Introduction
Recent shifts in technology, the marketplace and in our federal funding, have required CELA to make the decision to cease production and distribution of audiobook CDs to all CELA users and CELA member libraries effective July 31, 2025.
We know that this will be difficult for our patrons who have relied on CDs. We want you to know that we will do everything possible to support our patrons and their libraries to make the necessary transition to other format options.
We will use this page to provide resources, tutorials, information about training sessions and workshops, and additional information as needed. The page will be updated regularly. Please check back regularly, and make sure to check our newsletters, social media and YouTube channel for additional updates.
On this page
Communications
Letter to users
Dear users,
We are writing to you today to share with you an important message about an upcoming change to CELA’s CD service. Effective July 31, 2025, CELA will no longer be sending out CDs to our users.
We know this is disappointing news for our users who rely on CDs and we want to assure you that it is not a decision we came to lightly. Due to a combination of factors, delivery of audiobooks and magazines on CD, a technology on which many of our users have relied, is no longer a viable option for CELA. Recent shifts in technology, the marketplace and in our federal funding, have required us to make the decision to cease distribution of CDs for audiobooks and magazines to all CELA users and CELA member libraries effective July 31, 2025.
It is important to note that it is only the CD service affected by this decision. Audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods including Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players, the Envoy Connect, digital downloads to apps and other devices, and our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option. CELA’s other services and formats, including all digital options for e-text audio and braille, physical braille and printbraille, are not affected by this change.
What is the reason for this decision?
CDs were introduced to the marketplace more than 40 years ago. But their declining popularity in the broader marketplace has made them both difficult and expensive to purchase and the equipment used to produce CDs is reaching the limits of its lifespan. In addition, CELA has received a reduction to our federal funding, so we have been forced to make this change more quickly than what we had initially planned.
We want to assure you that we understand how much your books matter to you. We also understand that the process of switching to a different technology to read your books may feel challenging, expensive or overwhelming. We are committed to doing everything we can to help you with a transition to new ways to read books.
Here is our plan to support you during this transition from CDs to other ways of reading audiobooks and magazines:
- We are creating guides for reading audiobooks and magazines that will help you decide your best options, based on your current technology, your access to internet services, your reading preferences and your budget.
- We will help you learn how to use new audio reading options:
We will have monthly webinars on various reading options. These will begin in April.
We will have weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainers. These will begin in June.
You can join these webinars and Q and A sessions by Zoom using your computer or your phone. The sessions will offer time for you to learn new skills and ask your questions. The Contact Centre has more information and can help you register.
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We will be holding an information session about transitioning away from CDs for our users on April 30 at 7 pm EDT.
Our Executive Director Laurie Davidson and other CELA team members will outline the reasons for this shift away from CDs and provide you with information on the many other different reading options available to you. We will also review the resources available and the schedule for the webinars and Q and A sessions. You can attend this session by phone or Zoom on your computer. Please visit our Training events on this page to register online or call the Contact Centre to register for the phone service.
This session may be recorded.
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Our Contact Centre will be available to support you and answer questions about the available options and technology for reading audiobooks and magazines. If you need some extra time, we can schedule an appointment to assist you.
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We are working with local public libraries across the country to provide them with the resources and information they need to support you in making this transition.
To further support you, we have created a CD Transition Resource page on our website. This page includes:
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A Frequently Asked Question section which has questions we anticipate you may have along with our answers.
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Links to register for our Information session which will happen on April 30 at 7:00 pm. You will also find links to register for technology webinars, which happen monthly, and our weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainers.
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Tutorials and getting started guides for a variety of reading options and more.
We will update this page with new information and resources as they become available.
Do I have to make the change right away?
No. There is nothing you need to do right now. This letter is to inform you of the upcoming change in our service. Your CDs will continue to be mailed out to you until July 31, 2025. We have lots of resources to help you make that transition over the coming weeks and months. Our goal is to help you become just as comfortable with the alternatives as you are with CDs so that there is no interruption in your ability to enjoy your books.
We know that this news about the change to our services might be difficult to absorb. The CELA team is committed to doing everything we can to help you continue to enjoy your books and magazines. We look forward to serving you.
Sincerely,
Laurie Davidson, Executive Director
Frequently asked questions
In this section:
- Communications and information
- Transitioning from CDs
- Switching off CDs
- Questions about other service changes
- Exceptions and continuing CDs
- Financial and advocacy
- Training and additional information
Communications and information
How do I contact the CELA Contact Centre?
Call us at 1-855-655-2273 or email us at help@celalibrary.ca.
How can I stay up to date on items related to the CD transition?
We will be sending out communications about the transition through our Open Book newsletter. You can visit this page often and make note of anything marked new. Information will be available through our Contact Centre and its phone system for those who do not have access to the internet.
Transitioning from CDs
Do I have to make the change right away?
We will stop mailing CDs as of July 31, 2025. If you are comfortable with technology and can easily shift to different ways of reading, you are welcome to stop your CDs at any time. If you are able, switching now could allow CELA to focus our resources on those who may need more time and support to shift to new ways of reading.
We recommend to all our users to begin to shift to new ways of reading in advance of the deadline. Our goal is to help you become just as comfortable with the alternatives as you are with CDs so that there is no interruption in your ability to enjoy your books.
Why has CELA made the decision to stop production and distribution of CDs?
We understand how important books are to our users, and that many of our users have relied on CDs. We want you to know that this decision has not been made lightly.
There are a number of factors that have led to this decision. CDs are becoming increasingly expensive. The technology required to produce CDs is also becoming expensive and increasingly difficult to obtain and maintain. In addition, CELA is facing budget constraints which have required us to make this change more quickly than we had initially planned. Our service provider has informed us that they will no longer be able to provide CD production and distribution services for us after July 31. This combination of factors has resulted in the decision to stop production and distribution of CDs effective July 31, 2025.
What options are available to users who rely on CDs?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their audiobooks including:
- Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players; if your player is not currently set up for Wi-Fi we can help you configure it,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How can users who do not have internet service access their books?
There are a few options for users who do not have internet access.
- The Envoy Connect devices can be sent to CELA for reloading. Alternately, designates, friends or family members can assist with reloading these devices using the internet at their home. Some libraries may also be able to offer this service.
- Most DAISY players can accept an SD card with books loaded on it. Family, friends or designates can assist with downloading books and placing them on the SD card. There are tutorials available for this process for several devices on our Tutorials page.
- Braille readers can request physical braille.
How can I learn more about this decision and the support CELA will offer those of us who rely on CDs?
