A person with a disability has the right to expect the full spectrum of services offered by Burlington Public Library.
Who to Contact for Accessible Services
We strive to make sure that everyone in our community can access library services in person, by telephone, by email, in the community, and remotely through technology such as the website. If you have questions, comments, or requests about accessibility at Burlington Public Library, please contact our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team at inclusion@bpl.on.ca or by phone at 905.639.3611 extension 1211.
Accessibility at our Branches
Our locations are wheelchair accessible (except Kilbride Branch) and all have all-gender washrooms. Each branch also has accessible parking and wheelchair-accessible furniture. Service animals are welcome in the public areas of all library locations. Read more about accessibility accommodation at the library
Assistive Devices & Technology
We have adaptive aids and devices available for use in our branches.
- Rollators (walkers with wheels) are available to use during your visit to all branches except Kilbride.
- C-Pen Readers, a portable device that scans and reads text aloud. Available for in-branch use at all branches except Kilbride. Please bring your own headphones.
- SARA CE text reader, which scans print and reads it aloud. Available at Central branch.
- Optelec Clearview CCTV machine, which magnifies print. Available at all branches except Kilbride.
- ZoomText software to magnify or read text on one public computer. Available at all branches except Kilbride.
Website Accessibility
BPL provides ReachDeck, an online accessibility tool that reads our web pages aloud.
ReachDeck does not read websites managed by third-party services, such as the library's online catalogue and online resources like the OverDrive digital book collection and Hoopla and Kanopy movie streaming services.
How to Change Text Size
Zoom in and out of individual websites using keyboard shortcuts. These keyboard shortcuts work with most current browsers:
- To zoom in, increasing the size: Press and hold Ctrl while pressing +
- To zoom out, decreasing the size: Press and hold Ctrl while pressing -
- To reset the size back to normal: Press and hold Ctrl while pressing 0
Attending Programs
We offer many free programs at the library for education and entertainment. Please tell us how we can meet your needs, ideally a few days before your visit. If you would like an ASL language interpreter, please let us know at least two working weekdays before the program date.
If you are attending a registered program with a support person, please add your support worker as a guest when you sign up.
Centennial Hall at Central Branch has a Hearing Assist System. Please tell staff if you wish to use it. We also have a portable system for use in other spaces.
Accessibility Accommodation
Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), libraries are required to provide reasonable accommodations in these areas:
- Accessible formats: Materials, documents, and information in accessible formats such as large print, Braille, audio or digital/electronic formats upon request.
- Assisted reading/research support: Offer assistance to individuals with disabilities who may require help/support in reading or researching materials.
- Accessible spaces: Ensure that our physical spaces are accessible to individuals with mobility impairments (including providing ramps, elevators, and accessible seating arrangements).
- Assistive technology: Offer and maintain assistive technologies such as screen readers, text-to-speech software, magnifiers, and adaptative computer equipment.
- Service animals and support persons.
A few examples of accessibility accommodations we routinely provide customers include offering hearing assist devices during programs, having staff help reach books on our shelves, and converting print marketing materials into accessible formats. If the type of accessibility accommodation you are requesting is new to us, we will make every reasonable effort to meet your needs.
Supporting Your Reading Needs
Visual impairment or difficulty reading print shouldn't stop you from enjoying a good book! Here's how BPL supports your reading needs. And please never hesitate to tell us how we can improve!
Our Collection
BPL's lending collection includes a wide range of popular and bestselling books in various accessible formats:
- Large print books and magazines
- eBooks and eAudiobooks that you can download
- DAISY disks
As well, with a public library card, customers can sign up for CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access), which provides even more formats, such as:
- Apps with audiobooks and text-to-speech
- Print Braille and E-Braille
- E-Text
- Described movies (DVD)
- DAISY disks
If You Are Not Able to Come to the Library
Staff are happy to help you select items and prepare them for a friend or family member to pick up on your behalf. You can also place holds directly through the library’s online catalogue. The items must be checked out using the same card that was used to place the hold.
Acclaim Health offers a volunteer-based Friendly Visiting program that will deliver library items as a service to eligible customers. To find out how to sign up for Acclaim Health's Friendly Visiting program, please call 905.827.8800 or apply through their Community Support Services Online Referral Form.