Audiobooks can be a great way to continue having access to books when reading or holding a print book is by reasons as varied as dyslexia, ME/CFS, or the symptoms of cancer or its treatment.

Listening Books is a national UK charity who provide an audiobook library service for anyone who finds that an illness, disability, specific learning difficulty or mental health condition impacts on reading print or holding books. They currently have free memberships available for anyone living in Croydon who would like to join the service but would not be able to cover the standard membership fees of between £20 and £45 per year. There’s no financial proof needed, but they do ask for a self-declaration that the cost would be a barrier to joining.

Their library has over 8,000 audiobooks including bestselling authors such as J. K. Rowling, George R. R. Martin, Lee Child, Jojo Moyes, Margaret Atwood, and many more. Audiobooks are available to download through an app available for most tablets and smartphones, to stream online, or sent direct through the letterbox on MP3 CD with no postage costs or late fees.

For more information or to become a member, please visit their website www.listening-books.org.uk or call them on 020 7407 9417. Or you can contact Claire Gosden by emailing info@listening-books.org.uk.