Find services for people with disabilities
GVPL offers accessible spaces, print-accessible collections, adaptive technology, and staff support to remove barriers to reading, learning, and participation in community life. Whether you’ve used accessibility services for years or are just starting to explore what support is available, find an option that works for you.
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Print accessibility and accessible reading formats
A print disability is a disability that prevents or inhibits a person from reading a literary, musical, dramatic, or artistic work in its original format. This can include low vision, blindness, dyslexia, learning disabilities, physical disabilities that make it difficult to hold a book, and other conditions that may be temporary or permanent.
We offer many different formats and services so you can choose the reading experience that works best for you.
Accessible formats available at GVPL
Search for these formats directly in the GVPL catalogue and place holds for pickup at any branch:
- Large print books
- CD audiobooks
- Digital audiobooks
- Dyslexia-friendly books
- DAISY CDs and digital MP3s
- Victor Readers
- Skill Builders Adaptive Toys
- Accessible book club sets
Accessible ebooks and audiobooks
Your library card also includes access to digital collections with built-in accessibility features.
Libby, by OverDrive
Borrow ebooks and audiobooks for all ages through Libby. Accessibility features include:
- Adjustable text size
- Screen reader support
- Dyslexia-friendly fonts
- Adjustable playback speed
- Dark mode and high contrast settings
Learn about Libby’s accessibility features.
Hoopla
Instantly borrow movies, TV shows, music, and comics. Accessibility options include OpenDyslexic mode and playback controls.
More accessible collections
If you inform staff that you have a print disability, we can update your account so that you’ll get access to more than just the GVPL collection. You’ll also have access to the CELA and NNELS collections, and be eligible to borrow audiobooks from other B.C. libraries through our interlibrary loan service.
CELA collection
The Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) offers one of Canada’s largest accessible collections of books, newspapers, magazines, and audiobooks. Materials are available in DAISY audio, Braille, and large print ebooks. CELA can mail physical materials directly to your home or you can download content from them online through their Direct to Player service.
Learn more about Direct to Player.
With supported devices like the Victor Reader Stream or Stratus, you can also use CELA’s Direct to Player service. This allows books to download directly to your device over the internet. You don’t need a Victor Reader to access CELA content. You can also use the free Dolphin EasyReader app on phones and tablets as a free alternative.
Learn more about the Dolphin EasyReader app.
Learn more about Victor Readers.
Some CELA members may also qualify for access to Bookshare, a large U.S. collection with more than 600,000 accessible titles narrated by computer voice. Bookshare registration requires additional documentation, such as a CNIB card or completed medical form.
NNELS collection
The National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) offers downloadable audiobooks for readers across Canada. One unique feature of NNELS is that patrons can request accessible versions of books that are not yet available commercially. Requested audiobooks are recorded with volunteer narrators and added permanently to the NNELS collection.
Login to your NNELS account to request a title.
Registering for print-accessible collections
To access services like CELA and NNELS, you’ll need to register with GVPL as having a print disability. Registration is simple and based on self-identification. You do not need medical documentation.
Once registered, staff can help with:
- Connecting you with CELA and NNELS
- Explaining available formats
- Getting started with devices or apps
Some ongoing support services through CELA may require a trusted friend, family member, or caregiver to act as a “designate” to help with selecting and downloading books.
Contact us or visit a GVPL branch to register for print-accessible services.
Glossary of print-accessible formats
If you’re new to accessible reading formats, the terminology can feel overwhelming at first. Here’s a quick guide to some of the formats and devices you may come across when using print-accessible collections at GVPL.
DAISY
Available through the GVPL catalogue, at GVPL branches, CELA, and NNELS
DAISY stands for Digital Accessible Information System. DAISY files are often described as “digital talking books.” DAISY audiobooks come in a special CD format that can only be played on certain audio players. This includes Victor Readers, and some newer CD players.
Learn more about Victor Readers.
DAISY audiobooks offer much more control over the reading experience compared with regular CD audiobooks. DAISY listeners can:
- Search within the audiobook
- Bookmark pages
- Jump back and forth line-by-line
- Change reading speed without distortion
NNELS’ guide to using and borrowing DAISY books.
Victor Readers
Available at GVPL
Victor Readers are specialized audiobook players designed for people with print disabilities. Victor Readers offer:
- Large tactile buttons
- Bookmarks
- Easy navigation between sentences and sections
- Support for DAISY books, regular audio CDs, ebooks, and MP3s
Some Victor Readers can also connect directly to CELA’s Direct to Player service.
Learn more about CELA’s Direct to Player service.
You can borrow our Victor Readers for three months at a time.
Direct to Player
Direct to Player is a CELA service that lets supported devices download audiobooks directly over the internet. To use this service, you’ll need a compatible internet-connected device, such as a Victor Reader Stream or Victor Reader Stratus. After selecting the titles you want through CELA, the player downloads the file to itself.
Some library users have a trusted family member, friend, or caregiver act as a “designate” to help with setup and ongoing support. GVPL staff can help connect you with CELA and explain how the service works. Please note that staff cannot act as designates.
Dolphin’s EasyReader app
Dolphin’s EasyReader app is a free, accessible reading app that helps smartphones, tablets, and computers support DAISY formats and other accessible books. Some people use this as a free alternative to the Victor Reader.
Accessibility when you visit
Our goal is to make every visit as smooth as possible. All GVPL branches offer a range of accessibility features and services to support people with diverse needs.
Getting here
- Accessible entrances, with ramps where needed
- Accessible parking is available at most branches
Inside the library
- Wide aisles for easy navigation
- Automatic or push-button doors
- Accessible bathrooms with grab bars
- Elevators in multi-level branches
- Height-adjustable service desks
- Self-checkout stations with voice narration
Adaptive public computers features
- Height-adjustable desks
- Large print keyboard
- Ergonomic mouse
Each library branch page lists its specific accessibility features online. Check them out before you go.
Assistive services for patrons who can’t visit the library
Some library users may not be able to visit branches because of illness, mobility barriers, or other long-term challenges. We offer flexible options to help people continue using library services from home.
Designating someone to help
You can use the form below to authorize a trusted person to pick up holds, renew materials, help manage your account, and create or renew a library card on your behalf.
Library Card Designate Authorization Form
Holds Pick-Up on Demand
Patrons with mobility or health barriers may arrange for staff to gather requested items, which can then be picked up by a designate.
Staff can also help select materials if needed.
Request a Holds Pick-Up on Demand service.
Who to contact for support
If you’re new to accessible reading services or digital tools, GVPL staff can help you get started with the following:
- Register you for assistive services
- Connect you with CELA or NNELS
- Explain available formats
- Help with basic troubleshooting
For more specialized support, you may also contact:
CELA, for CELA accounts and downloads
NNELS, for NNELS accounts
CNIB SmartLife for Victor Reader device support
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