The library offers many materials, technology and services in accessible formats.
Accessible materials
Some of our accessible materials include:
- Large print books
- Audiobooks
- Closed captioned and descriptive video DVDs
- DAISY discs
- eBooks
- Digital magazines
Accessible technology
All library locations have accessibility enhanced computers which include a large print keyboard and a Magnifier software that enlarges, enhances, and reads aloud everything on your computer screen, among other services below. Book a computer.
All Accessible Workstations include the following hardware and software:
- Height-Adjustable
- ZoomText keyboard (large print)
- Trackball Mouse (upon request)
- Scanner
- NVDA Screen reading software
- Dragon Naturally Speaking Speech recognition software*
- Zoom text magnifier software
- Kurzweil 3000 learning software
- All public workstation software
*Please note that Dragon software is currently not available.
Handheld magnifiers are also available at all locations.
Victor Reader Stratus DAISY players are available to borrow from the Hazel McCallion Central Library from the Children, Youth & Popular Collections department. These players work with DAISY discs, a specialized collection of audiobooks.
Other accessible services
Some of our accessible services include:
Sensory Kits
Individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as people with anxiety, can find certain environments stressful. Providing items such as noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity, and tactile items to self-soothe can help provide a more pleasant experience. Available at all locations (exception: South Common Library).
Sign language interpretation
You can have an interpreter booked for library programs and meetings. Please speak to library staff for more information.
TTY service
A Text Telephone (TTY) device allows callers to communicate through typed messages. Call 905-896-5151 using your TTY device to contact the library.
Homebound service
If you’re unable to visit the library in person, you can register for our homebound service. We’ll deliver library materials to your home every four weeks.
Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA)
The Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) collection is designed for people who have difficulty reading print due to a visual, physical or learning disability. Register for CELA to access thousands of books, magazines, and movies in accessible formats.