6 Best Large Print Book Clubs For Low Vision That Rekindle a Love of Reading
Discover the 6 best large print book clubs for low vision. Our guide helps you find accessible formats, community, and a renewed passion for reading.
You settle into your favorite chair, ready to lose yourself in a new book, but the words on the page seem to blur together. The simple act of focusing becomes a chore, pulling you out of the story and replacing enjoyment with frustration. For many avid readers, changes in vision can feel like a closing door on a cherished lifelong hobby, but it absolutely doesn’t have to be. Large print book clubs and services are designed specifically to keep that door wide open, making reading comfortable and engaging again.
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How Large Print Books Keep Reading Accessible
When we talk about large print, we’re discussing more than just bigger letters. A well-designed large print book is a masterclass in thoughtful design, engineered to reduce eye strain and the cognitive effort required to read. This isn’t about compensating for a deficit; it’s about using a superior tool for the job.
Typically, these books use a font size of 16 points or larger, a significant increase from the standard 10 or 12-point font. But just as important are the other details. You’ll find increased spacing between lines (leading), which helps your eyes track from one line to the next without skipping. The ink is often darker and printed on high-contrast, non-glossy paper to minimize glare. Together, these elements transform reading from a strain back into a pleasure.
Doubleday Large Print for Current Bestsellers
For the reader who loves discussing the latest blockbuster novel or diving into a trending non-fiction topic, the fear of being left out of the conversation is real. Doubleday Large Print directly addresses this by focusing its catalog on current and popular titles. This service ensures you can read what everyone else is reading, at the same time.
This club operates on a subscription model, delivering new hardcovers directly to your door. The convenience is a major draw, eliminating the need to hunt for accessible versions of new releases. While it involves the cost of a membership, the value lies in its curated access to the literary zeitgeist. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to maintain their connection to contemporary culture through reading.
Reader’s Digest Select Editions for Curated Novels
Perhaps your reading time is more limited, or you simply enjoy a faster-paced narrative. Reader’s Digest Select Editions offers a unique format: multiple, expertly condensed novels bound together in a single large print volume. This is perfect for the reader who values variety and discovery.
Each volume introduces you to several authors and genres, acting as a curated tasting menu of fiction. The abridgments are done skillfully to preserve the core plot and character development, delivering a satisfying story in fewer pages. This service is less about keeping up with bestsellers and more about providing a consistent, enjoyable, and varied reading experience on a predictable schedule.
Thorndike Press: Free Large Print via Your Library
One of the most powerful and underutilized resources for large print readers is sitting right in your community: the public library. Thorndike Press is one of the world’s leading publishers of large print books, and their primary customer is the library system. This means you can access their massive catalog for free.
While not a "club" in the subscription sense, your library card is your membership. You can browse your local branch’s collection or, more powerfully, use the interlibrary loan system to request specific Thorndike titles from a vast network of libraries. This approach offers an unbeatable combination of immense selection and zero cost, making it a fantastic option for voracious readers on any budget. Just ask your librarian how to get started.
Harlequin Reader Service for Large Print Romance
A passion for a specific genre is something to be celebrated, and for millions, that genre is romance. The Harlequin Reader Service understands its audience intimately and delivers a tailored experience directly to them. This subscription service is dedicated to providing a steady stream of romance novels in an easy-to-read large print format.
By joining, you get new titles from your favorite Harlequin series delivered each month before they’re even available in stores. It removes the guesswork and search time, ensuring you always have a new love story waiting. For dedicated fans of the genre, this service provides a reliable and comforting way to indulge in the stories they love without the barrier of small print.
Guideposts Large Print for Inspirational Stories
Reading can be a source of comfort, hope, and spiritual connection. Guideposts Large Print caters specifically to this need, offering a collection of inspirational and faith-based stories. The content is consistently uplifting, focusing on themes of resilience, community, and personal strength.
This service often delivers a mix of true stories, devotionals, and light fiction, making it easy to pick up for a few minutes of encouragement. The format is less about long, immersive novels and more about providing positive, bite-sized reading experiences. For those seeking content that nourishes the spirit, Guideposts provides a welcome and accessible option.
Amazon’s Large Print Store for Unmatched Variety
If you value selection above all else, the most comprehensive "club" might not be a club at all. Amazon has a dedicated Large Print Books store that functions as a massive, on-demand marketplace. Its sheer scale means you can find almost anything, from obscure classics and independent authors to international bestsellers.
The key here is using the search filters effectively. By filtering any book search to show only "Large Print" editions, you gain control over a catalog far larger than any single subscription service. While it lacks the curation of a traditional club—you are the one doing the choosing—it offers unparalleled freedom. This is the ideal path for readers with very specific tastes or those who prefer to buy books one at a time rather than commit to a subscription.
Choosing a Service for Your Reading Preferences
The "best" service is the one that aligns with your personal reading habits, budget, and interests. Making the right choice is about self-awareness, not a one-size-fits-all solution. As you consider your options, think through these key factors:
- Content: Do you crave the latest bestsellers (Doubleday), prefer curated variety (Reader’s Digest), or have a passion for a specific genre like romance (Harlequin) or inspirational stories (Guideposts)?
- Cost: Are you looking for a free, community-based resource (Thorndike via your library) or are you comfortable with a paid subscription for the convenience and curation it provides?
- Control: Do you enjoy the surprise of a curated selection arriving at your door, or do you prefer the total freedom to choose every book you read (Amazon)?
- Commitment: Does a monthly delivery sound like a delightful treat, or would you rather buy books on your own schedule without a recurring obligation?
Answering these questions will point you toward the service that best fits your life. The goal is to find a solution that removes friction and brings back the pure joy of getting lost in a good story.
Changes in vision are a normal part of life, but they should never mean giving up the activities that bring you fulfillment and joy. By exploring these large print options, you are not just finding a workaround; you are proactively choosing to continue a lifelong passion on your own terms. The right service is out there, ready to fill your bookshelf and your afternoons once again.
