Accessible Services: FAQs

• I am not able to come to the library. Can you bring my books to me?

  Yes! If you live in the city of Red Deer and are unable to come into the library for three months or more due to an illness, poor mobility, or a physical or visual disability, you can access the free Home Service program! Visit rdpl.org/home-service for information.

• What materials do you have at the library that are available in accessible formats?

  The following materials in accessible formats are available at Red Deer Public Library:

  For Adults

  Physical Formats:

  • Audiobooks on discs
  • Books in large print
  • Movies with Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH), opens a new window
  • Described movies
  • DAISY audio materials (available to those with an Accessible Card*)

  Digital Formats:

  • eAudiobooks
  • eBooks

  For Children

  Physical Formats:

  • Audiobooks on discs
  • Books in braille
  • Movies with Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH), opens a new window
  • Described movies

  Digital Formats:

  • eAudiobooks
  • eBooks
  • TumbleBooks

  *In addition to these resources, if you have an Accessible Card, you can also access additional resources and services through CELA and/or NNELS., opens a new window

• How do I get an Accessible Card and what additional materials can I access with it?

  If you have a print disability and require materials in an accessible format, you can request an Accessible Card at any library branch. An Accessible Card will allow you access to the following collections and services:

  • Red Deer Public Library's collection of DAISY audio materials.
  • CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access): www.celalibrary.ca, opens a new window
  • NNELS (National Network for Equitable Library Service): www.nnels.ca, opens a new window

  After you have registered with CELA or NNELS with your Accessible Card, you can log into the CELA and NNELS websites to request materials from them for yourself. 

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  What is the difference between CELA and NNELS?

  CELA	NNELS
  Provides access to physical and digital collections of books and magazines in audio, e-text; braille; newspapers in e-text; children's pictures books with braille added.	Provides access to a digital collection of DAISY audio materials; some e-braille; e-text.
  Materials are made available to patrons either via direct download to a computer, mobile device (eg. tablets or smartphones) or a DAISY device OR via mail-delivery of audio CDs or braille materials.	Materials are made available to patrons via direct download to a computer, mobile device (eg. tablets or smartphones) or a DAISY device.

• How do I register for CELA or NNELS?

  How do I register for CELA?

  1. Begin by requesting an Accessible Card from any Red Deer Public Library branch.
  2. If you have this card you can self-register for CELA online at https://celalibrary.ca/register.
     If you would like assistance registering for CELA services, contact the library and we will register you.
  3. Then you can access and request materials for yourself.

  How do I register for NNELS?

  1. Begin by requesting an Accessible Card from any Red Deer Public Library branch.
  2. If you have this card you can then log in to the NNELS website at https://nnels.ca/user/login using your library barcode and PIN.
  3. Then you can access and request materials for yourself.

• What is a print disability?

  A print disabled person is any individual who is unable to read standard print materials. According to the Canadian Copyright Act, accessible formats will be made available to any individual who has been diagnosed with one of the following disabilities:

  • Learning disability: an impairment relating to comprehension.
  • Physical disability: the inability to hold or manipulate a book.
  • Visual disability: severe or total impairment of sight or the inability to focus or move one’s eyes.

• Do you have accessible technology at the library?

  Accessible Computer Workstation

  Located at the Downtown Branch, the Accessible Computer Workstation has accessible features like magnifier, narrator, high contrast, enlarged mouse, enlarged keyboard, and an adjustable table. It can be used up to 2 hours per day with a valid library card.

• Is the library wheelchair accessible?

  Yes, all branches of RDPL are wheelchair accessible. The Dawe, Timberlands, and Collicutt Branches are all on one level. The Downtown Branch has four levels and is accessible by elevator. Washrooms are available on the fourth and lower levels of the Downtown Branch.