RVI Eye Dep. User Group Web Site - Extensive listing of sources:
Books on standard audio cassette
E-Books downloadable from the Web
First try your Public Library You will normally be able to borrow books on standard audio cassette (often referred to as 'spoken word') large print books and some audio C.D.'s free of charge. All public libraries in England and Wales should, by now, have subscribed to the 'Share the Vision' inter library service whereby any suitable format reading can be borrowed - this includes non-public sources such as RNIB and Calibre. Ask for the 'Reveal' catalogue.For catalogue of tapes available in Newcastle Libraries click
RNIB with others including the National Library for the Blind (NLB) have a database of all accessibie reading matter - much of it free www.rnib.org.uk/library
CALIBRE provide a free loan service with a library of around 5000 books to choose from. The catalogue costs £10. The books are on standard audio cassettes, supplied in plastic boxes for return (no postage required). As soon as you return one, Calibre supplies another from your selected list. Calibre, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP22 5XQ. (01296) 432 339
TRAVELLERS TALES Membership loan service from 6000 books 01304 812531 at £20 per year or £10 per year if you order on www.talkingbookshop.com books are charged at about £7 per week. They also sell books on tape.
AUDIO BOOK CLUB (ABC) publish regular update lists (opt for E-Mail or floppy)for published abridged tapes and C.D.'s at discounts. 01342 718 243 E-Mail info@audiobookclub.com
Cover to Cover CASSETTES LTD sell unabridged books on tape 01672 562255 www.covertocover.co.uk They are now marketing all the BBC 'Spoken Word' cassettes of past programmes - 'phone for catalogue listings or E-Mail bbc@covertocover.co.uk
Audio Book Collection from CHIVERS 01225 443400 www.audiobookcollection.com books direct from the publisher cheaper than most! Freepost (BA1686/1) Bath, BA1 3QZ
ISIS Audio Book Publisher sells direct 0800 731 5637
SOUNDINGS Publisher sells direct from Whitley Bay 0191 2534155
The INTERNET TALKING BOOKSHOP for sales at www.goodreading.co.uk/audio/main.html
BECKENHAM BOOKSHOP for audio sales 020 8650 9744 website unkown
AMAZON for audio sales - use 'text only' opton on www.amazon.co.uk
BOOKS ONLINE for audio sales on www.uk.bol.com
W H Smiths for audio books, but not in a specific audio section, on www.e-books.co.uk
RNIB Talking Books. (This is an RNIB specific Type)
RNIB also provide a special service called 'talking books'. These are on a special cassette and require an RNIB 'talking book' player, for which there is a charge BUT you should be able to get your Social Services to provide one free.
If you have any problems with this machine the RNIB provide a very good fast repair service ring 01661 822724
Hard to find books
RNIB also supply text and specialist books on standard and 4 track cassette tape, Braille and disk, etc and issue a monthly catalogue in several formats. For this service ring: 01733 370777 Fax: 01733 371555
Mail Order Service to purchase a wide choice of books on Cassette Tape and CD from:
Free books (as text or .pdf-Acrobat .. check the format is ok for you) from the Web - download then use your screen reader to sit and listen
For more info on many Ebooks both free and buy.
+ These people will consider you own submissions! Good luck.
BRAILLE and MOON BOOKS: National Library for the Blind (NLB) operate the 'cheetah' fast loan service for newly published books 0161 355 2046 www.nlbuk.org