Reading for Seniors: Large Print, Audiobooks and E-Readers

How we wrote this guide

E-readers, tablets and magnifiers are discussed by feature, not by brand. We have not tested any device, there are no affiliate links, and nobody paid to appear. Facts about type sizes, talking books and free mailing come from the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) and the U.S. Postal Service mailing standards; the National Eye Institute (NEI) is the source for the low-vision tips.

Reading formats for seniors compared

Large-print books: what the point sizes mean

"Large print" has a rough definition. The NLS reference guide on large-print materials gives these benchmarks:

• Type is measured in points, from the bottom of the lowest letter to the top of the tallest capital. Type one inch high is 72 points.
• Most adult books use 10- to 12-point type. Newspapers often use 8-point, and some Bibles use 6-point.
• Large-print materials most commonly use 16- to 18-point type.
• The Postal Service treats 14-point type as the minimum for large print under its Free Matter for the Blind standard.

Where to find it: NLS does not produce large-print books, but says many public libraries and bookstores carry them and some NLS network libraries keep large-print collections. NLS also publishes free lists of magazines, Bibles and sacred writings, and calendars available in large print. The NLS guide lists the American Printing House for the Blind's Louis database as covering more than 180,000 titles in special formats, large print included.

When large print is not enough, NEI suggests brighter lighting, anti-glare lenses and a magnifying lens for close work, and recommends asking the eye doctor about vision rehabilitation if sight loss is getting in the way of daily life. A rehabilitation specialist can, among other things, train someone to use a magnifying device for reading.

Free audiobooks for seniors: the Library of Congress talking-book program

NLS is a free braille and audio library run through a national network of cooperating libraries. Our limited-mobility hobbies guide mentions it briefly; here is how it works in practice.

Who qualifies

Residents of the U.S., and American citizens abroad, who cannot read or use regular print because of a temporary or permanent visual or physical limitation. That includes legal blindness (20/200 or less in the better eye with correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less), other vision loss that stops someone reading print, physical conditions that make holding a book or turning pages impossible, and certified reading disabilities. NLS says this covers people who become disabled as they age, and veterans with a qualifying disability who were honorably discharged get priority.

Who signs the application

A "competent authority" certifies the application. NLS lists doctors of medicine and osteopathy, ophthalmologists, optometrists, registered nurses, therapists, and professional staff of hospitals, institutions and welfare agencies such as social workers, counselors and librarians. Where none of those is available, a professional librarian can certify.

How to apply

1. Apply online, or print the form and send it to the local network library. The number for locating that library is 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323).
2. Have the application certified and submit it.
3. The network library contacts the reader with next steps and equipment options.

General help: 800-424-8567.

Players, downloads and mail

• Free players on loan. NLS talking-book players have large buttons with braille beside them, variable speed, a sleep timer and spoken instructions. The standard model has eight controls; the advanced one adds bookmarks and chapter navigation.
• High-volume option. Patrons who are hard of hearing can ask for a player amplified up to 120 dB, which works only with the headphones NLS supplies.
• Accessories. NLS lends breath switches and remote controls for readers who cannot press buttons.
• Downloads. Registered readers can use BARD, the download service, or the free BARD Mobile app on iOS, Android and Fire devices. Data charges may apply.
• By post. Books, magazines and players travel free as "Free Matter for the Blind." Each mailing container has an address card that is flipped over to send it back.
• In care homes. Residents of a care facility or retirement home can receive service there in their own name.

The collection includes bestsellers, mysteries, westerns, romances, biographies and magazines. NLS also lends music scores and recorded instrument lessons; see music activities for seniors.

Free mail for letters, too

Under the USPS mailing standard (DMM 703.5), an eligible person can mail letters free if they are in braille, in 14-point or larger type, or recorded as sound, carry no advertising and are left unsealed. The envelope is marked "Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped" in the upper right corner. A large-print letter to a grandchild costs nothing to send.

