Calibre Audio
Calibre Audio is a UK charity founded in 1974 that provides audiobook lending services to people with print disabilities, offering 23,000+ titles across streaming, mobile apps, USB, and voice platforms, subsidized by donations and membership fees.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1974
- HeadquartersAylesbury, United Kingdom
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Calibre Audio does
Calibre Audio is a UK-registered charity founded in 1974 that provides an audiobook lending service to people with print disabilities, including visual impairment, dyslexia, physical dexterity conditions (e.g., Parkinson's, arthritis, MND, MS), and cognitive impairments (e.g., brain injury, stroke, autism, ADHD, early dementia). The charity operates from Aylesbury and serves members in the UK plus EU and Marrakesh Treaty countries. Its core product, My Calibre, is a bespoke streaming platform offering access to over 23,000 audiobooks across 70 categories, complemented by Calibre Learning for schools and Calibre Studio for audiobook production. Distribution is multi-channel: proprietary streaming (My Calibre), third-party app integrations (Dolphin EasyReader, Libby/OverDrive), voice-activated playback (Amazon Alexa), specialist accessibility software (Synapptic, Dolphin GuideConnect), and physical USB memory sticks posted to UK members. The content library includes titles narrated by 100+ volunteer voice professionals, many not commercially available elsewhere.
The charity's revenue model is multi-stream and donation-dependent. Membership is free for under-18s and schools (£0), while UK adults and overseas digital members pay subsidized rates of £3/month or £30/year. The charity must raise almost £1.5 million annually with no government funding, relying on individual donations, Gift Aid, regular giving, text-to-donate, book sponsorship (£250 per book), a One Lottery partnership, merchandise sales, and JustGiving-style fundraising. Go-to-market is community-led and partnership-driven: the organization leverages accessibility partnerships (RNIB, Synapptic, Dolphin Software), publishing partnerships (EmpathyLab, Nosy Crow), school engagement, and volunteer storytelling across owned channels (website, social media, YouTube, Calibre Conversations author interviews). The Inclusive Voices short story competition and National Year of Reading 2026 programming indicate expanding community and content engagement activities. With 51-100 employees and 50+ years of operational history, Calibre Audio is an established, stable charity operating across a recognized regulatory framework (DAISY Consortium, WCAG 2.0 AA, Gift Aid, Marrakesh Treaty).
Calibre Audio firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Calibre Audio
- Legal name
- Calibre Audio
- Website
- https://calibreaudio.org.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1974
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Calibre Audio is a UK charity founded in 1974 that provides audiobook lending services to people with print disabilities, offering 23,000+ titles across streaming, mobile apps, USB, and voice platforms, subsidized by donations and membership fees.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Calibre Audio industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Accessible Audiobook Lending Services
- NAICS
- Sound Recording Industries (5122), Educational Support Services (611710), Other Sound Recording Industries (51229)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Audiobook & Spoken-Word Streaming Platforms (MPAIADAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Audio Learning Content (Podcasts, Audiobooks, Listening Programs) (EDAGALAM), Audiobook Localization & Accessibility (Translation, Accents, DAISY/Accessible Formats) (MPAJAIAH), Accessible & Alternative Format Materials (Braille, Large Print, Audio, Tactile Graphics) (EDAGAMAD), Accessible Media Production (Alt Formats, Captioning, Audio Description) (EDALAGAC)
Keywords
Where Calibre Audio is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Aylesbury
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Calibre Audio business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Subscriptions: Highly subsidized membership fees from adults aged 18+ in the UK and overseas digital service users. Free membership for under-18s and UK schools. Generates recurring subscription revenue at £3/month or £30/year per adult member.
- Donations and Fundraising: Charitable donations from individuals including one-time gifts, regular monthly giving via direct debit or standing order, and text-to-donate campaigns. The charity needs to raise almost £1.5 million annually with no government funding.
- Book Sponsorship: Corporate or individual sponsorship of specific audiobook titles for £250 per book. Sponsors can choose genre and add a dedication message.
- Gift Aid: UK taxpayers can increase donation value by 25% through Gift Aid declarations, allowing the charity to reclaim basic rate tax from HMRC.
- Lottery: One Lottery partnership offering £1 tickets with potential prizes up to £25,000 in monthly draws, generating proceeds for the charity.
