Read all about it: TV’s Simon and Trish ‘Race Across Libraries’ from Exeter to Orkney!

Two intrepid literary explorers are hoping they won’t be ‘overdue’ when they attempt to travel 1,100 miles across the UK to visit seven libraries – including Orkney Library & Archive - in six days to promote accessible reading services. 

Taking part in the challenge later this month (March) are Simon Savidge from Libraries Connected and Trish Sail from RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People). Simon is the man behind the Savidge Reads YouTube channel and broadcasts on books on Sky Arts while Trish, who is registered blind, last year won series three of the BBC’s Race Across the World with her best friend Cathie. 

The pair are due to leave Exeter Library, Exeter in the Southwest of England on Sunday 17 March before using trains, planes and ferries to race across the UK – stopping off at libraries in Bath, Cardiff, Antrim, Manchester, Aberdeen before finishing in Orkney on Friday 22 March. 

The Race Across the Libraries event has been created by Share the Vision in partnership with Libraries Connected and RNIB and with funding from The Ulverscroft Foundation to highlight the world of accessible reading that is open to blind and partially sighted people.   

Every hour, another person in the UK goes blind and around 2 million people in the UK are living with sight loss. For many people who lose their sight, there may be a concern that they will no longer be able to read as they did before, but that’s not the case, and libraries can be a fantastic gateway to discovering that although you may not be able to read standard print, you can still access, enjoy, and share a diverse range of reading and experiences.  

The racers will also undertake fun challenges at every library they visit and post content from throughout the week on social media platforms, engaging with the libraries and sight loss communities to encourage people to find out what’s available on their doorstep. 

The Council’s Team Manager (Libraries and Archives) at Orkney Library & Archive, Vikki Kerr, said: “We wish Simon and Trish every success on their journey to Orkney and look forward to highlighting the range of free and accessible content available in alternative formats that we have here in the Orkney Library & Archive for blind and partially sighted people to access. 

“I am confident their UK-wide effort will raise the profile of library services to people with sight loss but, also to others who may have impairments for whom we aim to be as accessible as possible. 

“Libraries are so much more than simply a place to pick up a book. They are integral parts of the community, and we continue to come up with new and innovative ways to improve our offer to everyone.” 

Lara Marshall, Libraries Engagement Manager for RNIB said: “I can’t wait for Simon and Trish to set off on the Race Across Libraries trail. This has been such an exciting project to work on with Share the Vision. 

“I’m sure the challenge will encourage more people with sight loss to find out about the great range of resources and services which are available when they step into their local library.”