Books in alternative formats

Every library in Wiltshire offers a selection of books in alternative formats. These books can be borrowed by all Wiltshire library members.

If you have a visual impairment, you are eligible for a membership that allows you to request Wiltshire library stock free of charge and borrow talking books on CD and in Playaway formats for free. Ask staff at your local library (opens new window) for more information.

We aim to provide a wide range of titles and are always adding new ones.

Large print

The library service has almost 30,000 books in large print.

Hardbacks and paperbacks are available and titles range from the latest fiction, including crime, contemporary novels and romance to non fiction, including biographies and history amongst others.

Talking books

The library service has a stock of almost 20,000 talking books; the majority of these are complete, unabridged recordings and they are available on CD and in Playaway (MP3) formats.

We also have a collection of Audiobooks (digital talking books) that can be checked out online.

Playaways are available at larger libraries:

• with these items you hire the entire device, and plug a set of headphones into it
• as small as a tape cassette, the entire book is held within it, meaning you do not have to keep slotting them in and out of a machine
• you can also bookmark where you get to

If you have difficulty getting to or using the library, please speak to a member of staff at your local library as they may be able to help. This may include access to our Home Library Service or assisted reader membership.

There is a talking book reading group for people with sight loss that meets monthly by telephone conference call. The talking books for this group are provided by the RNIB directly to your home free of charge.

Search the library catalogue

Search the library catalogue (opens new window) to find large print and talking book titles.

Use the drop down box "Change Media Type" within the library catalogue (opens new window) to choose a format to search. The options are listed below.