What are some of the features of celalibrary.ca?

• A clean, simplified website that is easy to navigate
• A mobile-responsive interface to make downloading books directly to accessible reading apps faster and easier
• Consolidated search records to simplify finding the books you want in the formats you need
• A single, streamlined registration process for both CELA and Bookshare
• Enhanced privacy and improved protection for copyright laws
• Access to materials from CELA's collection, plus Bookshare titles for eligible users in a single site

What if I cannot remember my password or login information?

1. On the Login page, select the Reset my password tab.
   The Reset my password page appears.
2. Enter your username or email address and then select Submit. 
3. Password reset instructions will be sent to your registered email address.

For further help, contact us.

Where can I find instructions and help on using the site?

Visit Getting Started for information on using the CELA website for the first time. (If you already have a CELA account you do not need to Sign up.) For help with specific topics such as downloading books, visit Tutorials.

I can't find the book I'm looking for in your catalogue.

If you cannot find a title in our catalogue, you may Suggest a title our collection.

I find too many results when I search for books. How do I find what I'm looking for? 

You can use the filters on any search to narrow down your search by criteria such as subject, author, publication date, and format. 

I downloaded a book and can’t find the file.

For general tips on how to locate files, read our tutorials on how to download DAISY, MP3 and ebraille books.

Where do I go to download books in ZIP formats (DAISY ZIP, EPUB, Word and braille)?

After you have chosen a book in ZIP format and selected Get it, your book will be available within 5 minutes on the Available ZIP files for download page.

Why do I need to wait for books to become available in Available ZIP files for download or on my Direct to Player Bookshelf?

Whenever a patron requests a book on CELA's website, the system generates a unique file for the patron, which usually takes less than 5 minutes. Please keep in mind that two factors can make it take longer: longer book length and synthetic audio, as compared to books with human narration. Synthetic audio books may take several hours before they are available to download.

How long do books I request stay on my Available ZIP files for download page?

ZIP items you request are available on your Available ZIP files for download page for 3 days. Please note you can turn on notifications to receive emails when ZIP books you’ve requested become available. For more information about email notifications, see the Communication preferences section of the My Account page.

I requested a book and the message said it would be available soon, but it never arrived on my bookshelf or Available ZIP files for download. What happened?

Whenever a patron requests a book on CELA's website, the system generates a unique file for the patron, which usually takes less than 5 minutes. Synthetic audio books and books that are longer in length can take several hours to be created and available to download. If a book doesn't appear on your bookshelf or on the Available ZIP files for download page after 24 hours, please let the Contact Centre know by calling 1-855-655-2273 or emailing help@celalibrary.ca.

Which computer set up does your site work with?

• We test with a variety of computer set ups, including:
  • Chrome (latest version) on Windows 10
  • Microsoft Edge on Windows 10
  • Safari (latest version) on iOS (iPad and iPhone)
  • Voiceover on Mac, iPad and iPhone
  • Recent versions of JAWS on Windows 10
  • NVDA (Non-visual desktop access, a free screen reader) (latest version) on Windows 10
  • ZoomText 10 and up 
• The library web site no longer supports Internet Explorer 8, 9 or 10. These older browsers are increasingly unsupported by many websites and lack the security and functionality associated with modern browsers. Developing, testing and maintaining our site for these browsers is no longer sustainable. If you're having trouble using the site with Internet Explorer, consider trying Chrome.

How do I use your site with a screen reader?

Learning just a handful of standard keystrokes can save you hours of time! Read accessibility tips to learn how to navigate by headings, forms, and landmarks and for specific tips on navigating through search results.

Question not answered? Try our Help page. We're also happy to help by phone or email - please contact us.

What do the terms “synthetic audio” and “synthetic braille” mean?

Synthetic audio refers to narration that has been generated by a computer, and synthetic braille refers to braille that has been transcribed by a computer.

Why are some books in the CELA collection in synthetic audio?

The synthetic audio versions of books in the CELA collection are automatically generated from EPUB book files when we don’t have a human narrated audio version. This allows patrons access to more audio books than CELA could otherwise provide. In some cases this automated process is used to provide timely access, for example to award nominees, while a human narrated version is being produced.

Why are some books in the CELA collection in synthetic braille?

The synthetic braille versions of books in the CELA collection are automatically generated from EPUB book files when we don’t have a human-transcribed braille version. This allows patrons access to more braille books than CELA could otherwise provide. In some cases this automated process is used to provide timely access, for example to award nominees, while a human-transcribed version is being produced.

What is EPUB format?

EPUB, short for electronic publication, is an e-book file format. EPUB books can be read in any compatible app or DAISY player. For more information, visit the Accessible Formats page.

Can I read CELA books on a Chromebook?

