Your local library is a good place to try out and borrow audio books and magazines. Many libraries have audio books on CD that you can borrow. Some libraries are also beginning to try other audio formats, such as MP3.
You can sometimes try a bit of an audio book before you buy online or borrow an audio book. This is a good way to get an idea of what the audio book will sound like.
If you have access to an eBook reader (like a Kindle) you could try using the text-to-speech option, which will read the book, newspaper or magazine out in a synthetic voice. High street department stores and electrical shops often sell ebook readers so why not try an eBook by visiting a store and ask to be shown text-to-speech on the ebook readers they sell?
Audio Book sample clips
Experience our audio book service - Talking Books by listening to the following five samples from our wide range of titles:
eBook sample clips
Listen to our clips of the synthetic voices used by different eBook readers with an excerpt from the novel 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stephenson:
Downloadable audio books
You often have to pay to download audio books, but some older or classic books that are no longer subject to copyright are available free to try.
Take a look at our RNIB beginners' guide to help you get started with Download audio books (Word, 252KB). Alternatively, you can order a copy by calling our Helpline on 0303 123 9999, the beginners download audio guide is available in large print, audio CD and braille.