Library

The Vision Australia Library opens up a world of information to people who are blind or have low vision, or a print disability.

Library Makeover: what's happening?

Vision Australia Library is getting a makeover.

We’ll be moving to a new website and the Vision Australia Connect app will be updated.

This means new features and an expanded catalogue and minimal disruption to current library use during this period.

If you wish, as a library member, you will also have the option of accessing the Bookshare library collection, via the Vision Australia Library, for a small annual fee.

How do library members benefit from these changes?

As a result of the update, library you will enjoy:

  • Ability to opt-in for access to books from the Bookshare library
  • More accessible and user friendly app and online catalogue
  • Compatibility with existing DAISY online player
  • Easy sign up for new library members – so tell your friends to join!

Library makeover frequently asked questions

What do existing library members have to do?

The friendly library team will provide step-by-step instructions and assistance to access the new and improved library service, when it is available.

Where possible, any current device being used will be updated automatically.

If you need to take action, we’ll provide step by step instructions.

There will be additional support provided by our National Contact Centre and via email through library@visionaustralia.org.

It is important to note that once you access the new Library service, our systems will not be able to transfer where you are up to in the book you are currently reading. You should either finish the book or make note of the page or chapter you up to prior to accessing the new service.

Can borrowers keep their current login details once we move across to the new service?

No, unfortunately, you will need a new username and password to fit with strong password requirements of the new service such as using letters in upper and lowercase, numbers and symbols.

Will the daily download limit of books change?

Yes it will. You will have an increased daily download maximum limit of 20 which is also the maximum number of books you can have on your bookshelf.

What happens when you have more than 20 titles on your bookshelf when you access the new Library service for the first time?

If you have more than 20 titles on loan, when you are advised you have access to the new Library service, you have a couple of options:

  • Finish reading some of the books and then return them
  • Return the books straight away and add them to your request list

If you do nothing the system will add the additional titles to your request list automatically.

This doesn’t include periodicals, there are no limits to subscription.

What is the Bookshare Library?

As part of the update, Vision Australia Library members also have the opportunity to become a Bookshare library subscriber. The Bookshare library has a large catalogue of educational and technical books, as well as a growing list of books for leisure reading. The titles are in synthetic voice, DAISY Text and electronic Braille formats and will be available only if you wish to become a paid Bookshare member.

How much will the Bookshare Library membership cost?

If you choose to also join the Bookshare library, Vision Australia will pay for your Bookshare membership fee for the first 12 months. If you decide to renew your membership after the first 12 months, you will have to pay the ongoing fee.

This is a special membership rate of US$30.00 (AU$45.00 approx.) per year. If you are an NDIS participant, this cost may be claimed under your consumables budget, however, you should ask your package account manager to confirm.

To join the Bookshare library, you must provide a written document stating proof of disability, signed by one of the following certifying professionals: Doctor, ophthalmologist, optometrist, neurologist, learning disability specialist, psychologist with a background in disabilities, social worker, education Disability Student Services staff. This document must be posted or emailed to the Library and will be stored in the member's client record.

What is DAISY Text?

DAISY Text books have no audio recording, but provide the text of the book itself. These books are read with either text-to-speech systems or Braille displays. They will not play as audio books on a DAISY player.

Will library members who do not wish to join the Bookshare Library still be able to access the Vision Australia Library?

Yes! Regardless of whether you choose to add a paid subscription to the Bookshare library, you can continue to access the fee-free Vision Australia Library.

What’s happening with newspapers and magazines?

Newspapers and magazines will be known as periodicals in the Vision Australia Library service. Current subscriptions will remain in place. This includes sporting fixtures and the Braille new titles list.

Library members can only download periodicals available in the Vision Australia Library collection, Bookshare library periodicals will not be available to Vision Australia Library members.

Will request lists be kept through the move?

When you access the new library service, all books on your current request lists will transfer across..

What if I have a question?

For questions relating to the move or any general library info, contact Vision Australia Library on 1300 654 656 or email library@visionaustralia.org.

Join the library

Membership is free and available to people who are blind, have low vision or a print disability. If you are not a Vision Australia client, to join the library, you will need a referrer who can certify you are a person with a print disability. Find out more and join the library.  

Books and resources

Library members can access thousands of audio books, magazines, newspapers and podcasts. As well as thousands of Braille and eBraille titles and music Braille pieces. And much more. Find out more about books and resources.

If a library member has printed material they can’t read, how can the Vision Australia Library help?

As a Vision Australia library member, you can request up to 360 print pages of personal information, to be converted to your preferred accessible format such as Braille, audio, large print, tactual graphics or e-text, per financial year. For more information on accessible format conversions, email printaccess@visionaustralia.org or call 1300 84 74 66.

How to access the library

Members can access the library via the free Vision Australia Connect app on their smart phone, iPad or tablet. Or via your computer, a DAISY player or other compatible device. Find out more about how to access the Library.

Feelix Children’s Library 

The Vision Australia Feelix Library helps children learn and develop in a unique way to support literacy. Children from 0-7 years old who are blind or have low vision can become a member and enjoy stories with their parents and siblings, and learn about braille. Find out more about Feelix.

Youth library 

The Vision Australia library has a range of books, resources and services for young people who are blind, have low vision or a print disability. This includes audio books, a copy and reproduction service for academic materials, online databases and more. Find out more about the youth library.

Partner with us

We work in partnership with an extensive range of libraries, aged care facilities, publishers and affiliated organisations to help you access a greater range of books and resources. 

Contact the library

For more information on Vision Australia's Library services call 1300 654 656 or contact the Library for more options.

Library YouTube

Follow Vision Australia's YouTube channel and enjoy our Library playlist with book reviews, webinars and more.