A person with a disability has the right to expect the full spectrum of services offered by Burlington Public Library. We strive to make sure that everyone in our community can access library services in person, by telephone, by email, in the community, and remotely through technology such as the website. We deliver programs that support the participation of all people.
Who to Contact for Accessible Services
If you are planning to visit to the library and have questions about accessibility or need assistance to use the library, please contact David Quezada, our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, at 905.639.3611 extension 1211.
If you have any problems using your library card, want a new library card, or would like help requesting items to borrow, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Call us when we're open at 905.639.3611 extension 1202, or contact us online for an email reply within 2 to 4 days.
If you need library information in an accessible format, such as a flyer or bookmark produced by the library, please call Lauren in Marketing Communications at 905.639.3611 extension 1121. We will work together with you to best meet your needs as soon as possible.
Assistive Technology to Read the Library Website
To launch the ReachDeck toolbar on the library website, click/tap on the ReachDeck icon in the top right corner of the library’s web pages.
ReachDeck does not read websites that are managed by third-party services, such as the library's online catalogue and online resources, for example, the OverDrive digital book collection and Hoopla and Kanopy movie streaming services.
If You Are Not Able to Come Into the Library
When illness, advanced age, mobility limitations, or caregiver responsibilities make it challenging to get to the library, our staff are happy to help you select items and get them ready for a friend or family member to pick up on your behalf. You can also place holds directly through the library’s online catalogue.
For those who prefer to have their library items delivered, Acclaim Health, a local charity dedicated to helping people successfully age in place, offers a volunteer-based Friendly Visiting program that will deliver library items as a service to their customers. To find out how you can sign up for Acclaim Health's Friendly Visiting program, please call 905.827.8800 or apply through their Community Support Services Online Referral Form. Please remember that BPL staff can help you select the library items an Acclaim Health volunteer delivers to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I change text size on the library website?
Here's how you can zoom in and out of individual websites using keyboard shortcuts. These keyboard shortcuts will work with most current browsers:
- To zoom in, increasing the size, press and hold Ctrl while pressing +
- To zoom out, decreasing the size, press and hold Ctrl while pressing -
- To reset size back to normal, press and hold Ctrl while pressing 0
Q: Can a support person and/or a service animal accompany someone with a disability to a library program?
- A support person can accompany someone with a disability to a program free of charge. If it is a registered program, please sign up both individuals.
- Service animals are welcome in the public areas of all library locations.
Q: What reading aids and devices are available in the library to support your reading needs?
- C-Pen Readers, a portable device that scans and reads text aloud. Available for in-branch use at all branches except Kilbride. Please bring your own headphones.
- SARA CE text reader, which scans print and reads it aloud. Available at Central branch.
- Optelec Clearview CCTV machine, which magnifies print. Available at all branches except Kilbride.
- ZoomText software to magnify or read text on one public computer. Available at all branches except Kilbride.
- ReachDeck software on our website that allows it to be read aloud.
Q: What formats are available at the library for people with vision loss or other print disabilities?
- Large print books and magazines
- Ebooks and eAudiobooks that you can download
- DAISY discs and players
As well, with a public library card, customers can sign up for CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access), which provides even more formats, such as:
- Apps with audiobooks and text-to-speech
- Print Braille
- E-Braille
- E-Text
- Described movies (DVD)
- DAISY disks
Q: What services are available at BPL for people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
- An ASL interpreter can be provided for programs. Please let staff know if you require interpretation at least two working weekdays before a program.
- Centennial Hall at Central Library has a Hearing Assist System. Please tell staff if you require its use. We also have a portable system that can be used in other spaces.
Related links
Accessibility Aids & Devices at BPL
2020 Accessibility Compliance Report
BPL Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2020