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Whether you are blind, partially sighted, dyslexic or have another disability that makes you unable to read standard print, Calibre Audio Library brings the joy of audio books to everyone.
Calibre was set up over 40 years ago by a mother whose partially sighted son struggled to read the printed word. To solve the problem, she set up an audio library so he could enjoy books just like his friends. Since then, Calibre Audio Library has grown into a national charity that has over 14,000 members across the UK.
Why are audio books so important?
‘Audio books enable children with dyslexia and other print disabilities to develop literacy skills. They enhance their learning and they can reap the same rewards from reading as others. Audio books can be used as a replacement to reading print or as a supplement. Regular reading alongside listening allows the reader to make relationships between the sounds and print, improves word recognition and increases reading speed’ says Michael Lewington, Director of Calibre Audio Library.
Struggling readers often have a comprehension age higher than their reading age. This means that audio books can be an equaliser. By bridging the gap between comprehension and reading levels, audio books can be an important tool in a child’s growth.
‘I cannot tell you how valuable Calibre is to my son. He is dyslexic and can get very demoralised at the reading material given to him at school. Calibre has enabled him to read books by a wide range of authors that are appropriate to his age and interest level. It has opened a world for him which he didn’t think he would be able to access’
Calibre Audio Library
Calibre has nearly 11,000 unabridged titles available to anyone over 16 and nearly 3,000 titles especially for students under 16, grouped by key stage or study level for guidance. Books can be borrowed on MP3 CD, USB memory stick, streamed or downloaded via the Calibre Audio Library app, so they really can be taken anywhere.
We offer a Group Membership for schools and organisations for an annual subscription fee of £18 (inc. VAT).
Alternatively, parents can buy individual lifetime memberships for their child for a single one-off payment of £20 per child (£35 for over 16s).
Each membership includes a personalised service, 24 hour access to our library via the internet, unlimited numbers of books to stream or download, newsletters and updates on new books added to our library. We post the MP3 CD’s and USB memory sticks direct to your home.
To join or for more information contact our membership services team:
01296 432339
membershipservices@calibre.org.uk
www.calibre.org.uk
‘Thank you from myself and my daughter for giving her access to your library. Meg is 9 and very dyslexic. Audio books have been great for her and she loves the worlds of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl amongst others. Who doesn’t? For a child who loves stories but has great difficulty reading, it would be a shame if she couldn’t get to experience these books at her age!’
Audio books mean children won’t miss out.
Calibre Audio Library registered charity no. 286614, VAT no. 138840202
