 | NATIONAL LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND |
The National Library for the Blind is Europe's largest lending library for
people who cannot read print. It aims to enable all visually impaired people to
have the same access to library services as sighted people. With over 400,000 volumes, the stock includes the latest novels and the
classics, books on every subject imaginable, a 4,000 title childrens library
and a very large braille music collection. There is also the only major
collection of books in Moon type. Every working day over 1,000 volumes are
posted to readers, from Cornwall to Inverness, and around the globe. The
library is completely free to all readers and new members are welcome. The NLB
is a unique library that not only lends and sends books to blind people, but
also produces them. Until 1984, print books were transcribed into braille by hand, a painstaking
process that took months. Today, thanks to computers, it is possible to produce
a braille novel in three to four days - and make a second copy in an hour. This
results in hundreds of new braille titles every year. Thanks to volunteer helpers and the Royal Mail sending books back for free,
every pound is spent wisely in providing the best possible service to readers.
The Library handles more than 1,000 volumes every day, but is always keen to
welcome new readers. The aim is to help many more visually impaired people
share the joy of books - through the National Library for the Blind.
National Library for the Blind
Far Cromwell Road
Bredbury
Stockport
Cheshire
SK6 2SG  0161 355 2000
 0161 355 2098
 http://www.nlbuk.org
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