E-readers for seniors: features to check

An e-reader or tablet lets the reader set the text size instead of hunting for a large-print edition. NEI suggests changing phone and computer settings to raise contrast, enlarge text and have the device read aloud; look for the same options on a reading device. Things to check in a store:

1. Text size and font. How large the text goes, and whether a bold font is offered.
2. Contrast and light. A built-in light and a high-contrast or dark mode.
3. Read-aloud. Whether the device can speak the text, and how natural the voice sounds to the person.
4. Weight and grip. Hold it for several minutes. Physical page-turn buttons can be easier than swiping.
5. Getting books on it. Ask the public library whether it lends e-books and which devices or apps it supports.
6. Charging. A simple charging spot and someone who checks the battery.

For someone who also wants video calls and photos, a tablet may suit better; see easy-to-use tablets for seniors. NLS readers can put the BARD Mobile app on a tablet they already own.

Reading activities to share

1. Reading aloud, a chapter at a time

One person reads, the other listens. Works for a novel, a memoir, letters or a favorite collection of poems, and the listener can still be the one who chooses the book.

Materials: The book, a good chair, a reading lamp for the reader. Approximate cost: Free with a library card.

Steps:

1. Let the listener choose the book.
2. Agree a set time, such as after lunch, and a length, such as one chapter.
3. Stop at a natural break and ask what they think happens next.
4. Mark the page with a bookmark they can find.

Large-print / low-vision option: None needed for the listener. If they want to follow along, use a large-print copy of the same title.

Make it easier: Short pieces: a newspaper column, a psalm, a single poem. Make it harder: Swap roles each chapter, with the person reading aloud from large print.

2. A morning paper routine

A regular slot with the local paper or a favorite magazine: headlines, the weather, the sports page and the local notices.

Materials: The newspaper or magazine, a magnifier, coffee. Approximate cost: Low: a subscription, or free at the library.

Steps:

1. Read the headlines aloud and let the person pick two stories.
2. Read those in full.
3. Talk about one of them over coffee.
4. Clip anything worth saving or sending to family.

Large-print / low-vision option: NLS publishes a free list of magazines available in large print and other formats; NLS readers can also receive audio magazines.

Make it easier: Headlines and weather only. Make it harder: Do the crossword together afterwards; see large-print games and puzzles.

3. A library trip with a list

An outing with a purpose: return last week's books, pick up holds and browse the large-print shelf.

Materials: Library card, a tote bag with handles, a short written list. Approximate cost: Free.

Steps:

1. Place holds online or by phone before the trip.
2. Ask staff where large-print and audiobook collections are shelved.
3. Ask whether the library runs a book group, home delivery or digital lending help.
4. Choose one book that is a change from the usual.

Large-print / low-vision option: Ask librarians to read out call numbers and titles; carry a pocket magnifier.

Make it easier: Phone the library and arrange curbside pickup of holds, if offered. Make it harder: Join or start a library book discussion group.

4. A two-person book swap

The older reader and a grandchild, friend or neighbor each pick a book for the other, then compare notes when both have finished.

Materials: Two books in whatever formats each reader needs. Approximate cost: Free to low.

Steps:

1. Each person chooses a book they loved for the other.
2. Set a loose deadline, such as a month.
3. Meet or call to talk it over.
4. Swap again.

Large-print / low-vision option: The books do not need to be in the same format: one large print, one audio is fine.

Make it easier: Swap short stories or articles instead of whole books. Make it harder: Add a third reader and a theme.

Reading with a companion caregiver

Federal rules name reading as one of the activities that make up companionship services (29 CFR 552.6), alongside conversation, games and crafts. A companion caregiver can read aloud, drive to the library, set up an e-reader, help fill in the NLS application, keep track of mailed talking books and post them back. Our companion caregiver activities guide has more visit ideas.

Find a reading companion near you

Families can post a companion care job on CaregiverConnect without charge and talk to the caregivers who apply. The family does the hiring and is the employer; CaregiverConnect does not background-check caregivers, so see our safety advice. Read about companion care, then search for caregivers in your area.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. Library of Congress NLS, Apply for NLS Services (eligibility and certifying authorities)
2. Library of Congress NLS, Frequently Asked Questions
3. Library of Congress NLS, Equipment for NLS Materials
4. Library of Congress NLS, Sign up for BARD and Accessing BARD
5. Library of Congress NLS, Large Print Materials
6. USPS Domestic Mail Manual 703.5, Free Matter for the Blind and Other Physically Handicapped Persons
7. National Eye Institute, Low Vision
8. 29 CFR 552.6, Companionship services (LII, Cornell Law School)