As part of our plan to support CD users, information will be posted on the CELA website landing page with a link to this dedicated CD Transition Resources page. This page includes tutorials, resources, information about webinars and drop-in sessions, along with other information.
In addition, our phone system will include an option to learn more about support that is available, and our Customer Care Representatives will be able to answer patrons’ questions about this change.
Information about the change will also be included in upcoming newsletters and regular communications. If you do not have an email address, perhaps a friend or family member could become a designate and receive this information on your behalf.
CELA will host an information session on April 30 which can be accessed by phone or internet. This session will outline the resources and training workshops available to users.
How can I learn about new ways to read books?
We want to make this process as easy as possible for you. As part of our plan to support CD users, we have created this dedicated page on our website. The CD Transition Resources page includes information about the various ways to read accessible audiobooks and has information about upcoming webinars, drop-in sessions with our peer trainer, as well as information about our information session which is scheduled on April 30.
Our various training and information sessions include:
- Information session with the CELA team on April 30 at 7:00 pm EDT
- This session will walk through this transition and outline the many resources we have available to help CD users transition to a new way to read books. All are welcome, including designates. Please register online in the Training events section of this page, or call us at 1-855-655-2273 or email us at help@celalibrary.ca.
- Weekly Q and A sessions with our peer trainer beginning in June.
- Monthly audiobook options webinars, which begin in April.
I just bought a DAISY player to use with your CDs, can I return it?
You will have to ask the vendor where you bought your player from.
However, we can help you configure your DAISY player for Direct to Player service so audiobooks will be delivered directly to your device through the internet, if you have not already configured this service. You can also play your own personal CDs or CDs from the library on your DAISY player.
Will magazines and the What’s New newsletter still be available on CD?
No. All CD production including the magazines and What’s New newsletter will stop. The last magazine CD will be distributed on at the end of April. Audio magazines will continue to be available through our other distribution methods.
Where can I find more information about this decision?
CELA users can get more information by:
- Checking CELA’s website on this CD Transition Resources Page for information and updates
- Reviewing the information sent by email or on CD
- Attending our upcoming information session scheduled for April 30 7:00 pm EDT. Patrons can register for this session online or by calling our Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273 or emailing help@celalibrary.ca
Switching off CDs
I am able to read using non-CD formats now. How do I cancel the CD delivery?
Please email us at help@celalibrary.ca or call 1-855-655-2273 to update your account.
Do I have to switch away from CDs before the July 31 deadline or can I receive them until they are no longer available?
You can receive CD service until the end of July. If you are comfortable switching to other reading options, you can certainly let us know by emailing us at help@celalibrary.ca or call 1-855-655-2273.
Questions about other service changes
Are there other changes to CELA’s services?
No, CELA’s other services and formats, including digital options, physical braille and printbraille, are not affected by this change. Audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods.
Will you be producing fewer audiobooks as the CD service winds down?
No. Human-narrated audiobooks are an essential part of our collection, and we will continue to produce them and add them to our collection each year. We are fully committed to offering new human narrated titles. While we acknowledge there have been fewer added in the last few months, we have more than 4000 human narrated books which will be added in the coming months, with more being added throughout 2025. We’re excited about the new books we will be adding for our users.
Will you continue to offer the Envoy Connect reloading service?
Yes. Envoy Connect devices are an excellent option and mailing them to CELA to be reloaded supports our users who do not have access to the internet.
Exceptions and continuing CDs
Can you make exceptions so I can continue to use CDs?
Unfortunately, our CD service will cease on July 31, 2025. There is no way to extend the service beyond that date or make exceptions. We will do everything we can to support you as you find a new way to read your books.
Will my library still have accessible CDs for me to borrow?
CELA’s service, which provides CDs to libraries to circulate, will no longer be available after July 31, 2025. Many public libraries offer CDs as part of their collection. There may also be some commercial versions of audiobook CDs which may meet your needs. It’s best to reach out to your library directly to learn more.
Can I keep the CDs I already have?
Yes, you may keep the CDs you currently have and any which you receive before July 31 for your own use and enjoyment. As with all CELA books and magazines only people with print disabilities are allowed access under the copyright law. If you no longer wish to keep your CDs, please return them to CELA as usual for recycling.
Can I order more CDs before the July 31 deadline?
Yes, you can increase the number of CDs up to our normal distribution limit which is 4 per week. That request can be made by email to help@celalibrary.ca or call us at 1-855-655-2273.
Financial and advocacy
Do you offer financial support for users who will need to buy new devices?
We do not offer financial assistance to purchase new devices. Some provinces offer financial support for assistive technology. More information can be found on your provincial government website. Some information may be available on the Access AT Canada website.
There are low cost or free options for those who need different technology.
- An Envoy Connect device may be an option as the cost for these devices is approximately $100
- EasyReader is a free app which can work on existing phones, tablets or iPads or computers
More information can be found in the Guides and tutorials section of this page.
Is it possible to pay for this service so that I can continue to receive CDs?
CELA’s CD service will cease for all users at the end of July. We cannot offer a pay for service model unfortunately. We know that books are important to all our users and we will do our very best to help you transition to new ways of reading your books.
The CD service is very important to me. Can I donate money or help advocate with funders to make CDs available to those who need it?
We appreciate your offer, and we understand that CDs are very important to some of our users. The decision to stop CDs was based on a combination of factors and was not one we made lightly. Even if money were available for CD service, our producer partner will no longer offer this service past July 31, 2025. Changes and changes in the marketplace and technology are making CDs no longer a viable option.
Training and additional information
Where can I find a list of these webinars and drop-in sessions?
The full list of all our training programs is available in the Training events section of this page. The Contact Centre also has this information and can help patrons without internet access register for events available by phone
When will the CELA website reflect this change? CDs are still mentioned. Does that mean they may be available past July 31, 2025?
We have begun to adapt our website and resources to reflect that CDs will not be available after July 31, 2025. Over the coming weeks you will see reference to CDs include information about this change or in some cases be removed completely. Our goal is to have references to CDs be eliminated from our website and training materials by June 1, 2025. The option to place a hold on books on CD will be removed in mid-July.
Training events
We have a variety of training opportunities available to assist our users and libraries through this transition.
In this section you can learn about:
- Our information session for users
- Our regular monthly session for users
- Our weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainer
- Our information session for libraries
- Our regularly monthly session for libraries
Users and libraries can register for these session using the links below. If users would like to join by phone, please call our Contact Centre to register.