- Merchandise Sales: Sale of commemorative merchandise including the book 'Calibre Audio: The First Chapter' in print (£7.99 + P&P) and digital (£7.99) editions to commemorate 50 years as a charity.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Annual | Free membership for under-18s and schools |
| Subscription | Monthly | Subsidized adult membership (UK and overseas digital) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Book sponsorship |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Text-to-donate |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | One Lottery tickets |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Calibre Audio: The First Chapter commemorative book |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels9 records
Marketing channels17 records
Calibre Audio product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Calibre Audio is a UK-registered charity that lends audiobooks to people with print disabilities, providing access to over 23,000 titles across 70 categories. Members receive audiobooks via proprietary streaming (My Calibre), mobile apps (Dolphin EasyReader, Libby), Amazon Alexa, Synapptic accessibility software, or physical USB memory sticks posted to UK homes.
Product overview
Calibre Audio is a charity providing audiobook services for people with print disabilities. The core offering centers on My Calibre, a bespoke streaming platform where members access over 23,000 audiobooks. Members can also borrow audiobooks via the Libby (OverDrive) and Dolphin EasyReader apps for download and offline listening, through an Alexa skill for voice-controlled streaming, or via USB memory sticks through a postal service. The service integrates with accessibility-focused platforms including Synapptic and Dolphin GuideConnect. Additional offerings include Calibre Learning for schools (free membership), Calibre Conversations author interviews, and the Inclusive Voices short story competition.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- My Calibre: Bespoke streaming site and member portal for accessing audiobooks
- Calibre Learning
- Calibre Studio
Products and services
- My Calibre Streaming
- Libby (OverDrive) App Access
- Dolphin EasyReader App Access
- USB Memory Stick Postal Service
- Amazon Alexa Skill
- Synapptic Integration
- Calibre Learning
- Sponsor a Book
- Calibre Audio: The First Chapter (Commemorative Book)
- One Lottery Tickets
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 50 years of service providing audiobooks to people with print disabilities since 1974
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Calibre Audio
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Calibre Audio technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
AI capability2 records
Feature7 records
Calibre Audio partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- EmpathyLabcoreCalibre Audio partnered with EmpathyLab as part of the National Year of Reading 2026 for the Inclusive Voices short story competition. EmpathyLab is a not-for-profit using children's literature to build empathy and social activism. They provide resources, judges, and promotional support for the competition with an empathy-led theme. Their mission aligns with Calibre's goal of promoting accessible reading and diverse storytelling.
- Nosy CrowminorMulti-award-winning independent children's publishing company supporting the Inclusive Voices short story competition. Provides prizes and promotional support. Nosy Crow publishes child-focused books with simultaneous print, ebook, and audio formats, aligning with Calibre's accessibility mission.
- VoxblockminorUK company making screen-free, WiFi-independent audiobook players for children using physical card blocks. Supporting the Inclusive Voices competition with prizes. Their accessibility-focused product aligns with Calibre's mission for inclusive reading.
- Dolphin SoftwarecoreDolphin EasyReader app integration allowing Calibre members to download and listen to audiobooks offline. The EasyReader app includes accessibility features for people with sight loss. Also GuideConnect integration for searching and downloading from Calibre's collection within Dolphin software.
- OverDrive (Libby)coreOverDrive's Libby app integration providing another download option for Calibre members. Libby offers 6,000+ magazine titles in addition to audiobooks. Free app on iOS and Android with accessibility support for screen readers.
- Amazon (Alexa)coreAlexa voice assistant skill allowing Calibre members to stream audiobooks via voice commands. Supports hands-free listening with play controls, skip functions, and sleep timer.
- SynappticcoreSynapptic software integration (version 9.1+) provides simplified smartphone interface for people with sight loss with direct access to Calibre's audiobook collection. Award-winning design focuses on ease of use for accessibility.
- One LotteryminorLottery provider enabling supporters to purchase £1 tickets with potential prizes up to £25,000. Monthly draws generate proceeds for Calibre Audio. Only available to participants 18+.
- RNIBminorRoyal National Institute of Blind People. Calibre recommends RNIB as a source for USB audiobook players. Partnership enables members to purchase compatible playback devices.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)coreCloud hosting provider securely hosting Calibre's systems and data. Part of Calibre's IT infrastructure supporting streaming services and member records.
