Accessible Reading Services
If you experience difficulties with reading physical print books, you can sign up to access special library materials.
Our librarians will work with you one-on-one to find the titles you want, in the formats that suit your needs!
1. Find out if you are eligible
If you experience difficulties with reading print books, or have a print disability, you are eligible to sign up. Your disability status is self-reported (or done by a parent/guardian) and does not require a doctor’s note or “proof” of a disability.
If you could benefit from accessible alternatives to print books, we strongly encourage you to sign up!
Print disabilities are more common than you may expect, and may be temporary (e.g. a concussion) or permanent. There are three broad categories:
- Learning disability: An impairment related to comprehension, such as dyslexia.
- Physical disability: The inability to hold or manipulate a book.
- Visual disability: Impairment of sight, or the inability to focus or move one’s eyes.
2. Sign up
To use our accessible materials, you must first register as a patron with a print disability so that we can give your library account special permissions. Please contact us to register: we are happy to help answer any questions you have!
Sign up for accessible materials
To register as a patron with a print disability, speak with a staff member in-person, over the phone, or by email.
Contact us
3. See what you can borrow
Need help figuring out what works for you? We can help. When you sign up, you’ll receive personalized assistance from a staff member to find the best options for you. We can even help you order items from other libraries!
Already signed up and know what you’re looking for? Browse our collection and available formats:
Touch-friendly players and books on CD
DAISY is an audiobook format designed for people with print disabilities.
- DAISY players have large, touch-friendly buttons. They can play CDs, SD cards, or USB flash drives loaded with DAISY books. Contact us to borrow a DAISY player.
- DAISY audiobooks have extra controls that let users navigate content. Using them requires a DAISY player.
- Download DAISY audiobooks from NNELS, a catalogue for accessible library users across Canada.
- Contact us to borrow DAISY books on CD from the Library.

Books on CDs, built-in-players, USBs, etc.
Browse the Library’s physical audiobooks online:
- Audiobooks on CD (over 1300 available!)
- Picture books with built-in audio players
- Picture books with accompanying CDs
You can also search other libraries across BC for audiobooks on CD or USB. Patrons with a print disability request up to eight items. Learn more about Interlibrary Loans.
Audio files you can play on your device
Use your library card to access digital audiobooks from these sources:
- Browse audiobooks on NNELS: Catalogue for accessible library users across Canada. Listen by downloading MP3 files to your device.
- Browse audiobooks on Libby: Catalogue available to all library users. Listen with the Libby app or your computer browser.
- Browse audiobooks on InterLINK Libby: Larger catalogue available only for patrons with a print disability. Listen with the Libby app or your computer browser.
- Browse audiobooks on LibriVox: Public domain audiobooks free for everyone. Listen online or download MP3 files to your device.
The Library has 500+ physical large print books
We have an extensive collection of large print books that anyone can borrow.
If you can’t find a particular title, you can see if it is available at another library in BC and borrow it with an Interlibrary Loan. We are happy to help you request items!
EPUB, DOC, PDF, RTF, etc.
Books in many digital formats are available through NNELS, a catalogue for accessible library users across Canada. If there isn’t a particular book in the format you need, they may be able to create it for you! Browse the NNELS catalogue.
Items that promote multiple modes of learning
These items from our Library of Things are available for anyone to borrow:
- Sensory Kits: Items like fidget materials, calming items and communication tools to support those with a variety of sensory needs
- Lego Braille Bricks: Bricks printed with the Braille alphabet
- Memory Care Kits: Games, tactile items and sensory activities for those experiencing Alzheimer’s, memory loss, and dementia
- C-Pen Reader: Scan text with this electronic reader pen to have words read out in an instant.
Contact us
To sign up for our accessible materials, or to get assistance finding what you need, don’t hesitate to talk to us!