Information session for users
Information session: CD transition for CELA users
Join Laurie Davidson, CELA's Executive Director and other members of the CELA team to learn more about the transition away from CDs, options for CD users and CELA's plan to support users. To register for the online Zoom session please select the date below and fill in the registration form. To attend by phone, please call the Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273
Our regular monthly session for users
How to read CELA audiobooks and magazines: Transitioning from reading on CDs to other devices
Discover the many ways you can read CELA’s audiobooks and magazines using a variety of devices. This webinar is intended to support you as you transition off of CDs onto other players. In this one-hour webinar, you will learn:
- Which audiobook players work with CELA audiobooks and magazines
- How to start using Envoy Connect devices, the EasyReader app or Direct to Player on your Humanware Stratus DAISY player
- Where to buy players
- How we can further support you through this transition
To register for the online Zoom session please select the date below and fill in the registration form. To attend by phone, please call the Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273.
Tues. May 6: 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Wed. June 11 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Tues July 8: 3:00-4:00pm EDT
Tues Aug 5: 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Wed Sept 17: 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Our weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainer
Transitioning from CD to other audiobook device options Q&A
Were you receiving CELA CDs and need help transitioning to a new device? Are you helping someone make this transition?
Join our Peer Trainer, Ioana Gandrabur, who will answer your questions about finding the best alternative players and apps for reading CELA’s audio books and magazines. We welcome your questions about using the following devices and more:
- Envoy Connect player
- Humanware Victor Stratus players that have an internet connection
- EasyReader app on your tablet or smartphone
- Other device options
To register for one of the weekly Thursday sessions from 2:00-3:00pm ET select the link below, choose the date you prefer from the dropdown menu and complete the registration form. We look forward to meeting with you.
Thursday Q & A sessions: Audiobook device options
To register for one of the monthly Wednesday evening sessions from 6:30-7:30pm ET select the link below for your preferred date and complete the registration form. We look forward to meeting with you.
Wed June 18 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Wed July 23 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Wed Aug 20 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Wed Sept 17 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Information session for libraries
Information session: CD transition for public library staff
Join Laurie Davidson, CELA's Executive Director and other members of the CELA team to learn more about the transition away from CDs, options for CD users and CELA's plan to support users and libraries.
Monthly programs for libraries
How to support library patrons to read CELA’s audiobooks and magazines: Transitioning from reading on CDs to other devices
In this webinar, library staff will discover how to transition patrons with print disabilities from reading CELA’s audiobooks and magazines on CD, to a variety of players and apps. We will guide you through this change so you can continue to offer accessible reading materials through your library’s CELA account. You will learn:
- Which audiobook players and apps work with CELA audiobooks and magazines
- How to access CELA books and magazines onto library-owned devices
- How CELA can support book clubs and reading programs
- Where to find help, training and tutorials
Guides and tutorials
We have lots of support for our users who will be shifting to a new way of reading their audiobooks. And, we will be adding more in the coming weeks.
If you're not sure which device might work for you or where to start, check out our Accessible reading formats and delivery options table.
Envoy Connect
- Online version: Getting started guide: Envoy Connect
- Downloadable version: Getting started guide: Envoy Connect (Word document)
EasyReader - New!
- Online version: Getting started guide: EasyReader
- Downloadable version: Getting started guide: EasyReader (Word document)
Victor Stratus4 M
Coming soon!
Library information
Letter to libraries
We are writing today to share with you an important upcoming change to CELA services with regards to audio CD production and distribution. Effective July 31, 2025, CELA will no longer be sending out CDs to users or libraries. Member libraries are a crucial part of the team supporting users with print disabilities and I wanted to share this with you in advance of our general announcement to users on March 25, 2025. This letter includes information about the resources CELA will offer to support libraries and users through this transition as well as an FAQ to help you and your users understand this change to CELA services.
Why has this decision been made?
This decision has not been made lightly. While recent circumstances have required us to make this change earlier than anticipated, we have been planning for this eventuality for quite some time. CDs and the technology required to support them are becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain and maintain. In addition, CELA is facing a reduction to our federal funding. This combination of factors has resulted in the decision to stop production and distribution of CDs effective July 31, 2025. It is important to note that all our other services and formats, including digital options, embossed braille and printbraille sent in the mail, are not affected by this change. We want to reassure you that audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods. CD services will continue uninterrupted through until July 31, 2025, and we will be working with users and libraries until then to prepare for the transition.
What alternatives are available to our users with print disabilities?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their books including:
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player.
- Humanware 4M and 12 M Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How will CELA support users as they transition to new ways of reading?
We are committed to supporting both member libraries and their users through this transition. As part of our plan to support users, CELA will be offering resources, training and workshops, Q&A sessions with our Peer Trainers and personal support to our CD users and libraries who may require additional assistance. This information will be available on our CD Transition Resource page.
What support will CELA offer libraries?
As part of our plan, CELA will have a dedicated webpage that will launch immediately following the announcement to users on March 25. This will be a centralized resource page to provide users and libraries with resources, links to tutorials, and information about our CD Transition Resources.
How can libraries support their users with print disabilities?
We know that libraries are committed to providing the best possible service to their users with print disabilities. We also understand that the capacity and resources available to libraries can vary.
As a library you may be able to:
- Assist users with reloading their devices such as Envoy Connect devices.
- Loan library owned DAISY players that have been configured to connect to the library’s wifi to add books directly to the player, Envoy Connects or tablets with the EasyReader app to patrons from books accessed through your CELA account.
- Offer training or host peer training sessions with experts from your community to help patrons get comfortable with new devices or apps.
- Direct patrons to resources offered by CELA if they have questions
- Circulate this letter and the FAQs to all staff who may be involved in providing services or information patrons with print disabilities.
What will happen with CD deposit collections?
Deposit collections will no longer be produced or distributed as of July 31, 2025. However, your library can continue to receive deposit collection CDs from CELA until then.
We do have ways to ensure that you can continue to provide accessible audiobooks for your patrons using different devices such as Envoy Connect. Using your main CELA account, which is a different account number than for your deposit collection, you can load CELA books and magazines on any accessible devices such as DAISY players or Envoy Connect devices you circulate. You can find more information about these options on our website. We have tutorials and monthly webinars to help you transition from offering CDs to providing access audiobooks on other devices. If your library is interested in receiving a deposit collection of CDs prior to July 31, please reach out to Member Services to be set up for a deposit collection or to discuss other ways to receive more CDs.
What should we expect going forward?
We want to assure you that CELA is committed to offering quality and innovative accessible reading services to public libraries and users with print disabilities across Canada. We continue to be dedicated to offering format choice in accessible audio, braille, printbraille and text, and to adapt to and introduce new technologies as they become available. We truly appreciate your support as we work through this transition. Libraries are an integral part of the team which makes accessible reading possible for people with print disabilities in your community.
