Accessible Services
The Library supports those with special needs through a variety of collections and services.
Most branches of Winnipeg Public Library are fully accessible. See our Branch Locations page for specific details for each branch.
For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
TTY
Hearing impaired customers can call Special Services at 204-986-3485 TTY for any question.
Collections
Winnipeg Public Library has over 7000 DVDs that are closed-captioned for the hearing impaired.
Sign language interpreters
Deaf customers can request a sign language interpreter for any library program. To arrange for an interpreter, please contact the Library by TTY at 204-986-3485 or by email through our Ask Us! service. Two weeks notice is requested.
Sign-a-Story story time sessions
In partnership with the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities, Sign-a-Story story time sessions are held throughout year for Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing children.
For the Blind and Print Disabled
Large Print and Audiobooks
Large print books and audiobooks on CD and MP3 are available at all branches. All Library members can download eBooks and eAudiobooks from the Winnipeg Public Library's eLibrary at https://guides.wpl.winnipeg.ca/e
DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) Books and Readers
DAISY books are available at Millennium Library for customers with print disabilities.
Millennium Library's Special Services staff will select books for customers based on a list of reading preferences and have them sent to a branch for pick up.
Thanks to the Winnipeg Public Library Board, DAISY readers are now available for customers with print disabilities to borrow. With our DAISY books and readers, you can read an audio book the same way you would read a print book: read a book from start to finish, skip from section to section, use bookmarks, search the index and regulate the speaking speed without distortion.
- Readers are available through Millennium Library, Special Services.
- Requests can be placed online through the Library catalogue and picked up at any Winnipeg Public Library branch.
DAISY readers are not for permanent loan. Borrowing a reader allows customers to try one out before investing in a reader of their own.
- The loan period is 84 days (12 weeks).
- DAISY readers are not renewable.
Contact Special Services at 204-986-6489 to learn more.
Print Disability Eligibility
Only customers with print disabilities as defined in Section 32 of the Canadian Copyright Act can borrow DAISY books and readers.
A print disability is defined as the following:
- Learning disability: An impairment relating to comprehension.
- Physical disability: The inability to hold or manipulate a book.
- Visual disability: The severe or total impairment of sight or the inability to focus or move one's eyes.
Customers with print disabilities can register with the Library by completing a Print Disability Eligibility Form, including a self-declaration statement that they meet the eligibility requirements.
Zoom-text and Talking terminals
All library branches have ZoomText on public computers to enlarge text. All branches also have large type keyboards and roller-ball mice. Talking Terminals with JAWS speech recognition software, text magnifiers, and a TTY telephone is available at Millennium Library, Special Services.
Descriptive DVDs
Descriptive DVDs are available at Millennium Library. No special equipment is required - just a TV and DVD player.
Books in Braille
Books in Braille for children are available at Millennium Library's Children's Services ("touch-see" level 1 and 2).
NNELS (National Network for Equitable Library Service)
To use NNELS, choose "Sign Up" from the main page and search for Winnipeg Public Library. The most common file formats are DAISY, PDF and e-text. Users must have a perceptual disability as defined in the Canadian Copyright Act. To use NNELS you will need a library card with Print-Handicapped status. Visit https://nnels.ca for details or call Special Services at 204-986-6489.
CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access)
CELA provides audio, e-text, Braille and other formats for books, newspapers and magazines. English and French books are available, as well as a summer Reading Club for children. With a valid library card, you can choose to receive materials by one of three ways:
- Online access only - you will be able to independently access online audiobooks, magazines and newspapers through CNIB Digital Library & Children's Discovery Portal.
- Online access and home delivery - you will be able to access online audiobooks, magazines and newspapers, and to place online orders for books such as DAISY audio titles on CD, Braille or described video. These items will be mailed to you and you will return them to the CNIB Library by "pre-paid" mail.
- Home delivery - you can choose to have books such as DAISY audio titles on CD, Braille or descriptive video mailed to you. You will return them to the CNIB Library by "pre-paid" mail.
To register for CELA contact Special Services at 204-986-6489 or TTY 204-986-3485.
For those with Mobility Impairment
Most library locations are fully accessible. Please contact us by phone or via email before your library visit if you have any questions about accessibility, or visit our Branches page.
Home Service
For customers who are unable to visit a library due to a long-term illness or disability, and have no one to do so on their behalf, we offer Home Service. Materials are selected and checked out by library staff, with once-a-month delivery by a screened volunteer. To learn more, contact Outreach Services at 204-451-8131.
Other Services
downloadable materials
All library members can download eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks from our eLibrary.
Adapted Books
Adapted books using Picture Communication Symbols are available at Millennium Library for children and teens who have no speech or whose speech is not readily understood by others.
