Listening books

Listening Books is a UK charity founded in 1959 by Norma Skemp that provides an audiobook lending service for people whose illness, disability, learning, or mental health conditions affect their ability to read or hold a book. It offers over 11,000 audiobooks for adults and children aged 7+, plus access to newspapers and magazines via PressReader, with membership costs starting from just £25 per year.

The service is designed for anyone in the UK with a print disability, including those with conditions such as dyslexia, visual impairment, chronic illness, arthritis, anxiety, autism, or cerebral palsy. If a condition isn't listed on their website, it does not necessarily mean a person is ineligible; they can contact the team for confirmation.

Members can stream titles directly from the website 24/7 or download them using the free Libby app on a phone or tablet. They can borrow up to 6 books at a time for durations between 7 and 21 days, and can return titles early to borrow up to 24 audiobooks each week.

In addition to audiobooks, members receive access to thousands of newspapers and magazines from around the world, updated daily, through PressReader. There are also Read-a-long titles for younger members aged 5-6 that display picture-based e-books with audio narration.

Membership costs start from just £25 per year, which is less than 30% of the true cost, and free membership is available for those who need it. The charity also offers membership options for organisations including hospices, care homes, and schools.

The website lists a wide range of conditions including ADD, ADHD, autism, dyslexia, visual impairment, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and many others. The list includes conditions like Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

General enquiries can be made at 020 7407 9417 or via info@listening-books.org.uk, while membership and audiobook enquiries are handled at 020 7234 0522 or support@listening-books.org.uk. The charity is registered with number 264221.

The Libby app allows users to borrow 6 books at a time for periods ranging from 7 to 21 days. Audiobooks are automatically returned at the end of the lending period, and users can return titles early to increase their weekly borrowing limit to 24 audiobooks.

Listening Books became an approved activity provider for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in 2023, supporting young people completing the Skills section of the Award. They also offer Sound Learning Books for curriculum-based content and partner with LGfL – The National Grid for Learning.

Founded in 1959 by Norma Skemp after a car accident left her with severely impaired vision, the charity was established to fill a gap where existing services could not support someone who could still 'see something'. Over the decades, it has evolved to embrace new technologies like internet streaming and downloads.

Recent reviews from 2022 and 2023 praise the user-friendly website, the extensive collection of audiobooks, and the high-quality recordings. Users specifically mention the accessibility features and the ease of navigating to find the perfect book for their needs.

The Trustburn rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 10 reviews. The split includes several 5-star ratings, one 4-star rating, and two 3-star ratings, with all reviews posted between late 2022 and late 2023.

The charity specifically targets those with print disabilities, offering a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles for adults and children aged 7+. They also provide access to newspapers and magazines, which is a feature not always found in standard audiobook platforms.

Visitors might wonder if their specific condition qualifies for membership, how easy it is to navigate the website, and whether the audio quality is reliable. The charity addresses these by listing many conditions and providing a user-friendly interface with high-quality recordings.

First-time customers can sign in or join now to access the service. They can choose to stream books directly from the website or use the Libby app on their mobile device, and the friendly support team is available to help them get started.