoning 01481 236933. Alternatively, you can borrow a player from the Library.
- Borrow up to three stories at a time.
- Once you've listened to a story, return it to us using the padded postal envelopes provided.
- We recommend sending them back as soon as you’re finished with them, then you can have a new one so you’ve always got something to read.
To find out more and start using the service, contact Jackie Burgess on 720392 or email [email protected]
Audiobooks
Audiobooks are books read aloud. They are sometimes even read by famous actors! There are a few ways you can listen to audiobooks, and all you need is your library card.
- You can find audiobooks on CD and borrow them from the Library, free of charge, just as you would a print book. You can use the 'advanced search' in the Library catalogue - select audiobook in the 'media type' box to show audiobooks only.
- You can also download audiobooks using the BorrowBox app. If you need help setting this up, pop in to one of our IT help sessions and a member of the team can help you get started.
Popular Audiobooks
Large Print and Braille
We have a whole room dedicated to Large Print books. You can find these in the Reading Room on the first floor - through the double doors at the far end of the Assembly Room.
We also have a small selection of children's Braille books available to borrow.
To get Braille books for adults, you can join the RNIB's print-on-demand serivce - over 11,000 books available. Let them know what you'd like to read, and they will print it and send it to you. Join for free by calling the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999. You don't have to return them once printed, they can be kept, donated or recycled. The RNIB Library’s catalogue is available online here.
Did you know we also have reading aids that you can use while you're at the Library? These include handheld and page magnifyers - if you'd like to use one, just speak to a member of staff.
Useful Links
- Have you tried Seeing AI? A free app that narrates the world around you. Many of our visually impaired library users report that it's helpful (only for Apple/iOS). Give it a try here.
- If you have an android, try the Lookout Assisted Vision app instead. Find it on your app store here.
- Use a computer with Non Visual Desktop Access, the free software empowering blind people worldwide. Give it a try here.