Yes. Chromebook supports the EPUB file format. EPUB books can be read on a Chromebook using Google’s Read & Write program. The CELA catalogue has some EPUB titles and the Bookshare catalogue has a wide variety of EPUB titles to choose from. Patrons can get access to Bookshare by submitting the Proof of Disability form and educators can get access to Bookshare for their students by completing the Terms of Use form. You can also download the Dolphin EasyReader app onto Chromebooks launched after 2019. The app provides an easy way to load books right onto your Chromebook.

I received a book on two CDs but my player won’t play CD 2. What do I do?

You must play all the way to the end of CD 1 before you can play CD 2. Make sure you hear the announcement ‘end of book’ before you insert CD 2. If you don’t want to listen to the material at the end of CD 1, navigate or fast forward to the end of the CD.

How do I read a CELA book in Kurzweil?

In Kurzweil 1000, you can read DAISY audio and text books from CELA’s website in ZIP format. In Kurzweil 3000, you can read CELA’s DAISY text books in ZIP format. You can find information on how to read books in Kurzweil in the reference guide for your product version on Kurtzweil’s Product Guides page.

Do CELA books work on a Kindle or Kobo?

EPUB books from CELA’s website would have to be converted to MOBI format in order to be read on a Kindle. However, CELA books do not need to be converted in order to be read on newer models of Kobo, which support EPUB and EPUB3 formats. Please note that Kobo Original and Kobo Wi Fi do not support CELA’s EPUB3 format.

Is there a limit on the number of holds I can request?

There is no limit on the amount of holds you can place. Holds will be served from oldest to newest.

How many items (books or magazines) can I have at one time?

You can receive or download 150 titles within a 30 day period.

How many books can I add on my Direct to Player bookshelf?

There is no limit to the amount of books you can manually add to your Direct to Player bookshelf.

However, if you are using automatic selection service, the system will stop selecting books and adding them to your bookshelf if you have 12 or more books on your bookshelf. Automatic selection service will automatically restart once you have fewer than 12 books on your bookshelf. Magazines have no effect on the automatic selection service. For more information on automatic selection, see the Autoselection page.

Is there a way to receive books in a series in order?

Make sure to request each individual book in the series in sequence. This is the only way to make sure you receive them in the correct order.

I returned a printbraille book but it's still showing as checked out in my History. What should I do?

Double-check if you still have the printbraille book. If you can't find it, please report it to us.

What is the Bookshare collection?

The Bookshare collection is a variety of accessible books made available by Bookshare, a US-based online library for people with print disabilities. Thanks to Bookshare’s agreements with publishers, CELA patrons can access the Bookshare collection on CELA's website after submitting a proof of disability. Bookshare offers more than 700,000 titles, including books for all ages, best sellers, and more. The books are available in e-text and e-braille. Most of the audio book versions are in synthetic speech (computer voice) and some are human-narrated.

Why does the Bookshare collection mostly consist of synthetic audio and braille?

Bookshare offers books in computer-generated or synthetic formats, which is why many of their books are in synthetic audio and braille. Bookshare creates books by automatically converting book files provided by publishers. This automatic process makes large numbers of books available quickly and in a wide variety of accessible formats. Bookshare has also started adding more human-narrated books to their collection.

Do I have to register for Bookshare to use celalibrary.ca now? Do I have to provide a proof of disability?

No, you do not have to register for Bookshare nor provide proof of disability to access and borrow CELA materials through celalibrary.ca.

If you wish to access the Bookshare collection, you must provide a proof of disability, as required by Bookshare's agreements with publishers. CELA manages the proof of disability process and ensures the privacy of your personal information. The proof of disability form and instructions are available in the Proof of Disability section of the CELA website. Bookshare collection access is an option available to patrons who want a wider range of materials. If you have questions about providing a proof of disability, please contact us.

I already have a Bookshare account through CELA. Do I have access to the Bookshare collection in the CELA website as well? 

Yes, if you registered for a Bookshare account through CELA, you will also have access to the Bookshare collection on the CELA website.

Can I keep my CELA and Bookshare accounts separate? 

Yes, you can keep your existing Bookshare account if you wish. Bookshare has agreed that CELA patrons with Bookshare accounts created before March 2019 can keep them indefinitely.  

In Bookshare I could choose the format and line length for electronic braille books. Are these options available for Bookshare titles on the CELA website? 

For now, Bookshare titles in electronic braille will be provided in UEB with 40 cells per line, which is the same format and line length as most books from CELA. We hope to add the ability to select your own braille format and line length options to the site in the future. 

Do you have a monthly list of new titles?

You can now browse for new titles added in the past 30, 60 or 90 days by audience or by popular category.

How do I suggest a title for the collection?

Read our FAQ on suggesting titles and fill in the Title suggestion form. You can also request books in other languages.