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Library Services for People who are Blind

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Wondering where to get books, magazines and newspapers in audio, braille and accessible e-book formats? Here are a few options:

The Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA)

CELA works with public libraries in almost every part of Canada to provide free access to reading material in the format of your choice. 

If you are blind or partially sighted, or have another disability that prevents you from reading regular print books, CELA gives you:

  • Canada’s largest accessible library collection, with more than 500,000 titles in English and French, 50 newspapers and more than 150 magazines
  • choice of formats: audio, braille or accessible e-books
  • option to digitally download books or receive them by mail
  • free subscription to Bookshare, an amazing online library with an additional 500,000 digital books
  • personalized support to make sure you get the most out of the service

How to register

Signing up is as easy. Fill out CELA’s online registration form, visit your local CELA member library or call 1-855-655-2273. 

The National Network for Equitable Library Services (NNELS)

NNELS is a national service owned and sustained by Canadian public libraries. NNELS offers more than 35,000 titles in English and French in a number of downloadable digital formats.

How to register

You can register for NNELS online or call 1-888-848-9250 for more information.