- Microsoft 365coreIT and cloud hosting platform used by Calibre for internal operations, communications, and productivity.
- SendGridcoreEmail and communications platform used to send newsletters and service updates to members who have opted in.
- StripecorePayment processor handling donations and online payments. Collects identifying information about devices connecting to its services and provides fraud detection and analytics.
- PayPalcorePayment processor for handling donations and online payments alongside Stripe.
- Google AnalyticscoreAnalytics service used to understand website traffic, user behavior, and site performance. Shares data with advertising partners.
- HotjarcoreUser experience analytics tool helping Calibre understand how users interact with the website, optimizing service and experience based on behavior data.
- DAISY ConsortiumminorInternational organization dedicated to accessible information for people with print disabilities. Calibre Audio is a member, demonstrating commitment to accessibility standards and best practices.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Calibre Audio competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People): UK's leading sight-loss charity. RNIB operates its own audiobook and library services for blind and partially sighted people and is a partner/referral channel for Calibre's USB players, making it the closest large UK accessibility-mission peer.
- Audible (Amazon): World's largest audiobook platform. While a commercial service, Audible is a broad incumbent in the same audio-content category Calibre serves, increasingly adding accessibility features that compete for the same audience.
Direct peers
- Learning Ally: US nonprofit providing audiobooks to students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Closest international direct peer in the print-disability audiobook space, with overlapping school programs and volunteer narration.
- Bookshare: Benetech-operated accessible ebook/audiobook library for people with print disabilities in the US. Overlaps Calibre's mission of providing copyrighted accessible content to qualifying members, primarily serving schools and individuals.
- Listening Books: UK charity providing audiobook membership to people with print disabilities, dyslexia, and other reading barriers. Directly comparable service model, target audience, and charity-funded subscription pricing.
Regional players
- Vision Australia: Australian blindness and low-vision service organization including library and audiobook services. Functions as a regional peer operating an analogous accessibility-mission library in a different geography.
- Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA): Canadian accessible-format library providing audio and alternative-format books to print-disabled Canadians. Directly comparable service model in a different national market.
Others
- OverDrive / Libby: Digital library platform whose Libby app Calibre integrates with. Operates the public-library audiobook lending model and is both a distribution partner and a comparable digital audiobook lending service for libraries.
- Dolphin Computer Access: Accessibility software provider whose EasyReader and GuideConnect products Calibre integrates with. A technology partner with overlapping mission to enable access to digital content for people with sight loss.
- HumanWare: Assistive technology provider producing players and readers used by visually impaired consumers. Adjacent ecosystem participant whose hardware complements Calibre's audiobook services.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Calibre Audio social profiles
Digital presenceCalibre Audio compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Calibre Audio financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Calibre Audio leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Calibre Audio funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Calibre Audio M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Calibre Audio
What does Calibre Audio do?
Calibre Audio is a UK-registered charity that lends audiobooks to people with print disabilities, providing access to over 23,000 titles across 70 categories. Members receive audiobooks via proprietary streaming (My Calibre), mobile apps (Dolphin EasyReader, Libby), Amazon Alexa, Synapptic accessibility software, or physical USB memory sticks posted to UK homes.
Is Calibre Audio a public or private company?
Calibre Audio is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Calibre Audio founded?
Calibre Audio was founded in 1974. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Calibre Audio based?
Calibre Audio is headquartered in Aylesbury, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Calibre Audio make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Membership Subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are donations and Fundraising, book Sponsorship, gift Aid, lottery and merchandise Sales.
Who are Calibre Audio's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) and Audible (Amazon). Direct peers are Learning Ally, Bookshare and Listening Books. Regional players are Vision Australia and Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA). Others are OverDrive / Libby, Dolphin Computer Access and HumanWare.
Does Calibre Audio have an API?
No public API is recorded for Calibre Audio.
What industry is Calibre Audio in?
Calibre Audio's product category is Accessible Audiobook Lending Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIADAE, Audiobook & Spoken-Word Streaming Platforms, with a secondary code of EDAGALAM, Audio Learning Content (Podcasts, Audiobooks, Listening Programs). Its NAICS code is 5122 and its SIC code is 8200.