High Vis Fortnight: Overdrive and Libby accessibility options
 With an average of 2,300 readers borrowing over 9,500 titles every month, our eAudio and eBook collection via Overdrive and the Libby app is our very own digital branch library. The range of accessibility options help ensure the collection is as inclusive as possible for all our readers. For example …
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Screen reader support: Low vision and blind users can use screen readers to browse, borrow, read ebooks and listen to audiobooks in the Libby app.
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Adjustable text size: Users can manually adjust the text size for ebooks in the reader and expand the range of sizes to include larger accessibility sizes, if needed.
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Dark mode: The ebook reader uses the device’s lighting, but users can manually select a different lighting option in the Appearance menu: light, dark, or sepia.
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Adjustable playback speed for eAudiobooks: Libby’s audiobook player offers configurable playback speed for every audiobook. Users can choose from 48 different speeds, ranging from 0.6x to 3.0x.
For the complete list of accessibility features, visit: overdrive.com libby accessibility features
Download the Libby app and choose from over 25,000 eBook titles and nearly 4,000 audiobooks from our Kirklees Libraries' collection
Taking place across the first two weeks of June, HiVis fortnight gives libraries across the UK the opportunity to highlight services and support for those with a vision impairment. Find out more here HiVis 2025: 1-15 June 2025 - Reading Sight
Introducing the new Read On app
Taken from www.librariesconnected.org.uk
Libraries across England are coming together to expand the Read On app, bringing its "Couch to 5K for reading" approach to new regions as part of the National Year of Reading 2026.
Originally developed by librarians from London Libraries – the capital’s network within national charity Libraries Connected – Read On combines curated recommendations, reading challenges, quizzes and personalised plans to help people build reading into everyday life.
Designed for anyone who would like to read more, the app opens up a rich world of books, with expert guidance from library staff. It encourages users not only to read more, but to explore a wider range of authors, genres and styles.
An integrated map helps users find their nearest library, making it easy to discover books, attend events and connect with other readers.
Now, with support from LibraryOn grant funding delivered by the British Library, Read On is being rolled out across the North West, North East, East Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber, alongside individual services including Essex and Lincolnshire.
The launch comes just ahead of the summer holidays, when reading often increases. The Read On team hope it will help turn a seasonal habit into a lasting one, supported by strong evidence that reading for pleasure enhances mental health by reducing stress and strengthening emotional wellbeing.
Read On is available now from Google Play or App Store
The project is funded through the LibraryOn grants programme, supported by Arts Council England and delivered by the British Library.
Read On was developed by Novellic, a London-based team experienced in crafting reader-facing mobile apps for publishers and book charities. Their self-titled flagship book club app also powers the book recommendations in the Read On app.
A.A Dhand - Author Event
Join us for this special Our Cultural Heart author event with award winning crime writer A.A Dhand.
The lunchtime club is an informal meeting of people with an interest in local history. Meetings are held every month, 1pm on Thursdays, at 16a Victoria Lane, Huddersfield. Tickets are now available for 'Tales to Tell' on Thursday 25th June. Book here
High Vis Fortnight: PressReader accessibility options
 Reading digital versions of newspapers via our PressReader offer is increasingly popular, with nearly 700 readers and 34,000 issues opened every month. PressReader also has a number of accessibility options which make ‘reading or listening fit for everyone’.
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Text-to-Speech: Visually impaired readers rely on screen readers to convert digital text into speech allowing them to listen to the content on the screen.
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Keyboard Navigation: Allows readers to browse publications with just a few taps - making it easier to use for those with vision impairment or motor disabilities.
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Text Adjustments: Different fonts and flexible font size helps make content accessible to everyone.
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Translate: Instant translation in over 20 different languages for the home page, most articles and full publications.
For the complete list of accessibility features, visit: pressreader.com accessibility
All PressReader newspapers are compatible with screen reading software.
- On pressreader.com, hit Tab on your keyboard to switch to Accessibility Mode.
- Or click the 3-dot menu button in the top right corner and select Accessibility Mode.
- Choose your favorite titles and try out all the features.
For the complete list of accessibility features, visit: pressreader.com accessibility
Sign up to PressReader with a Kirklees library card and PIN and choose from over 7,000 titles from 120 countries in 60 languages.
KR Talking News
 Our Kirklees Transcription Service produce a free audio newspaper which provides news, views, interviews and features from around Kirklees. It features a variety of stories from a selection of local newspapers circulating in the area.
Listen to the podcast at: www.bwbf.org.uk/player/kirkleestn
Select the link to discover more about our Kirklees Transcription Service
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The addresses and opening times of all our libraries can be found on our website at: Locations and opening times | Kirklees Council
Here you will also find Social Stories for each library, which give you a visual tour of the different library buildings before you visit. These Social Stories are ideal for people with autism or anxiety and can be found in the opening times section for each library, under the "We are going to..." heading at the top. There is also a printable PDF version of each library's Social Story - click on the image to view Huddersfield Library Hub's. Why not take a look at our new library virtual tours, also available in our library opening times section, as well!
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Creative Kirklees
 Find out the where and the when of regular events such as Storytimes, Lego Clubs, and Craft groups across our libraries.
Go to www.creativekirklees.com and search using #KirkleesLibraries.
Ticketsource
 For events with partner organisations and touring performances.
Go to www.ticketsource.co.uk/kirkleeslibraries
Use our Linktree address to stay up to date with Kirklees Libraries and have easy access to our resources and services.
linktr.ee/kirkleeslibraries
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