Facility Accessibility
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Accessible Library Services
Alberta library patrons who have trouble reading traditional print because of a visual, physical or learning disability can make use of accessible library services such as CELA/CAEB (Centre for Equitable Library Access/Centre d'accès équitable aux bibliothèques) and NNELS (National Network for Equitable Library Service).
Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA)
CELA is a national non-profit organization established by Canadian public libraries that enables libraries to serve their patrons who have a visual, learning or physical disability that prevents them from reading conventional print. CELA is supported by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and by the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC).
Patrons with perceptual disabilities in Peace Library System libraries may request and borrow titles from CELA as long as the patron code in their patron account in Polaris is set to “Print Disabled”.
As a member of CELA, you have access to offer a broad choice of formats including audio, braille, e-text and described video, including:
- Books, magazines, newspapers and described videos
- Access to Bookshare, the world’s largest online library of accessible reading materials. Bookshare books can be downloaded to a computer, mobile device such as a smartphone and tablet, or braille displays.
- A broad selection of genres: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children’s, young adult, business, self-help
- A choice of delivery options: direct download to computer, handheld devices and DAISY player; CD and braille mailed to home
Public library patrons with a print disability may register themselves for CELA service.
National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS)
NNELS is an online public library which provides published books in accessible formats for Canadians with print disabilities.
Their goal is for patrons with perceptual disabilities to have access to the same types of books and information available in any public library, but in digital formats which are accessible for their needs. NNELS generally collects popular and recent material with a particular focus on Canadian literature. Additions to the constantly-growing NNELS collection are driven by patron requests and partner selections, as well as contributions including from publishers and alternate format producers.
The NNELS collection primarily holds English language titles but NNELS accepts requests in other languages, especially French. NNELS acquires and produces titles in numerous digital formats, including DAISY, MP3, PDF, E-text, and EPUB. When requesting a title, a patron may request it be produced in a particular format which is accessible to them. If the requested title and format is already commercially available elsewhere, NNELS may direct the patron’s library to purchase it; otherwise, they will produce the title and make it available on the NNELS website.
Patrons with perceptual disabilities in Peace Library System libraries may request and borrow titles from NNELS as long as the patron code in their patron account in Polaris is set to “Print Disabled”.
To request a title, visit the NNELS request form.
For tutorials and instructions on searching and downloading already existing NNELS titles, visit the NNELS Help Page.
