Accessibility at the Library
Learn about the accessibility of our collections, programs, spaces, and services.
See also: our 2024-2025 Accessibility Plan
Our Collection
Our collection of Large Print books includes the most current and acclaimed books in all genres of fiction and nonfiction. We also have a vast collection of Audiobooks and Talking Books.
The Library also maintains a Brain Health Collection. This collection supports caregivers and people living with neurocognitive disorders such as strokes, dementia, Parkinson’s, or Huntington’s. You can borrow up to 16 prepared activities and games that provide social engagement and cognitive stimulation. Anyone with a WVML card can borrow and benefit from the collection!
Sensory supports like sunglasses, noise cancelling headphones, and stim tools for adults and youth are available. Borrow items from service desks or ask staff during a program—no library card needed. For in-library use only.
Explore our National AccessAbility Week booklist for recommended titles about accessibility, disability, inclusion, and accessible futures.
Questions about our accessible collections? Please contact Accessible Services at 604.925.7437 or [email protected].
Our Events & Programs
The Library aims to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy our programs and events. Please click on the venue attached to the event in our Events Calendar to find out about the space’s accessibility information. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, or would like to request this information in an alternative format, please contact us.
Getting Here
Parking
The Library provides three designated accessible parking spaces in the outdoor parking lot with an access aisle adjacent to each space for vehicles with side or rear ramps.
There is a free fifteen-minute parking spot in front of the Library that can be used to pick up and drop off patrons. There are no curb cuts in this area.
Walkways
The Library offers a safe path of travel from the parking lot to an accessible Library entrance with a clearly marked ramp with railing. The second pathway includes a single step from the parking lot.
Entrance
The front entrance to the Library is fully automated with a motion sensor and wide enough for patrons using mobility aids to pass through.
Lift
Swáy̓wi Temíxw, our Community Demonstration Garden, is accessible via rooftop lift. Patrons can access the lift from the front courtyard, outside of the Cafe window.
Book Returns
There are two book returns located near the main entrance to the Library.
The outdoor after-hours book return is located to the left side of the main entrance. It is operable with one hand. The low wall on either side of the area may make it difficult for wheelchair users to maneuver.
The indoor book return is accessible during Library open hours.
Our Spaces
The Library has automatic entrance doors and elevator access to all levels. Each floor has wheelchair-accessible washrooms. There is a change table in the washroom across from Room 14 in the Youth Department on the 2nd floor.
The Library is a large open space with mixed natural and artificial lighting, with firm, stable, and slip-resistant carpeting or stone tile flooring. Most areas of the Library provide wide, accessible pathways that meet or exceed 1200mm width requirements.
There are a variety of seating arrangements throughout the Library, including a naturally lit concourse at the front of the Main Hall with armchairs. Supportive seating is offered at regular intervals throughout the Library.
Lower Level
The Community Computing Centre computer desks are not height adjustable and provide 670mm of knee clearance. Ask staff in the Community Computing Centre on the Lower Level about how to use high contrast keyboards, screen magnifiers, ergonomic mice, touchpads, or trackball mice.
The Recording Studio is accessible via ramp that leads to the live room and the control booth. Both the entry door and the soundproof door are automatic. The live room has chairs that can be moved to accommodate the needs of patrons, and offers sufficient space for maneuvering. The desk in the control room is 640mm high which may limit accessibility for some users.
- The Welsh Hall does not have an automatic door. The standard tables are 71.4 centimetres high and folding tables are 75.3 centimetres high. The stacking chairs are 43 centimetres high and 43 centimetres deep. The Welsh Hall also includes listening assistance technology—hearing loops for those with hearing aids and headsets for those without hearing aids.
Main Floor
- The Main Floor has gender-neutral single-stall accessible washrooms.
- Located in the West Wing, the Accessible Services office helps connect patrons to adaptive devices, special collections, and home delivery.
- The McDonald Creek Meeting Room does not have an automatic door and features a levered handle. The space is large enough for maneuverability of larger mobility aids and includes furniture that can be easily moved. The table has an open underside. The room features a large screen, whiteboard, and paper easel to provide different modes of communication.
- The Peters Reading Room is accessible through automatic doors. The room has desks that may accommodate wheelchair access with moveable rolling chairs.
Second Floor
- Throughout the Youth Department there is mixed seating available with moveable chairs with back support and low sofa-style seating without back support.
- The Second Floor has wheelchair-accessible washrooms, one with a change table.