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Joining the Library

Anyone with a print disability and is a permanent resident of Australia. Refer to Join the Library for more information on eligibility.

Membership is free.

Yes, however membership must be in the name of the person with the print disability, and their consent must be given if they are able to give it.

Teachers can join on behalf of a student, but membership must be in the student’s name, with the teacher as the alternate contact. If the student is under 16 years of age the application must include the consent of a parent or guardian.

If we cannot contact you to return a call or talk to you about membership, loans or equipment we need to be able talk to someone else, preferably a family member who does not live with you.

Referees can be any of the following:

  • Vision Australia staff member
  • Occupational therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Diversional therapist
  • Ophthalmologist
  • Public library staff
  • Doctor (GP)
  • Optometrist
  • Social worker
  • Neurologist
  • Orientation and mobility instructor
  • Special education teacher
  • Nurse
  • Orthoptist
  • Speech pathologist
  • Nursing home staff
  • Physiotherapist
  • Welfare officer

Referees for DVA Gold Card holders can be any of the following:

  • Local Medical Officer (GP)
  • Occupational therapist
  • Specialist
  • Know Your Vision Clinic
  • Optometrist

Providing their contact details is enough, unless you are a DVA gold card holder.

About the Library collection

More information on how to access the Library.

To view the catalogue, log into the online Library catalogue or download the Vision Australia Connect App to browse or search for the titles.

You can find out about books and resources available in our collection.

We recommend you ask a friend or family member to help you with accessing the online library catalogue, using your own player, a DAISY player or using the Vision Australia Connect App. Further information is available in the reading technology guides.

No, ebooks are not available through the Vision Australia Library. You can borrow ebooks through most public libraries. Find our more about ebooks.

No, however large print books are available from most local Public Libraries.

As a Library member you can request up to 360 pages to be converted to braille, audio, large print or e-text per financial year. Vision Australia at [email protected] or 1300 847 466 for more information.

No, the only way you can access an audio book from our Library is by becoming a member and borrowing the books.

The Library includes collection of books and a few magazines in other languages. These are listed under Books and resources. You can search in the online library catalogue for language when using Advanced. German-speaking members can access the collection of a partner library in Germany. Please contact the Library for more information.

Vision Australia have access to a number of online references that may assist you in your studies.

Yes, if there is a title you would love but we don’t have it, email [email protected] and we will do our best to source it for you.

Your suggestion must include the author, a specific title (“any books by” is not sufficient) and preferred format eg. Daisy-audio or Braille. Please ensure that you include your name (or the name of the library member you are assisting) and suburb of residence, so that we can locate your library record. Your suggestion will receive a response within 7 working days.

DAISY players

Digital Accessible Information System.

You can return it to us through the post in the box you received it in free of charge, by marking the box “return to sender”.

Call us straight away on 1300 654 656.

Yes, but it needs to be plugged into a power point in order to work.

If you are using a 3G DAISY player, having 20 books at a time will make the player run slowly.

Limiting the number of books on your player to 5 at a time will improve the speed.

Please go to Technology Guides and Training.