Library Services

Accessible Resources

For library users with print disabilities, we offer service through CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access) and NNELS (National Network for Equitable Library Service).

CELA

https://celalibrary.ca/help/tutorials/getting-started

CELA is a National not-for-profit organization that provides accessible reading materials to people with print disabilities across Canada. CELA offers a collection of over 1 million titles, in accessible formats such as audio, braille, printbraille (picture books with braille overlaid), and text. Registration is fast and simple. Eligible library users can self-register at https://celalibrary.ca/register, or call or visit Okotoks Public Library for assistance signing up.

Please see this page to check your eligibility.

CELA users can also access materials from the Bookshare collection directly from the CELA website. Bookshare is a US-based accessible online library with many full-text titles available to Canadian users. Once a library user has registered for CELA, they will need to complete a Proof of Disability form to access the Bookshare collection. Please note that this form only needs to be filled out if you want access to the additional Bookshare collection; without filling out the form, you will still have access to CELA’s full collection.

NNELS

https://nnels.ca/about

NNELS (National Network for Equitable Library Service) offers books in accessible formats to anyone in Canada who has a print disability. NNELS offers mostly accessible digital books, as well as print braille books. To get started using NNELS, please contact the Okotoks Public Library.

Other resources available

  • Our physical audiobook on CD, Playaway, and Large Print collections are available for check-out at the Okotoks Public Library. We have portable CD players that can be checked out as well.
  • The Libby and Cloud Library apps offer access to eAudiobooks, as well as eBooks with adjustable text size and the option to use OpenDyslexic font (as well as other font choices).
  • The Libby app is also compatible with screen readers. Click here for instructions
  • The iOS version of Cloud Library is compatible with VoiceOver
  • Okotoks Public Library has a DAISY reader that can be checked out for 4 weeks.
  • On the second floor of the library, we have an Onyx OCR/Magnifying device set up. This device can magnify documents on a screen, and also has text-to-speech capabilities. Please bring along a pair of headphones/earbuds if you plan to use the text-to-speech feature. The library also offers earbuds for $2.00, which are then yours to keep.