For decades, three essential services have been working together to support the visually impaired community in Carmarthen:
Oral Books (since 1979)
The Blind Paper (since 1976)
Radio Glangwili (since 1972)
Every week, an edition of the Spoken Paper is broadcast on Radio Glangwili, providing a special service for the patients of Glangwili Hospital. Monthly supplements are also shared, available in both Welsh and English.
Initially, the Spoken Paper was recorded in the Radio Glangwili studios. However, with the arrival of Oral Books, dedicated studios were established. To this day, the two charities continue to share offices and studio spaces, working side by side. Throughout this journey, the Spoken Books have been supported by Associations for the Blind, offering vital cultural nourishment to the community.
The story of Llyfrau Llafar Cymru begins in 1979 in Carmarthen, led by Rhian Evans, a librarian at Coleg Y Drindod. Facing her own challenges with deteriorating eyesight, Rhian recognised the need for free access to Welsh-language audiobooks. With the immediate support of Alun R. Edwards, Dyfed’s Chief Librarian, the vision was brought to life, funded initially by the Government’s Work Creation Scheme.
Rhian’s commitment to accessibility started even earlier in 1975, when she founded the Spoken Paper service at Radio Glangwili. As time went on, recording moved to independent studios, and the focus expanded from Welsh books to include English titles relevant to Wales — eventually recording over 2,000 books.
In 1989, when government funding ended, the North Wales Blind Association stepped in to help sustain the service. Despite this support, by 2010, financial difficulties once again threatened the future of the Carmarthen studios.
Determined to protect this vital resource, a small group of committed individuals formed a rescue committee. Thanks to their efforts — and a £35,000 grant from the Welsh Government — the service was successfully relaunched as Llyfrau Llafar Cymru (Talking Books Wales).
The newly rebranded service was officially launched on 24 January 2012 at Cardiff Bay, ensuring that Welsh and English literary treasures remain accessible to all who need them.
At Llyfrau Llafar Cymru, we believe that literature is a right — not a privilege.
Our mission is simple: to break down barriers to reading, bringing stories, knowledge, and joy to those who are blind, partially sighted, or face other challenges with reading.
