Accessibility & Assistive Services

We are accessible

Everyone can enjoy our collections, computers, programs, and physical spaces. The Library has automatic entrance doors and elevator access to all levels.

We can adapt our computers to better suit your physical needs by offering you a variety of special features. Ask staff in the Community Computing Centre on the Lower Level about how to use the following devices:

• A high contrast keyboard
• A screen magnifier
• An ergonomic mouse
• A touchpad (instead of a mouse)
• A trackball mouse (which doesn’t require fine motor skills)

Make your home computer easier to use as well. Ability Net’s My Computer My Way website shows you how to adapt your keyboard, mouse, Windows, Internet, and favourite applications to suit your needs.

Listening Assistance

If you’re planning to attend a meeting or program in the Welsh Hall, you may choose to take advantage of our listening assistance technology—hearing loops for those with hearing aids and headsets for those without hearing aids.

To inquire and make arrangements to use this service, please contact the Community Computing Centre 604.925.7405 at least one day in advance of the event.

Our website

BrowseAloud is a tool that makes our website more accessible. To enable BrowseAloud, click on the orange icon with headphones on the bottom left-hand corner of our website. Can’t see the icon? Make sure any ad blockers are disabled on your browser.

The icons on the BrowseAloud toolbar each represent a different feature:

• Select text to start reading aloud
• Begin reading the page
• Stop speech playback
• Translate the page to a selected language
• Get a definition in a picture dictionary for selection 
• Convert selection into an MP3 file that you can use at a later date
• Screen mask: block distractions on screen with a tinted mask
• Enlarge text as it is read aloud
• Simplify text: remove clutter from the screen, displaying only the main text
• Get BrowseAloud help
• Customize options

Our accessible materials

Our collection of Large Print books is regularly updated to include the most current, acclaimed and talked about books in all genres of fiction and nonfiction including mysteries, romances, and biographies.

We have been working with Dementia-friendly North Shore to support people living with dementia and other cognitive impairments in remaining engaged, connected, and active in the community for as long as possible. The Library is now loaning Simple Music Players and Pastime Kits for people experiencing dementia.

Simple Music Players are easy-to-operate devices designed to make it easier for people facing cognitive decline to listen to music. They can be used as an AM/FM radio or can be loaded with classic songs from formative years, which has been shown to improve awareness, memory, and cognizance. Pastime Kits contain various objects to stimulate memory and provide cognitive activities for people experiencing dementia. Games, toys, books, and sing-along DVDs are included in a tote bag.

Simple Music Players and Pastime Kits are ideally suited for people experiencing dementia; however, anyone with a Library card who could benefit are welcome to borrow them. 

We’re here to help you find a great read in any format that suits you—just visit or call the Information Desk at 604.925.7403.