The Vision and Print Impaired People’s Promise (VPIPP)
At Barking and Dagenham Libraries, we believe that reading and information should be accessible to everyone—regardless of visual or print impairments. That’s why we proudly support The Vision and Print Impaired People’s Promise (VPIPP), a national commitment to ensuring that blind, partially sighted, and print-disabled individuals can fully engage with public library services.
VPIPP outlines the experience that people with vision and print impairments should expect when visiting a library. It’s not just a promise—it’s a call to action for libraries to be inclusive, imaginative, and empowering.
What Barking and Dagenham Libraries Are Doing
We are working to make our libraries welcoming and accessible spaces for all. Our efforts include:
- Creating an inspiring and accessible environment where reading is a pleasure, not a challenge.
- Offering digital resources and support to help users build skills, explore creativity, and enjoy reading in new ways.
- Providing inclusive collections with books and information in accessible formats such as audiobooks, large print, and braille.
- Hosting accessible cultural and reading events, both in-library and in the community.
- Involving users in service development, ensuring their voices shape our future.
- Supporting wellbeing and independence through tailored services and outreach.
What We Offer
Home Library Service
Barking and Dagenham Libraries provide a FREE home delivery service for residents who are unable to visit the library due to age, disability, ill health, limited mobility, or any other difficulty leaving the home. If you or someone you know would benefit from this service, please get in touch so we can discuss your needs and check eligibility.
📚 Learn more about the Home Library Service and how to sign up
Online Resources
Barking and Dagenham Libraries offer FREE Online Resrouces, available 24/7 with your library membership. You can access a wide range of eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and eNewspapers, many of which include many accessibility options.
Our digital platforms - Libby, BorrowBox, ReadOn, PressReader Digital Newspaper - are compatible with built-in accessibility tools such as TalkBack on Android devices and VoiceOver on iOS devices. Depending on the app, you may also benefit from features like:
- Adjustable text size
- Zoom functionality
- Adjustable playback speed
- Customisable ebook reader display
- Dark mode
- Dyslexic-friendly fonts
- Colour variation options
Please note: accessibility features may vary depending on the app and device used. Most apps work seamlessly with Android and iOS accessibility settings.
📲 Learn more and explore our Online Resources
Inclusive Digital Zones
The zones are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including screen readers, magnification software, and speech recognition tools. They have been carefully designed to include features such as accessible seating and adjustable desks, as well as volunteer digital champions who can offer support to those who need help getting online.
Come and explore this service in the designated Inclusive Digital Zones at the following libraries. Please speak to a member of staff—we’ll be happy to assist you.
Barking Learning Centre Community and Family Hub, 2 Town Square, Barking, IG11 7NB
Telephone: 02087248722, Email: libraries@lbbd.gov.uk
Opening Hours: Mon to Thursday: 9am to 7pm; Friday and Saturday; 9am to 5pm; Sunday: 10am to 4pm; Bank Holidays: Closed
Dagenham Library and Family Hub, 1 Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, RM10 9QS
Telephone: 0208724 3942, Email: libraries@lbbd.gov.uk
Opening Hours: Mon to Thursday: 9am to 7pm; Friday and Saturday; 9am to 5pm; Sundays and Bank Holidays: Closed
Learn more about the Inclusive Digital Zones
Portable Reader
In collaboration with our Sensory Team, we lend the Optelec ClearReader+ device to visually impaired residents, enabling them to listen to books, letters, and other printed materials read aloud by this remarkable device. The Sensory Team conducts home visits to assess individual needs, provides training, and lends the device accordingly. Thanks to this innovative approach, we are bringing library services directly into the homes of residents who may otherwise be unable to visit the library or access the reading materials they love.