Please review the FAQs below for more information for you and your patrons. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Member Services.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to accessible reading.
Laurie Davidson, Executive Director
FAQs for libraries
Communication to CELA users
How will CELA users be informed of this change?
On March 25, 2024, an email will be sent to all users on our mailing list outlining this change in services. Later in April, CDs will be sent to CELA users without email addresses. The content of both the email and the CD is very similar to the information sent to libraries.
Information will be posted on the CELA website landing page with a link to this dedicated CD Transition Resources page. This page includes tutorials, resources, information about webinars and Q and A sessions, along with other information.
In addition, our phone system will include an option to learn more about this change and our Contact Centre will be able to answer users’ questions about this change.
Information about the change will also be included in upcoming newsletters and regular communications to ensure that we are able to inform our users and their designates in as many ways as possible.
What should I tell our library’s CD users who receive CELA CDs but do not have an account with CELA?
If you have users to whom you supply CELA CDs and who do not have an account with CELA, we understand you may want to notify your users directly. In this case, we would appreciate it if you could use wording from this letter and FAQ so that users receive consistent and accurate information.
I know that it can take some time for CELA users to receive their CDs. Is it okay to let these users know about the service change before they receive the information CD CELA is sending?
At the end of April, CELA is planning on sending out a CD with this information to CD users who do not have email addresses with us. Libraries are welcome to tell users in this group before the end of April but we would appreciate it if you could use wording from this letter and FAQ so that users receive consistent and accurate information.
Are there other changes to CELA’s services?
No, CELA’s other services and formats, including all digital options in e-text, audio and braille, physical braille and printbraille, are not affected by this change. Audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods.
Deposit Collections
What other audio options are available for our patrons? We rely on our CD Deposit Collection to support our users.
Using your library’s CELA account and selecting the Direct to Player format in our catalogue, you can offer players with pre-loaded books and magazines to your patrons. You can also download the zip file of our audiobooks to transfer to an SD card or USB key/stick for playing on compatible devices, transfer to an mp3 player or burn CDs at your library.
- Envoy Connect device: Load audiobooks and magazines to one or multiple players and lend devices to patrons.
- DAISY players: Contact CELA to configure your Stratus 4M or 12M or Stream players to connect to your library’s Wi-Fi connection and download books and magazines directly to the player.
- EasyReader app: Download this free app to read DAISY audio and e-text books onto library-owned tablets.
Is it possible to make an exception and still provide CDs for our library or one of our patrons?
Unfortunately, effective July 31, 2025, CELA will not be able to provide any CDs. We cannot make any exceptions.
Can libraries order additional CDs or Deposit Collections prior to July 31, 2025?
Yes. Please contact Member Services if you would like to receive your upcoming batch of CDs before July 31, 2025.
We are interested in adding more CELA CDs to our collection in advance of the July 31 cutoff? Is that possible?
Yes. Please contact Member Services to add a Deposit Collection of up to 500 preselected CDs, based on your profile, or to order specific CDs to serve you patrons. Libraries are able to keep and circulate CELA CDs to their users with print disabilities.
Can we keep our existing CD deposit collection to allow us to circulate these books to readers with print disabilities after July 31, 2025?
Libraries can keep and continue to circulate accessible CDs from CELA. If you do wish to return some or all of your collection, please visit our Deposit Collections page for shipping instructions.
Please note that after July 31, 2025, we will no longer ask for your deposit collection statistics.
CELA sent a questionnaire to libraries in January asking if they would like to keep receiving new deposit collections CDs or not. Why did you send this survey if you’re stopping sending CDs in July?
This survey was sent out to capture which libraries wanted new CDs and those who were still receiving CDs and no longer needed them. This survey was valuable to libraries who no longer wanted CDs to save some unnecessary shipments.
Options for patrons
What reading alternatives are available to our users with print disabilities?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their books including:
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player.
- Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How can patrons who do not have internet service access their audiobooks and magazines?
There are multiple options for patrons without internet access.
- The Envoy Connect devices can be sent to CELA for reloading. Alternately, designates, friends or family members can assist with reloading these devices using the internet at their home. Some libraries are also able to offer this service.
- Most DAISY players can accept an SD card with books loaded on it. Family, friends or designates can assist with downloading books and placing them on the SD card. Libraries can also configure library-owned DAISY players and loan pre-loaded players to patrons. There are tutorials on this process for several devices on our Tutorials page.
- Braille readers can continue to request physical braille and print braille
- CD collections may be available at local libraries.
- Devices circulated by local libraries may be an option.
Devices like DAISY players are expensive and cost is a barrier for some patrons. Are there resources available to help people with print disabilities cover the cost of a new device?
Some provinces offer financial support for assistive technology. More information may be found on your provincial government websites. Some information may be available at the AccessAtCanada website.
An Envoy Connect device may also be an option as the cost for these devices is approximately $100.
Can patrons order additional CDs prior to July 31, 2025?
Yes patrons can increase the number of CDs up to our normal limit which is 4 CDs per week. That request can be made by phoning or emailing our Contact Centre.
We run a book club and used to borrow CELA CDs for our members. What are our options?
There are a number of options for your members.
- Envoy Connect devices can be preloaded with your book club selections and provided to your book club members who need an easy way to access the books.
- Books can be added to DAISY players using an SD card or by downloading directly using your library’s CELA account.
- Libraries could burn a CD of a CELA title locally
- Braille readers can order physical braille, if the selected title is available in braille.
Training and information
Our patrons have questions that I can’t answer about this change to CELA services. Where can I send them for more information?
Patrons can get more information by:
- Checking CELA’s website for our CD Transition Resources Page
- Reviewing the information sent by email or on CD
- Attending our upcoming Information Session for Users scheduled for April 30 at 7 pm. Patrons can register for this session by calling our Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273 or emailing help@celalibrary.ca
- Calling our Contact Centre and pressing option 3 to hear about upcoming webinars or Q&A sessions which support users transitioning to new ways of reading.
- Attending one of our webinars or Q&A sessions to ask questions about new devices or apps for reading.
Can library staff attend the information sessions meant for patrons?
Of course! We’d love to have you attend whichever sessions might be helpful. Our Information Session for the CD Transition and our webinars will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel.
Are there any library only training sessions planned to help us support our patrons?
Yes. We’ll be offering monthly webinars for libraries designed to support CELA users through this transition. Libraries are also welcome to reach out to Member Services staff for additional support. Please plan to join us at our Information Session for Libraries on April 29 at 1 pm EDT as well.
