‘When my vision failed it was like a door slammed in my face. After 80 years I couldn’t read. When I joined Calibre it was as if they kicked open that door and turned the light on’ (Calibre member). Thousands of older people have disabilities which mean they struggle to read. Failing sight robs many of the joy of reading; stroke or arthritis means many struggle to even hold books. Age-related health issues can lead to incredible isolation; losing the ability to read is an added devastating blow.

Calibre offers an audiobook lending service for anyone with a disability which means they struggle to read print. This Christmas, we want to bring the joy of listening to fiction, non-fiction, classics and new titles, to 7,867 members aged 70+, by adding 40 new titles to our catalogue for them all. Sight loss and other conditions experienced by many of our older members often leave them lonely and isolated and audiobooks are something to look forward to - a lifeline.