HiVis Fortnight: accessible reading at Sutton Libraries

 

From 1 to 14 June, Sutton Libraries is celebrating HiVis Fortnight, a national campaign highlighting accessible reading and library services for people with a vision impairment or print disability.

 

Reading should be for everyone. Whether you prefer a large print book, an audiobook, an eBook with adjustable text, or a digital newspaper that can be read aloud, Sutton Libraries offers a range of resources to help more people enjoy books, stories, information and culture in the way that works best for them.

 

Need help finding accessible formats? Contact us at libraries@sutton.gov.uk or speak to staff at your local Sutton library.

 

Large print and audiobooks

 

All Sutton Libraries have a selection of large print books, including fiction and non-fiction titles. Large print books can make reading more comfortable for people with sight loss, eye strain, or anyone who simply prefers a clearer, larger font.

 

We also offer audiobooks on CD, available to borrow from our libraries. For library members who are visually impaired, large print books and audiobooks are available to borrow free of charge.

 

eBooks and eAudiobooks

 

Our digital library gives you access to books wherever you are, with options that can be especially useful for readers with vision or print impairments.

 

You can borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks through:

• Libby / OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks
• BorrowBox eBooks and eAudiobooks
• ULibrary eAudiobooks

 

Depending on the app or device you use, eBooks may allow you to:

• increase the text size
• change the background colour
• adjust screen brightness
• use built-in screen reader or text-to-speech tools

 

eAudiobooks are also a great option for anyone who prefers to listen rather than read from a screen or page.

 

Digital newspapers and magazines

 

Sutton Libraries members can access a wide range of digital newspapers and magazines through PressReader via Sutton Libraries' Digital Library .

 

PressReader includes titles from around the world and in multiple languages. Many articles can be read using text-to-speech technology, making it a useful resource for people who prefer audio access to news, features and current affairs.

 

Whitehall Historic House audio tour

 

You can also experience local heritage in an accessible way through the Whitehall Historic House VocalEyes audio tour.

 

This audio-described tour has been designed specifically for blind and partially sighted visitors, helping people explore the history and atmosphere of Whitehall through rich spoken description.

 

You can listen to the Whitehall Historic House VocalEyes audio tour online, or ask about audio handsets when visiting Whitehall Historic House.

 

VIP Reading Group

 

Sutton Central Library also hosts a VIP Reading Group for visually impaired readers.

 

The group usually meets every other month on a Friday morning for an informal coffee morning. It is a friendly space to chat, hear about new spoken word titles, share recommendations and borrow the latest releases.

 

For more information about the group, please contact Sutton Central Library or email colin.todd@sutton.gov.uk.

 

Need help getting started?

 

Our staff are happy to help you find accessible formats, explore our digital resources, or get started with apps such as Libby, BorrowBox and PressReader.

 

Visit your local Sutton library, speak to a member of staff, or contact us at libraries@sutton.gov.uk to find out more.