Where can I find a list of these webinars and Q and A sessions?
The full list of all our training programs is available on our CD Transition Resources page as well as our usual training page
We have noticed fewer new human narrated audiobook options available on the CELA website in the last few months. Will you be producing fewer audiobooks as the CD service winds down?
No, our plan is to maintain or increase the number of human narrated audiobooks we add to our collection each year. We are fully committed to offering new human narrated titles. While we acknowledge there have been fewer added in the last few months, we have more than 4000 human narrated books which will be added in the coming months, with more being added throughout 2025. The delay in getting them into our collection is not related to our decision to cease CD production. We’re excited about the new books we will be adding for our users.
Registration
Will there be any changes to the registration process for new CELA users?
Yes, effective April 23 there will no longer be an option to have new users request CDs as part of the registration process.
Should we tell people who want to register after March 25 of the change to CD service?
Yes, you are welcome to make people aware of this change. You can direct them to the CD Transition Resources page on our website which will provide information about the various ways to read accessible books.
What do we do about referrals?
You will continue to receive the names of Vision Loss Rehabilitation (VLR) clients who would like to learn about reading in accessible formats and register for CELA. VLR staff have always offered a selection of players to clients and will continue to do so.
Marketing and communications
How should we update our website and library information to reflect this change to CELA services?
If your website specifically mentions CDs as part of your accessible reading resources, or if that information is part of any signage or printed information, we recommend changing it before June 1 when the CD option will no longer be available to new CELA registrants.
When can we order new CELA resources which don’t have CDs listed?
We will be transitioning our printed resources over the next few weeks and new materials will be available by June 1, 2025.
How can we stay up to date on items related to the CD transition?
We will be sending out communications about the transition through our Open Book for Libraries and the Library Page newsletters. Please visit our CD Transitions Page often and make note of anything marked new.
When will the CELA website reflect this change?
We have begun to adapt our website and resources to reflect that CDs will not be available after July 31, 2025. Over the coming weeks you will see reference to CDs include information about this change or in some cases be removed completely. Our goal is to have references to CDs be eliminated from our website and training materials by June 1, 2025.
Recent shifts in technology, the marketplace and in our federal funding, have required CELA to make the decision to cease production and distribution of audiobook CDs to all CELA users and CELA member libraries effective July 31, 2025.
We know that this will be difficult for our patrons who have relied on CDs. We want you to know that we will do everything possible to support our patrons and their libraries to make the necessary transition to other format options.
We will use this page to provide resources, tutorials, information about training sessions and workshops, and additional information as needed. The page will be updated regularly. Please check back regularly, and make sure to check our newsletters, social media and YouTube channel for additional updates.
On this page
Communications
Letter to users
Dear users,
We are writing to you today to share with you an important message about an upcoming change to CELA’s CD service. Effective July 31, 2025, CELA will no longer be sending out CDs to our users.
We know this is disappointing news for our users who rely on CDs and we want to assure you that it is not a decision we came to lightly. Due to a combination of factors, delivery of audiobooks and magazines on CD, a technology on which many of our users have relied, is no longer a viable option for CELA. Recent shifts in technology, the marketplace and in our federal funding, have required us to make the decision to cease distribution of CDs for audiobooks and magazines to all CELA users and CELA member libraries effective July 31, 2025.
It is important to note that it is only the CD service affected by this decision. Audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods including Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players, the Envoy Connect, digital downloads to apps and other devices, and our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option. CELA’s other services and formats, including all digital options for e-text audio and braille, physical braille and printbraille, are not affected by this change.
What is the reason for this decision?
CDs were introduced to the marketplace more than 40 years ago. But their declining popularity in the broader marketplace has made them both difficult and expensive to purchase and the equipment used to produce CDs is reaching the limits of its lifespan. In addition, CELA has received a reduction to our federal funding, so we have been forced to make this change more quickly than what we had initially planned.
We want to assure you that we understand how much your books matter to you. We also understand that the process of switching to a different technology to read your books may feel challenging, expensive or overwhelming. We are committed to doing everything we can to help you with a transition to new ways to read books.
Here is our plan to support you during this transition from CDs to other ways of reading audiobooks and magazines:
- We are creating guides for reading audiobooks and magazines that will help you decide your best options, based on your current technology, your access to internet services, your reading preferences and your budget.
- We will help you learn how to use new audio reading options:
We will have monthly webinars on various reading options. These will begin in April.
We will have weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainers. These will begin in June.
You can join these webinars and Q and A sessions by Zoom using your computer or your phone. The sessions will offer time for you to learn new skills and ask your questions. The Contact Centre has more information and can help you register.
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We will be holding an information session about transitioning away from CDs for our users on April 30 at 7 pm EDT.
Our Executive Director Laurie Davidson and other CELA team members will outline the reasons for this shift away from CDs and provide you with information on the many other different reading options available to you. We will also review the resources available and the schedule for the webinars and Q and A sessions. You can attend this session by phone or Zoom on your computer. Please visit our Training events on this page to register online or call the Contact Centre to register for the phone service.
This session may be recorded.
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Our Contact Centre will be available to support you and answer questions about the available options and technology for reading audiobooks and magazines. If you need some extra time, we can schedule an appointment to assist you.
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We are working with local public libraries across the country to provide them with the resources and information they need to support you in making this transition.
To further support you, we have created a CD Transition Resource page on our website. This page includes:
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A Frequently Asked Question section which has questions we anticipate you may have along with our answers.
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Links to register for our Information session which will happen on April 30 at 7:00 pm. You will also find links to register for technology webinars, which happen monthly, and our weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainers.
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Tutorials and getting started guides for a variety of reading options and more.
We will update this page with new information and resources as they become available.
Do I have to make the change right away?
No. There is nothing you need to do right now. This letter is to inform you of the upcoming change in our service. Your CDs will continue to be mailed out to you until July 31, 2025. We have lots of resources to help you make that transition over the coming weeks and months. Our goal is to help you become just as comfortable with the alternatives as you are with CDs so that there is no interruption in your ability to enjoy your books.
We know that this news about the change to our services might be difficult to absorb. The CELA team is committed to doing everything we can to help you continue to enjoy your books and magazines. We look forward to serving you.
Sincerely,
Laurie Davidson, Executive Director
Frequently asked questions
In this section:
- Communications and information
- Transitioning from CDs
- Switching off CDs
- Questions about other service changes
- Exceptions and continuing CDs
- Financial and advocacy
- Training and additional information
Communications and information
How do I contact the CELA Contact Centre?
