Audiobook Month: Celebrating access, voices and the power of spoken stories
6 June 2025
The beginning of June marks Audiobook Month and while it’s easy to think of audiobooks as a format of convenience, for millions, they’re far more than that; they’re connection, inclusion and a way back into the joy of reading.
Audiobooks Are More Than a Trend
For people living with sight loss, dyslexia, fatigue, anxiety or other accessibility needs, audiobooks offer a vital way to experience stories on their own terms. In the UK alone, over 2 million people live with significant sight loss, and approximately 1 in 10 people are dyslexic. For many, turning the pages of a print book can be physically or cognitively difficult but audiobooks remove those barriers.
A recent Publishers Association report showed audiobook sales in the UK increased by 24% in 2023, with downloads up 17% year on year. But more importantly, 69.5% of children and young people say audiobooks make books easier to understand. They don’t just entertain, they support comprehension, mental wellbeing and confidence.
Behind the Scenes: The Work of Voices
Audiobook Month is also a moment to celebrate the people behind the voices. Narrators like Anne Dover, who recently retired after narrating over 1,400 titles, play a profound role in bringing stories to life. Her warm, compassionate delivery has offered comfort and companionship to thousands of listeners, particularly in libraries and home library services.
“I still get messages and reviews from listeners saying how much they enjoyed a book. That means the world.” Anne shared in our recent Q&A.
These recordings are often the result of hours of studio work, careful editing, and thoughtful performance. Every pause, tone, and breath is crafted to bring readers into the world of the book and to make them feel seen, even when they can’t see the text.
Ulverscroft’s Commitment
At Ulverscroft, audiobooks are at the heart of our mission to make reading accessible. Our audiobooks are available in:
- CD
- MP3 CD
- Downloadable formats via uLibrary
We work with libraries across the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and beyond to ensure these stories reach the people who need them most; whether through digital lending, postal services or community outreach.
Why It Matters
Audiobook Month isn’t just about growth or trends. It’s about recognising the power of voice to bring comfort, ignite imagination and connect us to something bigger. For many readers, audiobooks are not an alternative, they’re the only format that works.
So this June, we celebrate the stories, the voices, the studios, the librarians, and above all the listeners.
Because everyone deserves to be part of the story.