Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) Collection

KFPL 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. With over 500,000 items in accessible formats, the CELA collection represents Canada's largest collection of alternative format books and online resources. The collection is in both English and French and includes:

  • Books and magazines in audio, eText and braille
  • More than 50 community, national and international newspapers
  • Children's picture books with added Braille
  • Canadian content and other resources for all ages and interests.

Eligibility Guidelines

Access to the CELA collection is available only to people with perceptual disabilities 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 the inability to focus or move one's eyes.

How to Register and Use the Collection

Eligible Kingston Frontenac Public Library users with a valid library card can register for this service by phone at 613 549 8888 x3573 or by email to jfinkle@kfpl.ca. If you do not already have a library card, staff will get you registered as part of the CELA registration process.

Access to the collection is offered in a number of ways:

  • Read newspapers online and download books and magazines to your computer or mobile device, such as an iPhone
  • Download books and magazines directly 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.

Visit the CELA website for more information about the collection.