Call us at 1-855-655-2273 or email us at help@celalibrary.ca.
How can I stay up to date on items related to the CD transition?
We will be sending out communications about the transition through our Open Book newsletter. You can visit this page often and make note of anything marked new. Information will be available through our Contact Centre and its phone system for those who do not have access to the internet.
Transitioning from CDs
Do I have to make the change right away?
We will stop mailing CDs as of July 31, 2025. If you are comfortable with technology and can easily shift to different ways of reading, you are welcome to stop your CDs at any time. If you are able, switching now could allow CELA to focus our resources on those who may need more time and support to shift to new ways of reading.
We recommend to all our users to begin to shift to new ways of reading in advance of the deadline. Our goal is to help you become just as comfortable with the alternatives as you are with CDs so that there is no interruption in your ability to enjoy your books.
Why has CELA made the decision to stop production and distribution of CDs?
We understand how important books are to our users, and that many of our users have relied on CDs. We want you to know that this decision has not been made lightly.
There are a number of factors that have led to this decision. CDs are becoming increasingly expensive. The technology required to produce CDs is also becoming expensive and increasingly difficult to obtain and maintain. In addition, CELA is facing budget constraints which have required us to make this change more quickly than we had initially planned. Our service provider has informed us that they will no longer be able to provide CD production and distribution services for us after July 31. This combination of factors has resulted in the decision to stop production and distribution of CDs effective July 31, 2025.
What options are available to users who rely on CDs?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their audiobooks including:
- Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players; if your player is not currently set up for Wi-Fi we can help you configure it,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How can users who do not have internet service access their books?
There are a few options for users who do not have internet access.
- The Envoy Connect devices can be sent to CELA for reloading. Alternately, designates, friends or family members can assist with reloading these devices using the internet at their home. Some libraries may also be able to offer this service.
- Most DAISY players can accept an SD card with books loaded on it. Family, friends or designates can assist with downloading books and placing them on the SD card. There are tutorials available for this process for several devices on our Tutorials page.
- Braille readers can request physical braille.
How can I learn more about this decision and the support CELA will offer those of us who rely on CDs?
As part of our plan to support CD users, information will be posted on the CELA website landing page with a link to this dedicated CD Transition Resources page. This page includes tutorials, resources, information about webinars and drop-in sessions, along with other information.
In addition, our phone system will include an option to learn more about support that is available, and our Customer Care Representatives will be able to answer patrons’ questions about this change.
Information about the change will also be included in upcoming newsletters and regular communications. If you do not have an email address, perhaps a friend or family member could become a designate and receive this information on your behalf.
CELA will host an information session on April 30 which can be accessed by phone or internet. This session will outline the resources and training workshops available to users.
How can I learn about new ways to read books?
We want to make this process as easy as possible for you. As part of our plan to support CD users, we have created this dedicated page on our website. The CD Transition Resources page includes information about the various ways to read accessible audiobooks and has information about upcoming webinars, drop-in sessions with our peer trainer, as well as information about our information session which is scheduled on April 30.
Our various training and information sessions include:
- Information session with the CELA team on April 30 at 7:00 pm EDT
- This session will walk through this transition and outline the many resources we have available to help CD users transition to a new way to read books. All are welcome, including designates. Please register online in the Training events section of this page, or call us at 1-855-655-2273 or email us at help@celalibrary.ca.
- Weekly Q and A sessions with our peer trainer beginning in June.
- Monthly audiobook options webinars, which begin in April.
I just bought a DAISY player to use with your CDs, can I return it?
You will have to ask the vendor where you bought your player from.
However, we can help you configure your DAISY player for Direct to Player service so audiobooks will be delivered directly to your device through the internet, if you have not already configured this service. You can also play your own personal CDs or CDs from the library on your DAISY player.
Will magazines and the What’s New newsletter still be available on CD?
No. All CD production including the magazines and What’s New newsletter will stop. The last magazine CD will be distributed on at the end of April. Audio magazines will continue to be available through our other distribution methods.
Where can I find more information about this decision?
CELA users can get more information by:
- Checking CELA’s website on this CD Transition Resources Page for information and updates
- Reviewing the information sent by email or on CD
- Attending our upcoming information session scheduled for April 30 7:00 pm EDT. Patrons can register for this session online or by calling our Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273 or emailing help@celalibrary.ca
Switching off CDs
I am able to read using non-CD formats now. How do I cancel the CD delivery?
Please email us at help@celalibrary.ca or call 1-855-655-2273 to update your account.
Do I have to switch away from CDs before the July 31 deadline or can I receive them until they are no longer available?
You can receive CD service until the end of July. If you are comfortable switching to other reading options, you can certainly let us know by emailing us at help@celalibrary.ca or call 1-855-655-2273.
Questions about other service changes
Are there other changes to CELA’s services?
No, CELA’s other services and formats, including digital options, physical braille and printbraille, are not affected by this change. Audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods.
Will you be producing fewer audiobooks as the CD service winds down?
No. Human-narrated audiobooks are an essential part of our collection, and we will continue to produce them and add them to our collection each year. We are fully committed to offering new human narrated titles. While we acknowledge there have been fewer added in the last few months, we have more than 4000 human narrated books which will be added in the coming months, with more being added throughout 2025. We’re excited about the new books we will be adding for our users.
Will you continue to offer the Envoy Connect reloading service?
Yes. Envoy Connect devices are an excellent option and mailing them to CELA to be reloaded supports our users who do not have access to the internet.
Exceptions and continuing CDs
Can you make exceptions so I can continue to use CDs?
Unfortunately, our CD service will cease on July 31, 2025. There is no way to extend the service beyond that date or make exceptions. We will do everything we can to support you as you find a new way to read your books.
Will my library still have accessible CDs for me to borrow?
CELA’s service, which provides CDs to libraries to circulate, will no longer be available after July 31, 2025. Many public libraries offer CDs as part of their collection. There may also be some commercial versions of audiobook CDs which may meet your needs. It’s best to reach out to your library directly to learn more.
Can I keep the CDs I already have?
Yes, you may keep the CDs you currently have and any which you receive before July 31 for your own use and enjoyment. As with all CELA books and magazines only people with print disabilities are allowed access under the copyright law. If you no longer wish to keep your CDs, please return them to CELA as usual for recycling.
Can I order more CDs before the July 31 deadline?
Yes, you can increase the number of CDs up to our normal distribution limit which is 4 per week. That request can be made by email to help@celalibrary.ca or call us at 1-855-655-2273.
Financial and advocacy
Do you offer financial support for users who will need to buy new devices?
