Accessible Collections for All

Your library offers a range of collections that make reading, learning, and entertainment accessible to everyone.

Accessible Reading

Books and other collection items are available in different formats, with titles and genres to suit everyone’s tastes.

• Large Print books are printed using large font sizes, which are easier on the eye than traditionally printed books. Most publishers use 18-point font as a minimum for their large print books. Large Print books are available at Clemens Mill, Hespeler, Preston, and Queen's Square.
• Download and read eBooks using your computer, eBook reader, or mobile device. Many devices allow you to adjust font size, style, and background contrast. We offer eBooks in a variety of formats ranging from ePUB to read-along.
• You can also listen to books using Books on CD, Playaways (a portable book and reader all-in-one), or eAudiobooks on your mobile device or computer.
• At Queen’s Square, you will find a collection of Dementia Friendly Books located near the Large Print section on the main floor. This collection offers engaging content, similar to other adult books, but they also utilize techniques to make the stories easier to follow. This includes special fonts and spacing, navigation cues, and more pictures to encourage memory retention.
• Memory Kits are Dementia friendly kits, that provide activities for people with Alzheimer’s, memory loss, and other neurological issues and their caregivers. Each kit comes with two to three items and can include books, puzzles, games, activity aprons, or mats that offer tactile stimulation. Kits also include tip sheets to help facilitate positive interaction between the reader and their caregiver.

If you are searching for a book in an accessible format that we do not have in our collection, please contact Queen’s Square and ask to speak to someone about our Interlibrary Loan (ILLO) service. We may be able to obtain the book in a format that best suits your needs.

Talking Book Service

If you have trouble reading print because of a visual, physical, or learning disability, you can apply for our Talking Book Service. With a Talking Book Service membership, library staff can help you borrow materials from the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA). CELA offers an extensive collection of accessible resources, including DAISY CDs and Readers, CELA Bookshare Collection, CELA InterLibrary Loan, and Direct-to-Player Service.

Accessible Tools and Collections

In addition to these reading-focused items, your library also offers tools for accessibility which can be borrowed or used at locations. These items include:

• Microsoft Ease of Access
• Magnifying Glasses
• Video Magnifier station, available at Queen’s Square
• MagnusCards Mobile App
• Light Therapy Lamps at all locations and SAD Lights for borrowing
• C-Pen ReaderPens 

Discover more accessible tools and collections at each of our locations or through our online catalogue.

Cambridge Public Library (formerly Idea Exchange) is committed to providing services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities, in accordance with our Accessible Customer Service Policy.

We welcome your feedback and suggestions on how we can improve accessibility throughout your experience at Cambridge Public Library.