How can I listen?

4 min. readlast update: 12.21.2023

Our Audiobooks are available on the following formats:

Digital

  • Streaming
  • Downloads
  • Synapptic

Postal

  • Memory Stick 

Digital services

Streaming

Audiobooks can be played instantly on a computer or mobile device from our new streaming service, My Calibre (currently in beta).

Titles can be borrowed for a period of up to 28 days. If you use roaming, your data will be used to stream the book. Because streaming is live, you are in control of what you choose to listen to, when you want to.

Your audiobook will pick up where you left off, even if you login to your account from a different device. You can have up to 4 audiobooks in your streaming list.

If you're currently using our old streaming service, Play Calibre, we recommend switching over to My Calibre as soon as possible as Play Calibre will be decommissioned soon .

Downloads

Dolphin EasyReader

Our audiobooks are also available to download on the Dolphin EasyReader app. The app is free from iOS, Android and Google app stores and you have 28 days to download and listen to a book before it needs to be returned. All you need to login is your Calibre Audio membership number and password. We have prepared a Quick Guide to help you get started which you can find here

If you have any questions about the service please visit our Help pages, but for any issues with the app itself help is available on the Dolphin website here. You can also find out more on the Dolphin website here. You can download Dolphin EasyReader on the App Store, Google Play and Windows.

Libby

You can also borrow audiobooks to download and listen to on your phone or tablet using the Libby app by OverDrive. The Libby app is free from iOS and Android app stores. You have 21 days to download and listen to a book before it needs to be returned and you can download up to four books at a time. All you need to login is your Calibre Audio membership number and Pin Number (both of which are available from our Membership Services Team if you need a reminder). The titles on Libby may differ slightly from our streaming site but more titles are being added all the time. You can view our Quick Guide to getting started here

To read more about Libby visit here. To browse the collection and download a book to the Libby app visit here. For help with devices or troubleshooting then visit here.

Synapptic

A designated Calibre Audio feature is now available on Synapptic software. Version 9.1 introduces the Calibre audiobooks feature, which, if you have a Calibre membership, allows quick and easy access to our full collection.

Synapptic software provides a simple smartphone interface for people with sight loss. The award-winning design is focussed on making interaction easy to use, making it an ideal choice for accessing Calibre's streaming service. View our Quick Guide here

To find out more about Calibre on Synapptic, head to their website here.

Our digital streaming and download services are free to children and young people under 18, and those in full-time education. For adults, a digital membership costs £3 per month or £30 for one year. Paying for your subscription is easy, you'll be taken to a payment page when you sign up or log in to your account. 

Memory Stick

Members can borrow audiobooks on memory stick for a period of eight weeks. We usually issue each member with three memory sticks so they always have one at home while the others are being sent out or returned. You can find out more in our Quick Guide here

Our memory sticks can be played on any USB player. These can be purchased from many online retailers, including the RNIB and Amazon

For more information on how to listen, please head to our website here.

To sign up to join Calibre Audio, please follow this link.

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