We do not offer financial assistance to purchase new devices. Some provinces offer financial support for assistive technology. More information can be found on your provincial government website. Some information may be available on the Access AT Canada website.
There are low cost or free options for those who need different technology.
- An Envoy Connect device may be an option as the cost for these devices is approximately $100
- EasyReader is a free app which can work on existing phones, tablets or iPads or computers
More information can be found in the Guides and tutorials section of this page.
Is it possible to pay for this service so that I can continue to receive CDs?
CELA’s CD service will cease for all users at the end of July. We cannot offer a pay for service model unfortunately. We know that books are important to all our users and we will do our very best to help you transition to new ways of reading your books.
The CD service is very important to me. Can I donate money or help advocate with funders to make CDs available to those who need it?
We appreciate your offer, and we understand that CDs are very important to some of our users. The decision to stop CDs was based on a combination of factors and was not one we made lightly. Even if money were available for CD service, our producer partner will no longer offer this service past July 31, 2025. Changes and changes in the marketplace and technology are making CDs no longer a viable option.
Training and additional information
Where can I find a list of these webinars and drop-in sessions?
The full list of all our training programs is available in the Training events section of this page. The Contact Centre also has this information and can help patrons without internet access register for events available by phone
When will the CELA website reflect this change? CDs are still mentioned. Does that mean they may be available past July 31, 2025?
We have begun to adapt our website and resources to reflect that CDs will not be available after July 31, 2025. Over the coming weeks you will see reference to CDs include information about this change or in some cases be removed completely. Our goal is to have references to CDs be eliminated from our website and training materials by June 1, 2025. The option to place a hold on books on CD will be removed in mid-July.
Training events
We have a variety of training opportunities available to assist our users and libraries through this transition.
In this section you can learn about:
- Our information session for users
- Our regular monthly session for users
- Our weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainer
- Our information session for libraries
- Our regularly monthly session for libraries
Users and libraries can register for these session using the links below. If users would like to join by phone, please call our Contact Centre to register.
Information session for users
Information session: CD transition for CELA users
Join Laurie Davidson, CELA's Executive Director and other members of the CELA team to learn more about the transition away from CDs, options for CD users and CELA's plan to support users. To register for the online Zoom session please select the date below and fill in the registration form. To attend by phone, please call the Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273
Our regular monthly session for users
How to read CELA audiobooks and magazines: Transitioning from reading on CDs to other devices
Discover the many ways you can read CELA’s audiobooks and magazines using a variety of devices. This webinar is intended to support you as you transition off of CDs onto other players. In this one-hour webinar, you will learn:
- Which audiobook players work with CELA audiobooks and magazines
- How to start using Envoy Connect devices, the EasyReader app or Direct to Player on your Humanware Stratus DAISY player
- Where to buy players
- How we can further support you through this transition
To register for the online Zoom session please select the date below and fill in the registration form. To attend by phone, please call the Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273.
Tues. May 6: 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Wed. June 11 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Tues July 8: 3:00-4:00pm EDT
Tues Aug 5: 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Wed Sept 17: 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Our weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainer
Transitioning from CD to other audiobook device options Q&A
Were you receiving CELA CDs and need help transitioning to a new device? Are you helping someone make this transition?
Join our Peer Trainer, Ioana Gandrabur, who will answer your questions about finding the best alternative players and apps for reading CELA’s audio books and magazines. We welcome your questions about using the following devices and more:
- Envoy Connect player
- Humanware Victor Stratus players that have an internet connection
- EasyReader app on your tablet or smartphone
- Other device options
To register for one of the weekly Thursday sessions from 2:00-3:00pm ET select the link below, choose the date you prefer from the dropdown menu and complete the registration form. We look forward to meeting with you.
Thursday Q & A sessions: Audiobook device options
To register for one of the monthly Wednesday evening sessions from 6:30-7:30pm ET select the link below for your preferred date and complete the registration form. We look forward to meeting with you.
Wed June 18 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Wed July 23 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Wed Aug 20 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Wed Sept 17 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Information session for libraries
Information session: CD transition for public library staff
Join Laurie Davidson, CELA's Executive Director and other members of the CELA team to learn more about the transition away from CDs, options for CD users and CELA's plan to support users and libraries.
Monthly programs for libraries
How to support library patrons to read CELA’s audiobooks and magazines: Transitioning from reading on CDs to other devices
In this webinar, library staff will discover how to transition patrons with print disabilities from reading CELA’s audiobooks and magazines on CD, to a variety of players and apps. We will guide you through this change so you can continue to offer accessible reading materials through your library’s CELA account. You will learn:
- Which audiobook players and apps work with CELA audiobooks and magazines
- How to access CELA books and magazines onto library-owned devices
- How CELA can support book clubs and reading programs
- Where to find help, training and tutorials
Guides and tutorials
We have lots of support for our users who will be shifting to a new way of reading their audiobooks. And, we will be adding more in the coming weeks.
If you're not sure which device might work for you or where to start, check out our Accessible reading formats and delivery options table.
Envoy Connect
- Online version: Getting started guide: Envoy Connect
- Downloadable version: Getting started guide: Envoy Connect (Word document)
EasyReader - New!
- Online version: Getting started guide: EasyReader
- Downloadable version: Getting started guide: EasyReader (Word document)
Victor Stratus4 M
Coming soon!
Library information
Letter to libraries
We are writing today to share with you an important upcoming change to CELA services with regards to audio CD production and distribution. Effective July 31, 2025, CELA will no longer be sending out CDs to users or libraries. Member libraries are a crucial part of the team supporting users with print disabilities and I wanted to share this with you in advance of our general announcement to users on March 25, 2025. This letter includes information about the resources CELA will offer to support libraries and users through this transition as well as an FAQ to help you and your users understand this change to CELA services.
Why has this decision been made?
This decision has not been made lightly. While recent circumstances have required us to make this change earlier than anticipated, we have been planning for this eventuality for quite some time. CDs and the technology required to support them are becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain and maintain. In addition, CELA is facing a reduction to our federal funding. This combination of factors has resulted in the decision to stop production and distribution of CDs effective July 31, 2025. It is important to note that all our other services and formats, including digital options, embossed braille and printbraille sent in the mail, are not affected by this change. We want to reassure you that audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods. CD services will continue uninterrupted through until July 31, 2025, and we will be working with users and libraries until then to prepare for the transition.
What alternatives are available to our users with print disabilities?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their books including:
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player.
- Humanware 4M and 12 M Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How will CELA support users as they transition to new ways of reading?
