Calibre Audio Library unlocks the joy of reading by providing audiobooks to everyone unable to read print; whether through sight problems, dyslexia or other disabilities. This service is available through our download app, streaming over the internet, and a postal service of MP3 CDs & memory sticks.
Who can join?
Calibre Audio is free to join for anyone who has a print disability.
Our digital library service includes:
- Calibre Audio–helping to bring the joys of reading to every young person At Calibre Audio, we offer a completely free audiobook service for anyone that finds it difficult to read the printed word. We have an amazing collection of over 3,000 audiobooks specifically for children and young people, ranging from Key Stage 1 up to GCSE and A-Level.
- Calibre Audio is free to join for everyone who has a print disability. A print disability is a difficulty or inability to read printed material where someone is unable to.
- Unlimited borrowing of over 12,000 unabridged audiobooks
We add more than 700 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
Younger members
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 16s can also borrow audiobooks from the main collection, other than those with an X-rated restriction (with scenes/language inappropriate for young members).
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.
Listening via Streaming
Audiobooks can be streamed directly from our website, so you can listen to what you want, when you want. Browse our online library and add your chosen audiobooks to your streaming booklist.
Listening via Downloads
Audiobooks can be downloaded directly to your device through the Dolphin EasyReader app, a free app available for both iOS and Android. All that is required is a Calibre Audio membership number and password. Books can then be downloaded and listened to offline - what you want, when you want.
Calibre Audiobook
Calibre Books on RealSam Pocket and Speaker
Calibre members who also have an In Your Pocket smart phone can use this to listen to our collection. In Your Pocket is a fully voice controlled smart phone. You can also subscribe to RealSAM Speaker to stream Calibre audiobooks on a Google Home speaker. Membership of Calibre is free, but to listen this way a monthly subscription to RealSAM is required.
Listening on Memory Stick
If you wish to have your audiobooks posted direct to your home, there are two ways to choose your books:
- Tell us what categories of books you like (such as detective novels, biography or key stage) and in which format/s you want to listen and leave the rest to us. We will then keep you supplied with titles to enjoy. We won’t send the same book twice (unless you request it!)
or..
Calibre Audio Library Catalogue
- Compile a personal book list of book titles (online or by phone) and we will send them to you in order, when available.
For more information on how to listen click here. Macos edge browser.
Choosing your audiobooks
To select your audiobooks, search our online library by author, title, narrator, category or key stage. All our audiobooks are given a catalogue number so you can also search by this, if known. You can then add your chosen audiobooks to your personal booklist.
Large print catalogues can be purchased from our online shop or by phone. Prices vary according to the number of pages in the category.
Keeping you up to date
Newsletter: Members and non-members can sign up to receive regular news about Calibre, author interviews, new audiobook updates and much more. Available by email and on our website.
For Your Ears Only: quarterly bulletin detailing new additions to our library, sent to members by request free of charge. Available as a pdf, on memory stick/CD or as a podcast on our website.
Echo: is our the spring and autumn audio newsletter, it provides members with a wide range of articles and useful information about Calibre. Available as a podcast and on memory stick.
Podcasts: we also produce monthly podcasts with Calibre News & Author Interviews. These can be found wherever you normally get your podcasts, such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Just search for Calibre Audio podcasts.