October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about the language-based learning disability, and providing a platform for individuals, families, educators, and organizations to come together and support those with dyslexia.

The Libby app is committed to making reading enjoyable and accessible for everyone, including those with dyslexia. In Libby, there’s an option to choose the OpenDyslexic font, a specially designed typeface that some find improves readability. The letters have a weighted, slightly more structured design that may make it easier to distinguish similar characters, reducing the likelihood of mixing up letters.

How do I enable the OpenDyslexic font in Libby?

Turning on the dyslexic font in Libby is quick and easy!

Here’s how:

✔️Open the book you’d like to read.

✔️Tap the center of the screen to open the menu.

✔️Tap the Reading Settings icon (it looks like an "A").

✔️Under "Book Design," tap OpenDyslexic to switch to this font.

How the OpenDyslexic font helps readers

The OpenDyslexic font is specifically designed to make reading more accessible for people with dyslexia by addressing some common challenges:

Letter shape and spacing

Letters in OpenDyslexic are weighted at the bottom, making each character more distinctive and less likely to be confused with others. This reduces the visual "swapping" of letters like ‘b’ and ‘d’ or ‘p’ and ‘q,’ which is common for individuals with dyslexia.

Consistent reading flow

The font helps guide the eye along the text more smoothly, preventing letters from seeming to "float" or move around the page, a sensation some dyslexic readers experience with standard fonts.

Reduced fatigue

Because OpenDyslexic may make it easier to distinguish letters, reading becomes less tiring. This allows readers to focus more on comprehension rather than decoding each word, leading to a more enjoyable reading experience.

Making reading more accessible

Dyslexia affects as many as 1 in 5 people, and providing options like customizable fonts ensures that everyone, regardless of their learning differences, can enjoy books with greater ease and comfort.

By offering the OpenDyslexic font, Libby helps readers experience books in a way that works best for them. Whether it’s reading for school, work, or pleasure, having access to an adaptable reading experience can make a world of difference.

As we recognize Dyslexia Awareness Month, let’s spread the word about tools that may enhance the reading experience for people with dyslexia. Try enabling the OpenDyslexic font in Libby and share this feature with someone you know who may benefit from it!

Further reading

Looking for more books about dyslexia? Check out some of these books on the Libby app, recommended by the International Dyslexia Association.

• Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M.D.
• Parenting a Struggling Reader by Susan L. Hall and Louisa C. Moats, Ed.D.
• Developing Reading Comprehension by Charles Hulme, et. al.
• Dyslexia in Adults by Kathleen Nosek

*Title availability may vary by library & region.

RELATED READ: 9 accessibility features in the Libby app to make your reading easier