Unlocking Stories: Our Partnership with Penguin
At Calibre Audio, we believe that everyone deserves access to the magic of a good book, no matter what challenges life throws their way. A great story should always be within reach. That’s why we’re thrilled to share the incredible journey we’ve embarked on with Penguin Random House—a partnership that’s transforming lives, one audiobook at a time.
A Partnership with Heart
Our collaboration with Penguin Random House goes beyond business—it’s a shared mission to ensure that books are available to everyone, everywhere. Since teaming up in 2022, Penguin Random House has generously donated over 6,000 audiobook titles to our library. But these aren’t just any books; they range from today’s bestsellers to timeless classics, ensuring that our members have access to a diverse and high-quality selection of audiobooks.
Our partnership doesn’t stop at donations. Penguin Random House has also opened doors to new opportunities for Calibre. They’ve introduced us to publicists who have helped secure exclusive author interviews for our flagship series, Calibre Conversations. They’ve also donated audiobooks as prizes for our Inclusive Voices competition, adding even more excitement to the event. In short, they’re more than just partners—they’re true champions of our cause.
Penguin Random House didn’t only support us with books and connections; they offered invaluable guidance as we set up the Inclusive Voices competition. Their expert advice on terms and conditions, competition management, inclusivity, accessibility, and audience outreach have been crucial to its success. They even featured Inclusive Voices in their Getting Published newsletter, helping us reach an even wider audience.
The Hits Keep Coming: Our Top Penguin Random House Titles
Since teaming up with Penguin Random House, we’ve seen our members dive into these new titles with gusto—20,189 issues and counting! Here’s a peek at the top three most downloaded books among our members:
Top Three Adult Titles (All by Richard Osman!):
The Thursday Murder Club - 436 issues
The Bullet That Missed - 361 issues
The Man Who Died Twice - 302 issues
Top Three Children’s Titles:
A Different Sort of Normal - 43 issues
Kay’s Brilliant Brains (World Book Day Title) - 43 issues
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot - 36 issues
These numbers are more than just stats—they’re stories unlocked, journeys taken, and imaginations sparked.
Making a Real Difference
For our members, these audiobooks are more than just something to listen to—they’re lifelines. We often hear from listeners who tell us how much these stories mean to them, whether they’re staying connected to the world, learning something new, or simply finding joy in a favourite tale. One Calibre member, Peter, shared:
'As a new member of Calibre I must congratulate you on this excellent service, which has made a massive difference to my life. I have gone from a world without books to enjoying “reading” again thanks to you. Please keep up the fantastic work you are doing which is greatly appreciated.'
This is the true impact of our partnership with Penguin Random House: bringing people together through the power of stories.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue growing our collection and reaching even more listeners. With Penguin Random House by our side, we’re making sure that everyone—no matter their circumstances—can experience the joy of a good book.
At Calibre Audio, we’re not just about books; we’re about breaking down barriers and opening up worlds. And with Penguin Random House, the adventures are just beginning. Here’s to more stories, more listeners, and more joy ahead!