Residents across Norfolk are being invited to make a noise in their local library next month as part of a national campaign to improve access to books and information for blind and partially sighted people.

Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight runs from Monday 4 June to Sunday 17 June and this year is called Changing Minds, Changing Times. Norfolk County Council’s Library and Information Service is using the campaign to raise awareness of their specialist book clubs and also highlight the expanding range of e-books, e-audio books and e-magazines available to all Norfolk residents.

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Chairman of Norfolk County Council’s Communities Committee, said: “Our library service prides itself on offering services to everyone across Norfolk and this campaign highlights our commitment to supporting people with visual impairments to enjoy books and access a wealth of information. We have an increasing selection of e-books and e-audio books and would encourage all residents to check out the offerings at their local library and through our online services.”

Library users can access these books through the Libby and RB Digital apps, using their existing library card details. E-books can be downloaded to computers, tablets and dedicated e-readers, and offer partially sighted readers the opportunity to change the print size and contrast. As well as this, libraries also stock large print books, audio books on CD and portable Playaway electronic devices, which come with an audio book loaded onto them.

In conjunction with the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind, Norfolk Libraries currently run eight Audio Book Clubs. They meet monthly and provide members with a social opportunity to get together with other readers in small friendly groups. The featured book is provided on either MP3, CD or USB memory stick for free for people to listen to at home ready to discuss at the next meeting. The audio book clubs are free to join.

As well as the Audio Book Clubs, some libraries will be ‘making a noise’ in other ways. Thetford Library will be hosting a Musical Coding Club, whilst Plumstead Road and Mile Cross libraries will be enjoying an afternoon of book related tunes suggested by customers. Kings Lynn Library will be hosting a Tune into Words session for those that love listening to words, stories and poems.

At Dereham Library there will be the chance for children to create their own musical instruments from recycled materials during a family craft activity.

For e-book, e-audio and e-magazine information visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries-local-history-and-archives/libraries/find-an-item/ebooks-and-eaudio

Details of all the regular audio book club sessions are as follows:

Countywide Audio book clubs
The groups meet at the following locations and times of the month:-
Cromer Library – 3rd Tuesday 2-3.30pm
Fakenham Library – 3rd Monday 10.45am- 12.15pm
Monday Norwich Millennium Library – 2nd Monday 1.30 – 3pm
Diss Library – 4th Friday 2 – 3.30pm
Dereham Library – 3rd Wednesday 10.30am – noon
Gaywood Library – 1st Thursday 2 – 3.30pm
Thetford Library – 2nd Friday 10.30 – noon
Great Yarmouth Library – last Friday 1.30 – 3pm

Other events
Mile Cross Library
An afternoon of book related tunes, suggested by customers
Tuesday 5 June 2 – 5pm.

Dereham Library
Musical family craft activity. £1, booking essential, under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday 9 June (10.30am to noon).

Plumstead Road Library
An afternoon of book related tunes, suggested by customers.
Tuesday 12 June 2 – 5pm.

Kings Lynn Library
Tune into Words, Thursday 14 June 2.30 – 3.30pm.

Thetford Library
Musical Code Club Thursdays 7 & 14 June 4.15 – 5.15pm.