Accessing books for your patrons
Make a wide variety of accessible materials available for your patrons with print disabilities right in your library. All CELA member libraries have a six-digit account number that enables you to borrow titles that are not available at your library. You may use your account to:
- Borrow braille directly from CELA for patrons who enjoy picking up their books at the library
- Request a book club title for your members with print disabilities
- Add a braille book to your displays
Please help us protect CELA services by ensuring only those people with print disabilities are accessing the materials.
Please note: As of July 31st, 2025, CELA no longer offers DAISY audio CDs as a delivery option. Please visit our CD Transition page to learn about the options available to you for getting our audio books and magazines.
What formats may I borrow?
- Direct to Player - pre-load your library's DAISY player or Envoy Connect device with books and magazines
- DAISY zipped files (transfer to a DAISY player on an SD card or burn to CD)
- DAISY text (read using apps such as EasyReader, transfer to a DAISY player on an SD card or on your computer)
- Braille books, including picture books for children with braille (printbraille)
For instructions on how to transfer books, visit our Help page.
For more information about DAISY and how to use DAISY players, download our DAISY guide for Member Libraries (Word document).
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
Zip files will no longer appear on your account after 3 days. Printbraille should be returned in the CELA mailing bags.
Ordering books for your patrons
Some patrons prefer to order CELA books through their library. If patrons wish to receive home delivery, they may register for an individual CELA account. Visit the Register page to learn how to sign up patrons.
How are physical materials shipped and returned?
Our printbraille books are sent to you by mail postage free, and you return them the same way. Your library is allowed 2000 titles within a 30 day period. For printbraille titles, you may borrow up to 20 printbraille titles at a time. If that number is reached, future requests will be put on hold.
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Braille
- Braille books are sent in boxes or envelopes and does not need to be returned.
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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).