National AccessABILITY Week at BPL

National AccessABILITY Week (NAAW), taking place from May 31 to June 6, is a time to recognize the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and to highlight the importance of accessibility and inclusion in all areas of life.

At Burlington Public Library, we believe everyone should feel welcome and supported. We're always working to improve our spaces, services, programs, and resources so that more members of our community can enjoy everything the library has to offer.

If you or someone you know has questions about accessibility or needs support using the library, our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team is here to help. You can reach them at inclusion@bpl.on.ca or by phone at 905.639.3611 extension 1211.

Let’s keep working together to make the library a place where everyone belongs. Learn more about Accessibility Services at BPL.

Join Us During AccessABILITY Week

When you visit your local branch between May 15 and June 1, take a moment to explore our book displays. You'll find fiction and memoirs by authors with disabilities, along with books on disability-related topics like self-help, parenting, and social justice. We’re also highlighting books in accessible formats and sharing information about assistive reading aids available for use in the library or to borrow and enjoy at home.

Support You Can See

Burlington Public Library is proud to support The Green Lanyard Project—a community initiative that helps make invisible, atypical disabilities more visible. Recognizing and embracing neurodiversity is an important part of creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for everyone. Starting May 31, green lanyards are available for free at the Central Branch welcome desk (while supplies last) and can be worn by anyone who may benefit from a little extra understanding, patience, or support. The colour green is widely recognized as a symbol of mental health, and wearing a lanyard is a simple, personal way to signal that support may be appreciated, no questions asked.

Pop-Up Accessibility Activities

Drop by Central Branch between May 31 and June 6 for interactive pop-up activities hosted by the City of Burlington to recognize NAAW. Share your experiences and ideas to help shape more accessible City facilities, programs, and services for everyone. Additional pop-ups are planned at community centres across the city.

Afternoon at the Movies

Showtime: Tuesday, May 26, 1:30-3:30pm
Location: Central Branch, Centennial Hall

Based on the best-selling novel, Out of My Mind tells the story of Melody, a non-verbal twelve-year-old with cerebral palsy navigating sixth grade. With the help of technology and her devoted, exuberant allies, Melody will prove that what she has to say is more important than how she says it. If you need an accessibility accommodation during the program, please contact us a few days before your visit.

Free to Be Me Family Storytime

Brant Hills Branch: Wednesday, May 27, 10:30-11am
New Appleby Branch: Saturday, May 30, 10:30-11am

We're thrilled to welcome a guest storyteller from the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee who will share a picture book about a person living with a disability. This storytime session will encourage questions from kids and adults alike, so everyone can learn about and celebrate diversity, compassion, and living life differently. No registration is required—everyone is welcome!

And, we hope to see you at the Accessible Sport, Art & Inclusive Volunteer Recruitment Fair at Tansley Woods Community Centre. It's happening on Saturday, June 13, from 10am to 1pm. We'll be demonstrating some of our adaptive devices and technology, and we'd love to tell you about our accessibility initiatives and resources, too.