New service for audio book users

Blind and partially-sighted library users are to benefit from a new arrangement which will give them access to more than 7,000 books on disc.

The move follows an agreement between Northamptonshire County Council and audio book supplier Calibre.

Users of the libraries' Sound Reads service will be able to listen to books on both cassette and MP3 disc formats.

Subscription is free and there will be a free online catalogue with books able to be ordered on the internet.

The service replaces the RNIB service and the library's talking book service which uses only cassette format and requires specialist equipment.

The council will migrate all existing customers to Calibre by 1 July and arrangements will be made to collect RNIB cassette machines from customers.