Borrowers are able to specify favourite authors, and the types of books they generally prefer to listen to. The service is completely free of charge to the borrower, and the Royal Mail offers free postage for items sent to and from people who are registered blind. Although visually impaired people do make use of spoken word collections in branch libraries, the postal service is of obvious help to anyone with a mobility problem, or anyone facing a difficult journey to their local library. Registration of borrowers is done by phone, and initially two books will be sent according to choice. These are sent in special postal packets or boxes.
All tapes are fully rewound before they are sent out.
The service has been operating since January 1994. Funding for the cassette stocks was provided by the Urban Programme. We are also very grateful to the Ulverscroft Foundation for providing the computer equipment. Manchester Library Services provide the staff and future funding for the service ensuring that users will continue to receive the best available selection of cassettes.