Here at OPL, the library is committed to equitable access and providing a safe and welcoming space for all. Listed below are supportive services and resources available to OPL cardholders.
Accessible Services
Picks For You: Staff will pre-select a bag of materials (up to 5 items) or curate a custom booklist (of up to 8 titles) to suit a customer’s expressed preferences. This service is available at all branches by filling out an online form or by phoning if needed.
Delivery by Mail: If you are unable to come to the library, you may qualify for our delivery by mail service. Participants may receive two packages a month containing up to two items each. Available by email or by calling your local branch.
CELA services: CELA is the Centre for Equitable Library Access; it exists to assist Canadians with various print disabilities.
- Books, magazines, and newspapers are available and can be accessed in audio, digital text, or braille format depending on the title.
- CELA users with proof of disability may also access the Bookshare collection, a US-based database with over 1 million titles available (in e-text and e-braille formats, computer-generated audio available).
OPL staff are available to offer information about CELA’s resources, assist with the CELA sign-up process, or with accessing CELA material itself using our Connection Kits.
Connection Kits (Accessible Tablets): OPL offers special tablets designed to offer internet access and assist with the delivery of alternative reading materials. In addition to a small selection of library resources such as CloudLibrary and Hoopla, accessible tablets feature the Dolphin EasyReader app and the Homer audio player (the latter of which features a kiosk mode designed for easier navigation for sight-impaired or hearing-impaired users). Materials are pre-downloaded to the tablets by staff according to customer requests. Available through all branches.
MagnusCards: An app designed to assist individuals with autism or special needs navigate community resources independently. Available online.
ZoomText: A special software which allows you to view the library catalogue or internet in large print. Available at Central and Woodside branches.
Smartview: A magnifier which enhances all reading materials. Available at Woodside Branch, please call ahead.
Kurzweil Reading Machine: A machine that will scan, magnify, and read printed text aloud to you using a special software. Available at our Central and Woodside branches; please call Woodside Branch to book for use.
Accessible website features: Oakville Public Library’s website is enabled with various accessible functions (ex. magnification, translation, auto-generated picture descriptions, and text-to-speech) using a service called ReachDeck (meaning no additional software or add-ons are necessary to render our site accessible). Additionally, our library catalogue also allows for searches which filter library materials by their different accessible formats.
Accessible Collections
Large print: Fiction and non-fiction books. Available at all branches.
Audiobooks: Fiction and non-fiction. Available in CD format as well as electronic format (through digital resources like CloudLibrary or Hoopla Digital). Available at all branches.
DAISY discs: Fiction and non-fiction digital talking books, disc format specific to accessible DAISY disc compatible readers. Special collection available at Woodside Branch.
Victor Readers (also known as DAISY players): DAISY players can play audio CDs, mp3 files, and DAISY audio books. Available through Woodside Branch.
Related Information
- Oakville Public Library’s Accessibility Policy
- Halton Community Services Directory
- Government of Canada: National AccessAbility Week