I also have a low vision diagnosis. I have joined 3 libraries and use Axis 360 and Libby. I use my iPads for reading and now…audiobooks. My vision is to the point I enjoy audiobooks more. I joined audible…but that was costing about $15 a book.
With having low vision due to macular degeneration , this year I qualified for The Library of Congress program for the visually impaired. It is great. Any book Ive wanted has been immediately available. There is a BARD app that I use on my iPad. You can check out large print books or audiobooks. Talk to the Sumter County Librarian about it. There is a form that you have signed by your doctor, then it takes about three weeks to get established with the program.

I have to, once again, send thanks to everyone for their input. This information will help me and probably others who have this terrible loss of sight.

So grateful to you all.

Local libraries can make digital book available for download or you can purchase from Amazon or get a Kindle unlimited subscription

Font/background color
 

I find it's easier to read white font on black background, rather than black font on white background. Not sure why that is the case.

..... and I cannot read white on black, am actually better with black on light beige. It seems to affect us all diferently.

I wouldn’t recommend the iPad mini because it is too small. Check out the normal size iPads up to the large 12.9 iPad Pro. You can get a cover for the iPad that allows you to hold the back of the iPad with the palm of your hand and it swivels, less strain because your not using your fingers to hold it.
The iPad also allows you to read in normal light mode and in dark mode depending on what’s easier for you to read in.
I have over 45 years running Apple products and 44 years in IT, if you have any questions about the iPad, how to set it up, back it up, update it, send me a private email, I don’t charge for this advice

And I wouldn't recommend the iPad because it is too large and too expensive.

Look at the options and the features and find what works for you. The e-ink of the Kindle Paperwhite is excellent for reading outdoors and the device is inexpensive and easy to hold. The heavy-duty processor, large screen, and large processor of the iPad are great if you are doing much more than reading but they come with a heavy weight and a heavy price tag.

when you pay your 40 fee you also have access to the Marion county library

Don’t know how those “reciprocal agreements” work but I sure would like to know the answer to this question.

I respectfully disagree that the mini is too small. It’s actually just right for most people. You can make the text larger on a mini but you can’t make the physical size of a large iPad smaller! To each their own though.

Kindle Paperwhite
 

Kindle paper white can be read indoors and outdoors. Books, magazines can be borrowed and downloaded from local libraries. You can also purchase books from Amazon.

I suggest to search for free kindle books on Amazon. The available books change frequently.