Accessibility Services

Regina Public Library strives to provide welcoming services and spaces for everyone and every ability. From print magnifiers to Home Library Service, the barrier-free technologies and resources available at the library are here to inspire you to discover, learn, and connect.

Assistive Technology

 

Regina Public Library offers in-branch technology to assist print reading at many locations. These adjustable-height workstations feature:

Screen readers: JAWS software reads the print on the computer screen aloud, helping people with vision loss to successfully browse the internet and navigate within computer programs.

Screen magnification:  ZoomText software magnifies the computer screen, allowing people with visual disabilities to read the screen in the text size and color contrast that works best for them.

Scan and read software: Kurzweil software scans printed text and converts it into synthesized speech, reading it aloud. It offers people with a visual disability access to the printed word.  

High contrast keyboards: These keyboards feature larger, high-contrast keys beneficial for individuals with a range of visual impairments. 

Refreshable braille display*: This device provides braille output from the computer, helping those who use braille to read what is on their screen. *Coming soon!

Workstations with assistive technology are available during open hours at these RPL locations:

• Central Library
• George Bothwell Branch
• Regent Place Branch
• Sherwood Village Branch
• Albert Branch
• Sunrise Branch

Large print keyboards are available at all library locations.

If you’d like help, ask library staff for assistance. 

Navigation

 

RPL is proud to be among the first public libraries in Canada to provide the accessible indoor navigation systems Hearing Loops and BlindSquare. 

Hearing Loops

Helpful for customers who experience hearing loss, hearing loops are a closed system used at service desks that can cut out background noise by transmitting sound directly to the customer’s hearing device or cochlear implant with a T-coil.

Hearing loop systems are installed at every Regina Public Library branch. They’re always on; listeners can pick up the audio within 4 feet of the countertop system. Anyone with a compatible hearing device can look for the logo to be directed to accessible service lanes. 

To use the hearing loop system, turn your hearing device to the ‘T’ setting. 

BlindSquare

BlindSquare is an accessible indoor navigation system that uses physical beacons and GPS data to deliver audio instructions to smartphones. The app communicates detailed points of interest and provides directions for safe, reliable travel in both indoor and outdoor environments. BlindSquare beacons are currently available in Central Library, and will be installed at every Regina Public Library branch by late 2024. 

Download the free app: 

• BlindSq EVENT for Apple devices
• XploreNinja for Android devices

Our Website

Regina Public Library is dedicated to enhancing the accessibility of our website. Learn more about our measures and evaluations, and how to get in touch with us if you have improvements to suggest. 

Wheelchair Access

Regina Public Library locations are wheelchair accessible, with the exception of Connaught Branch. 

Elevators at Central Library and Sherwood Village provide access to levels above and below the main floor. An alert will be placed on every page of this website if these elevators become temporarily unavailable.

Accessible Collections

 

RPL is committed to providing books, movies, and audio for everyone. Find the genres you love in formats that work for you.

Large print: Books with a font size of 14 points or higher. A selection is available in all library branches. 

Audiobooks: Recordings of books read aloud, audiobooks can come on one or more CDs playable on any regular CD player. A selection is available in all library branches.

MP3-CDs: Recordings of books read aloud, MP3-CDs are condensed onto one CD. MP3 discs can be played on most computers and other devices that can play audio files. A selection is available in all library branches.

DAISY discs and readers: DAISY books are digital recordings of books read aloud, with more features than standard CD audiobooks including larger storage, full-text searching, bookmarks, line by line navigation and controlled speed. DAISY discs are played on special devices called DAISY readers. 

Discs and readers are available at Central Library, Sunrise Branch, Sherwood Village Branch, Regent Place Branch, and George Bothwell Branch; ask a staff member for assistance. 

Memory/activity kits: Memory kits contain items and activities that focus on a particular theme to trigger memories and encourage communication.

Dyslexia-friendly collection: Our dyslexia-friendly books use fonts and formatting that make them easier for people with dyslexia to read.

Find children’s and teen titles in our online catalogue or on the shelves at Central Library, Albert Branch, Glen Elm Branch, Prince of Wales Branch, Regent Place Branch, and Sunrise Branch.

If you’d rather read on your phone or tablet, you can adjust fonts and background colours in our Libby and hoopla apps to make ebooks more dyslexia-friendly.

Braille: RPL customers with print disabilities can access braille titles from our partner Centre for Equitable Library (CELA). RPL also has a collection of print/braille children’s materials available in branches. 

Contact Accessibility Services at accessibilityservices@reginalibrary.ca or 306.777.6048 for assistance with braille titles on demand.

Reader's Advisory: Staff are always happy to help you find what interests you most, in formats that work for you. 

Reach out to Accessibility Services at accessibilityservices@reginalibrary.ca or 306.777.6048. 

Accessible Services items you have on hold can be picked up by yourself or someone on your behalf at the Central Library service desk during open hours.

Digital Resources

 

Enjoy books, movies, music, and courses from the convenience of your personal device with digital resources from RPL and our partners.

Center for Equitable Library Access (CELA): Regina Public Library customers with print disabilities can download DAISY books directly onto their computer or device.

National Network of Equitable Library Service (NNELS):  Regina Public Library customers with print disabilities can download DAISY books directly onto their computer or device.

Libby, by OverDrive: Borrow ebooks and eaudiobooks through the OverDrive website and the Libby app to enjoy on your computer, table, smartphone or reader (including Kobo). OverDrive features special font settings for customers with low vision or dyslexia.

hoopla: Stream new and favourite movies and televisions shows for all ages, available with described video.

Kanopy: Stream the best in documentaries, classic films, world cinema, and Indie films, and access more than 5700 titles from the Great Courses collection – all available with described video. 

Featured Programs

 

Sound Bites Audio Book Club 

Want lively discussion about what you just read?  Join our Sound Bites Audio Book Club, a book club specifically for those with print disabilities.  

We meet monthly in the accessible Community Commons of Central Library. 

To register, please contact Accessibility Services at accessibilityservices@reginalibrary.ca or 306.777.6048. 
 
Canadian Council for the Blind: Get Together with Technology (GTT)

GTT helps people who are blind and partially sighted explore and integrate assistive devices into their home and work lives. During regular meetings, participants discuss new and updated devices and teach each other how to use both low and high tech assistive technology in their daily lives. 

This drop-in program meets monthly in the Community Commons at Central Library.

For more information, please contact Accessibility Services at accessibilityservices@reginalibrary.ca or 306.777.6048.

Home Library Service

Let us bring the library to you!

We’re pleased to offer our Home Library Service to customers who can't visit the library due to age, illness or disability.

RPL staff will select library items based on your preferences and have them delivered to your home.

If you or a loved one cannot leave home for three months or more, you may be eligible. This service is also available to Regina residents of care facilities and seniors' care homes.

To find out more about the Home Library Service contact Accessibility Services at accessibilityservices@reginalibrary.ca or 306.777.6048. 

For more information, please contact Accessibility Services at accessibilityservices@reginalibrary.ca or 306.777.6048