Public library services for Canadians with print disabilities
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CELAPublic library services for Canadians with print disabilities

Centre for Equitable Library Access
Public library service for Canadians with print disabilities

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  2. Services for Public Libraries

Accessing CELA books for your patrons

How to access books for your patrons

All CELA member libraries have a CELA account for two main purposes: 

  1. Register eligible library patrons for direct CELA service
  2. Provide access to CELA titles for your eligible library patrons who may or may not have their own CELA account

Not all your eligible patrons may have the ability or interest to manage their own account and would benefit from simply checking out accessible titles at their library. So, to make your library more inclusive and accessible, you can use your CELA account to add CELA titles to your collection for your patrons with print disabilities. 

You may use your account to:

  • Load accessible titles on library-owned reading devices and loan them to patrons with print disabilities
  • Demonstrate accessible reading solutions for patrons new to print disabilities or their support persons
  • Request a book club title for your members with print disabilities
  • Add a braille book to your displays to promote braille awareness and braille literacy

Please help us protect CELA services by ensuring only those people with print disabilities are accessing the materials.

What formats may I borrow? 

  • Direct to Player - Place audio and text books in the DAISY format in a virtual bookshelf and load them directly on your library’s compatible devices, such as Humanware players, Envoy Connect (audio only), and mainstream devices with required app installed
  • DAISY audio zipped files - Transfer to a DAISY player, or burn to CD
  • DAISY text, ePub or Word zip - Read using apps such as EasyReader, transfer to a DAISY player, or on your computer
    • Note: Zip files will be deleted from your account after 3 days
  • Braille books, including picture books for children with braille (printbraille)

For instructions on how to transfer books, visit our Tutorials page. 

For more information about DAISY and how to use DAISY players, download our DAISY guide for Member Libraries (Word document).

For an overview of compatible devices and how to choose the optimal ones for your patrons' needs see Choosing the right reading technology.

How does it work?

Libraries may log in and select a book title and specific format. Instructions on how to search and place holds are found on our Help page

For information on loan limits, please consult our CELA loan limits page.

How are physical materials shipped and returned?

  • Printbraille books
    • Printbraille books are sent in bags, with a paper address card with your name and address on one side, and the CELA return address on the other
    • To return a printbraille book, place it back in its bag, flip the address card over and put the bag back in the mail (post free)
  • Braille
    • Braille books are sent in boxes or envelopes and does not need to be returned

FAQ

Which devices can I use to read books and magazines from CELA?

Answer: CELA books and magazines work with many popular accessible reading devices and apps. Find out more on ourCompatible devices and formats page.

Go to Frequently Asked Questions page

About us

The Centre for Equitable Library Access, CELA, is an accessible library service, providing books and other materials to Canadians with print disabilities.

  • Learn more about CELA
  • Privacy
  • Terms of acceptable use
  • Member libraries
  • What is a print disability?

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Suggestion Box

CELA welcomes all feedback and suggestions. Please contact us with your comments.

  • Suggest a title for the collection
  • Report a problem with a book
  • Reconsideration of materials
  • Join our Educator Advisory Group
  • Apply for our User Advisory Group

Contact Us

Email us at help@celalibrary.ca or call us at 1-855-655-2273 for support.

Go to contact page for full details

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