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MONDAY

All libraries are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today

TUESDAY

All libraries are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today

WEDNESDAY

All libraries are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today

THURSDAY

All libraries are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today

FRIDAY

All libraries are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today

SATURDAY

All libraries are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today

SUNDAY

Central Library is open from 1-5 p.m. today

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We are committed to providing an accessible environment for all our customers. For information regarding accessibility standards and services, please refer to the following documents:

Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA)

CELA is a national non-profit organization established by Canadian public libraries to serve customers who have a visual, learning or physical disability that prevents them from reading conventional print. Our partnership with CELA allows our customers access to:

  • formats including audio, Braille, e-text and described video
  • a growing collection of more than 230,000 items including books, magazines, newspapers and described videos

For more information on CELA services, see celalibrary.ca

To find out if you are eligible, and to register as a CELA user, please contact:

Megan Clare
Manager, Resources and Membership Services
519-743-0271 x286
megan.clare@kpl.org

Services

Customers who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech restricted can contact us using TTY at 1-877-614-4832.

  • Large print magazines and newspapers
  • A dictionary and world atlas in large print.
  • Descriptive videos and DVDs
  • DAISY Book audiobook format
  • Daisy Book Readers
  • Alternate formats for print materials will be provided, where possible, upon request.

Equipment

An accessible computer is available at Central Library. Please call 519-743-0271 or TTY: 1-877-614-4832 to make a reservation.

Magnify or convert text to speech to search the Internet, check email, and read and write documents with the aid of several popular accessibility tools. Features include:

  • 24-inch widescreen monitor
  • JAWS screen reading software
  • ZoomText Magnifier
  • Dragon Dictate text-to-speech software
  • User manuals in large print and Braille (available upon request)

Optima brand trackball that requires far less wrist and arm movement than a standard computer mouse, useful for people with mobility challenges.

Helps customers with low vision to read, view pictures or see what they are writing. Magnify, highlight, change the contrast of the document, etc. For everything from reading to looking at photos to writing out and signing your cheques.

Provides personal hearing assistance when background noise or distance from the sound source makes listening difficult. Ideal for small groups, presentations or one-on-one personal assistance. To request an FM System, contact the library where the meeting or program is taking place at least three days in advance of the event.

The C-Pen Reader pen scanner is a portable pocket-sized text-to-speech device that reads text aloud with an English, Spanish or French human-like digital voice. The C-Pen reader can be helpful for people with reading difficulties such as dyslexia, for people with some sight loss, and for language learners as well.

Borrow a C-Pen Reader

Useful at home or on the go, the Explore 5 is a compact electronic magnifier with a 5-inch screen. The image is customizable and you can magnify text up to 22 times. Use it hands-free while reading a book, or adjust is straight out to hold over any object/text you want to magnify.

Borrow a handheld magnifier

Light therapy lamps have proven successful helping those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Our #Lightbrary initiative provides seasonal access to light therapy lamps in the library, from fall through spring.

Learn more about light therapy lamps

Borrowing

People with disabilities may apply to have fine exempt status in accordance with Circulation policies of the Kitchener Public Library Board.

 Application Form for Accessibility Needs Status (PDF)

People who are unable to read print due to a visual, physical, or learning disability are eligible to apply for Talking Books Status.

Application form for Talking Books Status

Contact us

For more information about accessibility services, please contact:

Megan Clare
Manager, Resources and Membership Services
519-743-0271 ext. 286
megan.clare@kpl.org