The Halton Hills Public Library is committed to ensuring that our facilities, programs, collections and services can be easily used by everyone.
Accessible audiobooks and other formats
Do you have difficulty reading print due to a visual, physical or learning disability? Then the Halton Hills Public Library can help you get reading materials in many different formats.
| Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) |
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The Halton Hills Public Library is a partner with the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA). We can help you register with CELA. To register for CELA, please contact us. As a CELA member, you can borrow accessible audiobooks, Braille and print-Braille books, and audio versions of a wide range of magazines and newspapers. Many of these can be mailed directly to you at home. As a CELA member, you can also register for BookShare, an online service with thousands of accessible books. The library also keeps a collection of accessible audiobooks on DAISY-format CDs. These are mp3 CDs that have special coding to help you navigate through the book. All DAISY-format CD audiobooks owned by the library are listed in our Catalogue. You can borrow these by having your library card updated at any service desk.
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| Decodable books |
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Decodable books contain words made of letter-sounds, spelling and patterns (e.g., prefixes and suffixes) that allows a child to learn in stages. Reading decodable text helps children build and gain confidence as they become proficient with word-level reading. Search our Catalogue for all the Decodable Books or read our Newsroom article for more details. |
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Dementia friendly collection |
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This collection is for individuals with dementia and those who support them (caregivers and friends). We have a variety of books, audiobooks, DVDs, games, puzzles, cognitive care kits and other resources available. Browse our catalogue for a complete listing. |
| Large print |
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Large print refers to the formatting of a book in which the font size is larger than usual. The content of the large print and regular print books are the same, but there are usually more pages in a Large Print book to account for the larger font size. If you prefer to read large print books, you can limit the library catalogue results to large print only. Select 'Advanced Search' and use the Format drop-down to select large print. |
Accessible computers
Screen magnification, text narration, and an on-screen keyboard are available on all public computers. There is a large print keyboard and trackball mouse available for use in the library upon request.
Accessible programs
If you or a family member requires assistance to attend or enjoy a library program or club, please contact us.
Audiobook player lending program
The library has a limited number of DAISY-format CD players and other players for accessible audiobooks. Please contact us for more information.
Home Library Service
If you are unable to come to the library due to ill health or a disability, we can deliver your library items to you. Please see the Home Library Service page for more information.
MagnusCards
The Halton Hills Public Library is proud to support MagnusCards, a Canadian application dedicated to removing barriers that cause disability. Library patrons and caregivers can get started by downloading the free MagnusCards App to a mobile device or tablet. This is one more tool the Halton Hills Public Library can offer in support of creating an accessible world.
This practical tool allows people with Autism and cognitive disabilities to live with independence and inclusion. It improves everyday experiences and enables people to participate in the world in ways that are meaningful to them. MagnusCards are an ever-expanding life skills library, with digital guides to empower and aid people as they engage in a variety of everyday activities, such as visiting the Halton Hills Public Library. Each digital guide (or Card Deck) combines a proven method of providing visual, audio and text cues with step-by-step instructions.
The Halton Hills Public Library Card Decks will include:
- How to get a library card
- How to use the Catalogue
- How to find items on the shelf
- How to check out library items
- How to return library items
The Town of Halton Hills has developed MagnusCards for ActiVan and Recreation and Parks. For more details, please visit the Town of Halton Hills Accessibility page.
Learn more about MagnusMode, the creators of MagnusCards.
Sensory collection
The Sensory Collection is available to anyone who needs support while they concentrate. Tactile and sensory items like fidget cubes, fidget spinners, liquid motion timers, fabric squares, press and stay blocks, marble mazes, noise cancelling headphones, wiggle cushions, and weighted lap pads are available.
Sensory items can be borrowed while you are in the library and returned when you leave. You can see what is available in the Sensory Collection by browsing our catalogue.
A sample of sensory items are also available to take home as a Sensory Kit. Please check the library catalogue for availability.