All our libraries are accessible to people with a disability. Please see the directory of libraries for details about each library or contact us to discuss your accessibility requirements.

Library members with disabilities which prevent them from reading or using a book, may be exempt from some hire charges and reservation fees. The library will need to see a registration card or supporting letter from a doctor.

Our reference library holds a wealth of information about disability, and local and national organisations representing the interests of disabled people.

Accessible IT at the Milton Keynes libraries

Ease of access settings:

• All computers available for public use at the libraries can be adjusted using the 'Ease of Access' centre to adjust settings like text size, cursor colour/size, contrast, on-screen narrator (headphones required) and on-screen keyboard.
• To change the settings use the WINDOWS START key, select SETTINGS and then EASE OF ACCESS.
• Settings will revert to the usual default settings once you have logged off from the computers.

You can read more about this feature on the Microsoft Windows support section. 

Useful websites

• RNIB - Royal National Institute of the Blind offers practical support and information to anyone with a sight problem including a useful section on access technology.
• The ITCH (IT Can Help) network of volunteers provides FREE computer support to disabled people. Volunteers can visit people in their own homes or other locations like residential homes and day centres. ITCH can be accessed through the AbilityNet website.
• AbilityNet - a UK based charity who work with people to help them get online.

Audiobooks on CD and digital downloads (eAudiobooks)

Basic Skills - help with reading, writing, maths and spelling

Community language resources

Digital books - eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines

Dyslexia friendly resources

• eAudiobooks, eBooks and eMagazines
• Large print books
• Graphic novels (including Manga) - books which tell stories using a combination of words and drawings in box strips, like a comic - the quality artwork and variety of subject makes them very popular with all ages.
• Basic skills collection
• Computers at libraries
• Quick Reads - if you prefer not get into a full-length book, you can try one of the Quick Reads. These are short, well-written books aimed at grabbing your interest. You can get Quick Reads in two different forms:
  • as a book with ordinary size print
  • as an audio pack including the book and an audio version on CD.

English as a second language - ESOL

Home library service

Large print books - fiction and non-fiction

Library services for people with a hearing impairment

• Help from Milton Keynes City Council - Milton Keynes Adult Social Care and Health Directory - Select 'Sensory Impairment' under 'Client Group' for a listing of services for people in Milton Keynes.
• Action on Hearing Loss - the largest charity for people with hearing loss in the UK.
• ​Milton Keynes Deaf Children's Society - the society aims to provide education, health and welfare advice to parents of deaf children. It also holds social and fund raising events.
• Community Learning MK - contact Community Learning MK for details of sign language courses.
• American Sign Language - is a useful site with links, guides, fact sheets and information about the American Sign Language system.

Library services for people with a visual impairment

The Milton Keynes libraries offer the following FREE services to people with a visual impairment:

• Audiobooks - CDs
• eAudiobooks - downloads
• eMagazines - downloads
• eBooks - downloads
• Large print books - fiction and non-fiction
• Compact Electronic Magnifier - Central Milton Keynes Library has a compact magnifier available for people to use in the library. The compact is a hand held device that can be used to magnify text. The device is placed over text and the image is enlarged. If you would like to use the compact please ask at the adult enquiry desk on the first floor.
• Home library service
• Reservations of audiobooks
• BucksVision VIP visually impaired reading group
• PressReader - digital publications from around the world in 60 languages. You can also listen to articles in the language of your choice using the PressReader App.

Useful web links for anyone with a visual impairment

• Help from Milton Keynes City Council - Milton Keynes Adult Social Care and Health Directory - Select 'Sensory Impairment' under 'Client Group' for a listing of services to people in Milton Keynes.
   
• Royal National Institute of Blind People - the leading charity offering practical support and information to anyone with a sight problem.
   
• RNIB Reading and Writing Services - providing a series of guides showcasing the different options available for those who like to read, as well as the variety of writing technology available for blind and partially sighted people. Read more about the RNIB Reading Services.
   
• Milton Keynes Reader Service - a voluntary organisation providing one-to-one reading and writing service for local people with sensory or physical disabilities. Trained volunteers provide services free of charge to any person living in the Milton Keynes area who finds accessing information difficult due to their disability. They also advise local organisations about presenting information in alternative formats.
   
• Sound News - local newspapers are read and recorded once a week at the Open University. These recordings are then distributed to people in the Milton Keynes area who are unable to read a newspaper through physical and visual disability.
   
• Calibre Audio Library - aims to provide the pleasure of reading to anyone who cannot read ordinary print books, whether because of sight problems or some other difficulty. They have over 14,000 members, and offer a choice of more than 12,000 titles to borrow, all recorded unabridged for streaming, download or via memory stick. For copyright reasons, users must provide proof that they are eligible for the service. The service is FREE for individuals who have a print disability.
   
• Bucks Vision - Bucks Vision works in partnership with Buckinghamshire County Council and Milton Keynes City Council. They provide specialist services for people who are blind and partially sighted. Staff can provide advice and information about help that is available. They can also offer training to help people maintain independence. Volunteers provide social clubs and a visiting scheme.