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For someone who is blind or has low vision, the loss of reading can feel like the loss of a world. “I just miss reading,” one client shared. “I can’t believe I’m living a life without books.”

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

The Vision Australia Library gives that world back. It’s not just about books. It’s about bringing joy, connection, and a sense of normality back into people’s lives at every age.

“As reading was one of my favourite past times, I was devastated when I could longer read the written word, but being able to access all the audio books has really helped me to survive some very challenging times”.

— Vision Australia Library client

Whether you’re an older adult who’s always loved curling up with a novel, a parent reading to your child or a student diving into study, reading is a deeply personal part of life. And when traditional books are no longer accessible, it can leave a real void.

The library helps fill that space with audiobooks, newspapers, magazines, and newsletters, all available in easy-to-use formats. No complicated tech, no steep learning curve. Just simple ways to reconnect with the stories and information people love.

“As a member for 24 years, this resource has been one of the most important tools in my life to cope with total blindness.”

— Vision Australia Library client

A lifeline, not a luxury

People describe the Vision Australia Library as a lifeline. Not just because it gives them access to books but because it helps them feel connected again. Emotionally, socially, mentally. Whether it’s listening to a true-crime podcast, joining a book club or simply keeping up with the news, this is more than a library. It’s community.

Some clients borrow up to 20 books a month, often diving into favourites like crime, romance, biographies and real-life stories. Audiobooks, otherwise known as Talking Books, are by far the most popular format. But readers also love the 300+ newspapers and newsletters on offer that are delivered straight to their devices.

Many clients say the library is the heart of their daily routine. For some, it’s the only way they engage with the world beyond their home. For others, it’s the start of something new like learning to write, sharing their stories with family, and discovering genres they’d never tried before.

“It’s lovely to be in demand. People call and say, ‘I didn’t like that book, can we try something else?’ And we love that. It’s personal. We care.”

— Sarah Bloedorn, Manager Library Services

The library is for everyone

There’s no age limit. No list of who can and can’t enjoy a story. The Vision Australia Library exists for anyone who needs it, older Australians, young children, new parents, and everyone in between.

And while public libraries play a big role in the reading world, they often don’t fully cater to people with print disabilities. That’s where the Vision Australia Library steps in and works alongside the public system to make sure no one misses out.

Stories that stick with you

Clients often tell us the library doesn’t just help, it transforms. It gives people their independence back, their curiosity, their voice.

“The Vision Australia Library provides a new way to be in a sighted world and still feel connected and feel like we belong”. 

— Vision Australia Library client

At Vision Australia Library, it’s not about the format. It’s about the people.