Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA)

Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries offers access to the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) collection for people who have difficulty reading print due to a visual, physical, or learning disability. CELA is a national not-for-profit organization focused on the creation, collection, delivery, and preservation of both digital and physical alternate format accessible materials for Canadians with print disabilities through public libraries.

As a member of CELA, we offer:

• A growing collection of books, magazines, and newspapers for every age and interest
• Format choice of audio, Braille, and accessible eBooks
• Accessible online services for web reading and research
• Material available in English or French, with expanding access to other languages

To be eligible for CELA services, patrons must have a perceptual disability as defined under the provisions of the Copyright Modernization Act, which includes:

• 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 inability to focus or move one’s eyes.

To receive CELA services, eligible patrons must register with CELA and have a valid NLPL library card. Patrons can either self-register using the Centre’s online registration form or contact Technical Services to get registered.

Once registered, patrons can access the CELA collection in a number of different ways, including:

• Download books to your computer or mobile device
• Download books to a DAISY player over a wireless connection without using a computer
• Receive audio CDs or Braille through your local branch or by mail directly to your home.

Educators who work with students with print disabilities in an elementary, secondary, or post-secondary institution may use their public library cards to access materials through CELA’s Educator Access Program. To learn more about this initiative or to register, visit CELA’s educator access site.

CELA Inter-Library Loan Policies

Available formats through the library are:

• DAISY CDs delivered to your library
• Braille books, including picture books for children with braille (printbraille)

Borrowing Privileges

Format	Loan Period
DAISY CDs	8 months
Braille	6 months
Printbraille	3 months