Accessibility FAQs

  • Accessible Facilities

    At our wheelchair-accessible Central Library, you will find the following accessible features:

    • Accessible computer station
    • Prodigi desktop electronic magnifier
    • Portable magnifiers and reading glasses 
    • Slanted bottom shelves

    Yes! Our Bookmobile has a low-floor, accessible design with a ramp.

  • Accessible Collections

    We offer several alternatives if traditional print books or ebooks do not work for you.

    And a variety of audiobooks in several formats:

    The library also partners with the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) and the National Network for Equitable Library Services (NNELS) to offer FREE accessible format materials to public library users (braille, DAISY, e-text, MP3). See further FAQs about these services.

  • Accessible Technology

    In late 2024, OverDrive discontinued universal access to downloading MP3s. However, if you need this file type for accessibility reasons (i.e., print disability), library staff can request an MP3 for you.

    Fill out this MP3 request form and a staff member will be in touch.

    Remember that CELA and NNELS also offer accessible formats.

    Yes, you can use iOS VoiceOver, Android TalkBack, and desktop screen readers (like NVDA and JAWS). Learn more about Libby's accessibility features by visiting the Libby Help website, opens a new window.

  • CELA and NNELS

    CELA is a publicly funded non-profit, funded by provincial and territorial governments. There is no charge to the public. For more information, please visit www.celalibrary.ca 

    NNELS is funded by the provincial and territorial governments of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. There is no charge to the library or to the public. For more information, please visit www.nnels.ca  

    Nothing! It is free with your library card.

    No. Both services will ask you to identify your category of disability (visual, physical, cognitive) but we don’t require medical documentation to support that.

    You can request that CELA or NNELS convert the book to a format that is accessible to you. They will confirm that the format is not commercially available and that they have copyright permission to create the new format. Both CELA and NNELS have online forms to suggest new titles for the collection:

    Both services support a number of assistive devices, including DAISY players (Victor Reader, PLEXTALK), iOS and Android tablets and phones, computers, MP3 players, and braille displays. For a full list of compatible devices, see:

    1. Sign up for a library card.
    2. Ask the Checkout Desk to make your library card an “Access” card.
    3. Self-register on www.celalibrary.ca and https://nnels.ca
    4. Contact us with questions and for help with registering.

    These services are restricted to Strathcona County residents* with a print disability. If changing the format of a book means that you can read it (whereas previously you couldn't), then these services are for you. CELA and NNELS consider print disabilities in three categories:  

    • Visual disability (low vision and blindness)
      • e.g., glaucoma or macular degeneration
    • Physical disability (mobility problems that impact the ability to hold or manipulate a book)
      • e.g., MS or Parkinson’s
    • Learning disability (comprehension problems)
      • e.g., dyslexia, stroke, brain injury

    Those who are not eligible are:

    • People who can read traditional print books
    • People who are struggling to read a book due to literacy or language comprehension

    *If you are not a Strathcona County resident, you can access CELA and NNELS through your home library.

  • Homebound Service

    You may be interested in our Service Where You Are program. A volunteer can deliver library materials to your home. Please fill out the linked form and a staff member will get back to you.

    Also, CELA will mail items to your home, and they also offer Direct-to-Player services.