Dear Editor,
Here at The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), we’re gearing up for our biggest volunteering opportunities of the year so far.
This June, we’re asking people to take just an hour of their time to help make a vital difference for blind and partially sighted people in their local areas.
Reading and books are absolutely crucial to children with vision impairment and blind and partially sighted adults. Books in accessible formats like audio and large print help to open up a world of information and learning and open doors to the imagination which would otherwise remain hidden.
As RNIB’s Library Services Manager, I am writing to encourage you to take part by visiting your local library between 1-14 June to check what books are available for blind and partially sighted readers.
It only takes a few minutes to ask the library staff and find out whether their library shelves include large print, braille or audiobooks.
We’d then love you to share what you find with us using our quick online form, or by calling our Library Team.
This simple action will help RNIB build a far clearer picture of accessible library services across the UK and support our work to ensure everyone can enjoy reading in a format that works for them.
I would be grateful if readers who would like to take part could complete our quick form online at https://tinyurl.com/7xh99ppz, or if you are unable to do so online, contact our Library Team byy calling 0303 123 9999.
For this opportunity RNIB is working alongside The Big Help Out – a UK-wide event which runs from 5-8 June and sees millions of volunteers turn out to help community causes.
The first two weeks of June also marks Hi-Vis Fortnight – an event organised by charities Share The Vision and RNIB; this celebrates library services for blind and partially sighted people and highlights the importance of books in accessible formats.
By taking just a little time to support us, you will be helping improve access to vital reading resources for blind and partially sighted people in communities right across the country. Thank you!
Yours faithfully,
Lara Marshall
Library Services Manager, RNIB
