How Canadian Libraries Serve Low-Vision Readers

Canadian libraries offer far more than a shelf of large print books. There are national programs, free audiobook services, digital accessibility tools, and inter-library networks that can get you almost any book in a format you can actually use. Most people with low vision don't know about half of these services.

CELA — Centre for Equitable Library Access

CELA is the single most important resource on this page. It's a national library service for Canadians with print disabilities, and it's completely free.

Who qualifies?

Anyone with a print disability. This includes low vision, blindness, macular degeneration, cataracts, dyslexia, physical disabilities that prevent holding or turning pages, and learning disabilities that affect reading.

You do not need to be legally blind. If standard print is difficult for you, you likely qualify.

What do you get?

• Access to over 900,000 titles in accessible formats
• DAISY audiobooks (navigable, with chapters and bookmarks)
• Braille books
• Accessible e-text (readable on screen with adjustable font size)
• Free streaming and downloading through the CELA app or website

How do you sign up?

Through your local public library. Walk in, bring your library card, and ask to register for CELA.

The librarian will help you fill out a short form. Some libraries allow online registration. Once registered, you can browse and borrow directly from the CELA website or app.

CNIB Library

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind operates its own library service at cnib.ca. It complements CELA — there's overlap, but CNIB has some unique content and services.

What CNIB offers:

• Audio books in DAISY format
• Braille books
• Descriptive video service information
• Technology training for low-vision readers
• Phone and virtual book clubs
• Counselling and support for vision loss

How to access it:

Call CNIB at 1-800-563-2642 or visit cnib.ca. Registration is free. You'll need to describe your vision condition — a doctor's note may be requested but isn't always required.

Your Public Library's Large Print Collection

Every major Canadian library system maintains a physical large print section. What many people don't realize is how much you can do from home.

• Search online: Every major library has an online catalogue. Search for any title and filter by "large print" format.
• Place holds from home: No need to visit the branch. Place a hold online and pick it up when it's ready — or have it delivered to your nearest branch.
• Request from any branch: Most library systems allow holds from any branch in their network. Don't limit yourself to what your nearest branch has on the shelf.
• Home delivery: Many libraries offer home delivery for patrons who can't visit a branch. Ask about homebound services.

Inter-Library Loan (ILL)

If your library doesn't have a specific large print title, they can borrow it from another library system — sometimes from another province entirely. This is called inter-library loan.

How it works:

1. Ask at the reference desk or fill out an ILL request form (most libraries have this online).
2. Your library contacts other systems to find the book.
3. The book is shipped to your branch.
4. You pick it up and read it. Return it to your local branch when done.

Cost: Usually free for the borrower. Some libraries charge a small fee ($2–5) for inter-provincial loans, but many waive this.

Timeline: 1–3 weeks, depending on where the book is coming from.

Digital Library Services

Libby / OverDrive

The Libby app (by OverDrive) lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your library on your phone, tablet, or e-reader. Ebooks can be read at any font size — effectively unlimited large print.

Audiobooks play through the app. Free with a library card.

Kobo Integration

If you have a Kobo e-reader, it connects directly to your library through OverDrive. Browse, borrow, and read library books at whatever font size you need — all on the device. No need for a separate app.

PressReader

Many libraries provide free access to PressReader, which offers digital editions of newspapers and magazines that can be zoomed to any size on a tablet. See our guide to large print newspapers and magazines.

Homebound and Accessibility Services

For people who can't visit a library in person:

• Home delivery: Many library systems deliver books to homebound patrons. A librarian may even help select titles based on your interests.
• Phone/virtual programs: Book clubs, reading programs, and tech help sessions available by phone or video call.
• Assistive technology stations: Major library branches often have CCTV magnifiers, screen readers, and other assistive tech available on-site for public use.
• Volunteers: Some libraries have volunteer readers who visit homebound patrons. Ask about volunteer programs.

What To Do Right Now

If you or someone you know has difficulty reading standard print:

1. Get a library card if you don't have one. It's free.
2. Register for CELA through your library. Also free. This alone gives you access to 900,000+ titles.
3. Ask about CNIB services — call 1-800-563-2642.
4. Ask about homebound services if getting to the library is difficult.
5. Download the Libby app for free ebooks and audiobooks on your phone or tablet.

For buying options beyond what's free, see where to buy large print books in Canada.