Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to give away more than 70,000 free children's books

RNIB teams up with Morrisons and Daily Express

The Read for RNIB Day edition of We're Going on a Bear Hunt

England, Scotland and Wales --

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has teamed up with Morrisons, Daily Express and publisher Walker Books to give away more than 70,000 free children's books this summer.

The giveaway is part of Read for RNIB Day, the charity's annual fundraising campaign which aims to improve accessibility of books for blind and partially sighted people.

Daily Express voucher

On Saturday 10 August, copies of the Daily Express will include a voucher which can be exchanged at any Morrisons store in England, Scotland and Wales (except M Local) for a special Read for RNIB Day copy of children's classic 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt'.

Written by former children's laureate Michael Rosen, and published by Walker Books, 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' has been a firm favourite for children and adults alike since its publication in 1989.

Blind and partially sighted people face a significantly limited choice of books, latest statistics reveal that only 7 per cent of all books are fully accessible. Whilst there have been exciting developments in recent years, with the growth of accessible eBooks, electronic reading devices and unabridged audio books, there is still a long way to go.

RNIB is committed to making sure people with sight loss have access to the same range of books as everyone else. Through its National Library Service, the charity produces and distributes more than 1.6 million books every year in accessible formats such as braille, unabridged audio and giant print. RNIB also works closely with publishers and the ebook industry.

RNIB's CEO Lesley-Anne Alexander said:

"We are delighted to be working with Morrisons and the Daily Express to give away copies of We're Going on a Bear Hunt. Blind and partially sighted people face a significantly limited choice of books in accessible formats but by taking part in Read for RNIB Day on Friday 11 October people can help us to change the story."

Read for RNIB Day takes place on Friday 11 October 2013, and people can get involved in a variety of fun fundraising activities, from Mad Hatter's Tea Parties and 'come as a character' fancy dress days to literary lunches and reading group challenges.

Register at readforrnib.org.uk to find out more information and get involved.

Notes to editors

For further information please contact Jessica Hall at RNIB on 0207 391 2290 orJessica.hall@rnib.org.uk

Contact: pressoffice@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 8 August 2013

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