Take on the Calibre Summer Reading Challenge and spread the love of books to those with a print disability

Calibre Audio is challenging people across the country to read five books in eight weeks this summer to help spread the love of books to everyone who is print disabled.

The challenge, which runs from 25th July to 16th September, is to make one of the five books people choose something they wouldn’t normally read and to raise funds to support Calibre Audio, a national charity providing free audiobooks for those who find reading print difficult.

Announcing the Summer Reading Challenge, Calibre volunteer narrator and Actress, Kim Ismay, star of West-End shows including Mamma Mia, Wicked and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang said:

“As a narrator of Calibre’s audiobooks, I know they can make a huge difference. It’s not exaggerating to say that sometimes they completely transform the lives of people who aren’t able to read for themselves, opening up the world of books, and providing purpose, companionship and topics of conversation.”

The Challenge can be completed using audio or printed books so keen and reluctant readers alike can rise to the challenge this summer and get listening or reading.

“Since becoming a narrator,” continued Kim, “I have surprised myself by thoroughly enjoying some types of fiction like fantasy – although I’m still not very keen on horror stories! By taking part in the challenge, you’ll be able to experience different books and any sponsorship money you raise from friends, family and colleagues will help ensure Calibre can continue to spread the love of books among those who couldn’t otherwise enjoy them.”

Calibre Audio has a collection of over 13,500 books available free of charge to anyone who finds it difficult to read print. This might be because of a visual impairment, a physical or neurological condition, long COVID, or a learning difficulty such as dyslexia. Calibre members can access the books via download or streaming or they can be posted to members’ homes on USB.

It costs £10 to provide a USB and special postal pouch to send an audiobook to a member and that’s without any costs that might be involved in sourcing a commercially recorded book or producing a Calibre-narrated book. All money raised from the Summer Reading Challenge will help the charity expand its collection and send audiobooks to even more members.

To find out how to take part in the Calibre Summer Reading Challenge and set up a fundraising page, please go to ca-li.org.uk/SRC