Calibre Audio Library

Calibre Audio Logo

Calibre Audio provides a fantastic collection of over 15,000 audiobooks for people living with a print disability in the UK and overseas. Every day we send out 1,500 books to our members.

Who we are

Since 1974, Calibre Audio has brought the joy of audiobooks to anyone struggling to access print, so they can immerse themselves in wonderful stories, memorable biographies or travel the world in their mind.

What we do

In 2021 we sent over 380,000 audiobooks to over 16,500 members across the UK and internationally. We are able to lend to countries that have ratified the Marrakesh Treaty (the 2013 international copyright exceptions for visually impaired and print disabled people).

Why we do it

Everyone has the legal right to equal access to information, yet only 7% of print books are converted to audio, the format needed for many disabled people. For young people, this has serious implications for their ability to learn and develop, and for the elderly, socially isolated, or disadvantaged, coming to terms with the loss of their sight, health and mobility, losing a lifelong love of the written word can be a real blow.

At Calibre, we believe in social inclusion and the wider benefits that reading brings, combating social isolation as well as increasing confidence and independence.

We also campaign with the Right to Read Alliance, the DAISY consortium, and Share the Vision to support equality in disability and end discrimination.

Joining Calibre Audio

Anyone who has a print disability is eligible to join Calibre Audio.

Our digital library service includes:

  • Unlimited borrowing of over 15,000 unabridged audiobooks
    We add more than 1,000 new books each year

  • Over 3,000 audiobooks specifically for children and young people

  • Calibre has the rights to record audiobooks that are not commercially available

  • Available on streaming, download and memory stick

  • Free postage and no fines for late or lost audiobooks

  • Manage your account by email or by phone

  • Regular podcasts, newsletters and reading suggestions

  • A friendly, personal, quick service

Join Calibre Audio Today

Younger members

Our service is completely free for younger members under the age of 18 living in the UK. There is a small charge payable for younger members who live overseas - please see our overseas members page for more information.

Our aim is to encourage as many eligible young people as possible to join and use audiobooks to support their education and relaxation.

Our collection is crammed full of leading contemporary children’s authors, including Michael Morpurgo, Jacqueline Wilson, J.K Rowling, Malorie Blackman, David Walliams, Phillip Pullman – as well as all the classics. We also keep up to date with titles that support the GCSE, A Level and PSHE national curriculum.

Under 18s can also borrow audiobooks from the main collection, other than those with an X-rated restriction (with scenes/language inappropriate for young members).

Join Calibre Audio today

Schools

Schools and colleges can open an account with us to allow teachers to see how our service can be used to support students with print disabilities.

Find out more about Calibre Audio School Offer

How the service works

On joining, members choose how they would like to listen to our audiobooks: streaming, download and memory stick or a combination of all three. Please note - a small charge is payable by adults for access to our digital services - either streaming or download or both.

Who to contact

Telephone
01296 432 339 01296 432 339
E-mail
enquiries@calibre.org.uk
Website
Calibre Audio Website
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Where to go

Postcode
HP22 5XQ
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Availability

Age Ranges
5+
Referral Details

1. Self referral; 2. Referral by professional eg. social worker, rehab. worker, teacher,optician, local blind society, library staff etc. 3. Referral by family and friends

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