We are committed to supporting both member libraries and their users through this transition. As part of our plan to support users, CELA will be offering resources, training and workshops, Q&A sessions with our Peer Trainers and personal support to our CD users and libraries who may require additional assistance. This information will be available on our CD Transition Resource page.
What support will CELA offer libraries?
As part of our plan, CELA will have a dedicated webpage that will launch immediately following the announcement to users on March 25. This will be a centralized resource page to provide users and libraries with resources, links to tutorials, and information about our CD Transition Resources.
How can libraries support their users with print disabilities?
We know that libraries are committed to providing the best possible service to their users with print disabilities. We also understand that the capacity and resources available to libraries can vary.
As a library you may be able to:
- Assist users with reloading their devices such as Envoy Connect devices.
- Loan library owned DAISY players that have been configured to connect to the library’s wifi to add books directly to the player, Envoy Connects or tablets with the EasyReader app to patrons from books accessed through your CELA account.
- Offer training or host peer training sessions with experts from your community to help patrons get comfortable with new devices or apps.
- Direct patrons to resources offered by CELA if they have questions
- Circulate this letter and the FAQs to all staff who may be involved in providing services or information patrons with print disabilities.
What will happen with CD deposit collections?
Deposit collections will no longer be produced or distributed as of July 31, 2025. However, your library can continue to receive deposit collection CDs from CELA until then.
We do have ways to ensure that you can continue to provide accessible audiobooks for your patrons using different devices such as Envoy Connect. Using your main CELA account, which is a different account number than for your deposit collection, you can load CELA books and magazines on any accessible devices such as DAISY players or Envoy Connect devices you circulate. You can find more information about these options on our website. We have tutorials and monthly webinars to help you transition from offering CDs to providing access audiobooks on other devices. If your library is interested in receiving a deposit collection of CDs prior to July 31, please reach out to Member Services to be set up for a deposit collection or to discuss other ways to receive more CDs.
What should we expect going forward?
We want to assure you that CELA is committed to offering quality and innovative accessible reading services to public libraries and users with print disabilities across Canada. We continue to be dedicated to offering format choice in accessible audio, braille, printbraille and text, and to adapt to and introduce new technologies as they become available. We truly appreciate your support as we work through this transition. Libraries are an integral part of the team which makes accessible reading possible for people with print disabilities in your community.
Please review the FAQs below for more information for you and your patrons. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Member Services.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to accessible reading.
Laurie Davidson, Executive Director
FAQs for libraries
Communication to CELA users
How will CELA users be informed of this change?
On March 25, 2024, an email will be sent to all users on our mailing list outlining this change in services. Later in April, CDs will be sent to CELA users without email addresses. The content of both the email and the CD is very similar to the information sent to libraries.
Information will be posted on the CELA website landing page with a link to this dedicated CD Transition Resources page. This page includes tutorials, resources, information about webinars and Q and A sessions, along with other information.
In addition, our phone system will include an option to learn more about this change and our Contact Centre will be able to answer users’ questions about this change.
Information about the change will also be included in upcoming newsletters and regular communications to ensure that we are able to inform our users and their designates in as many ways as possible.
What should I tell our library’s CD users who receive CELA CDs but do not have an account with CELA?
If you have users to whom you supply CELA CDs and who do not have an account with CELA, we understand you may want to notify your users directly. In this case, we would appreciate it if you could use wording from this letter and FAQ so that users receive consistent and accurate information.
I know that it can take some time for CELA users to receive their CDs. Is it okay to let these users know about the service change before they receive the information CD CELA is sending?
At the end of April, CELA is planning on sending out a CD with this information to CD users who do not have email addresses with us. Libraries are welcome to tell users in this group before the end of April but we would appreciate it if you could use wording from this letter and FAQ so that users receive consistent and accurate information.
Are there other changes to CELA’s services?
No, CELA’s other services and formats, including all digital options in e-text, audio and braille, physical braille and printbraille, are not affected by this change. Audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods.
Deposit Collections
What other audio options are available for our patrons? We rely on our CD Deposit Collection to support our users.
Using your library’s CELA account and selecting the Direct to Player format in our catalogue, you can offer players with pre-loaded books and magazines to your patrons. You can also download the zip file of our audiobooks to transfer to an SD card or USB key/stick for playing on compatible devices, transfer to an mp3 player or burn CDs at your library.
- Envoy Connect device: Load audiobooks and magazines to one or multiple players and lend devices to patrons.
- DAISY players: Contact CELA to configure your Stratus 4M or 12M or Stream players to connect to your library’s Wi-Fi connection and download books and magazines directly to the player.
- EasyReader app: Download this free app to read DAISY audio and e-text books onto library-owned tablets.
Is it possible to make an exception and still provide CDs for our library or one of our patrons?
Unfortunately, effective July 31, 2025, CELA will not be able to provide any CDs. We cannot make any exceptions.
Can libraries order additional CDs or Deposit Collections prior to July 31, 2025?
Yes. Please contact Member Services if you would like to receive your upcoming batch of CDs before July 31, 2025.
We are interested in adding more CELA CDs to our collection in advance of the July 31 cutoff? Is that possible?
Yes. Please contact Member Services to add a Deposit Collection of up to 500 preselected CDs, based on your profile, or to order specific CDs to serve you patrons. Libraries are able to keep and circulate CELA CDs to their users with print disabilities.
Can we keep our existing CD deposit collection to allow us to circulate these books to readers with print disabilities after July 31, 2025?
Libraries can keep and continue to circulate accessible CDs from CELA. If you do wish to return some or all of your collection, please visit our Deposit Collections page for shipping instructions.
Please note that after July 31, 2025, we will no longer ask for your deposit collection statistics.
CELA sent a questionnaire to libraries in January asking if they would like to keep receiving new deposit collections CDs or not. Why did you send this survey if you’re stopping sending CDs in July?
This survey was sent out to capture which libraries wanted new CDs and those who were still receiving CDs and no longer needed them. This survey was valuable to libraries who no longer wanted CDs to save some unnecessary shipments.
Options for patrons
What reading alternatives are available to our users with print disabilities?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their books including:
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player.
- Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How can patrons who do not have internet service access their audiobooks and magazines?
There are multiple options for patrons without internet access.
- The Envoy Connect devices can be sent to CELA for reloading. Alternately, designates, friends or family members can assist with reloading these devices using the internet at their home. Some libraries are also able to offer this service.
- Most DAISY players can accept an SD card with books loaded on it. Family, friends or designates can assist with downloading books and placing them on the SD card. Libraries can also configure library-owned DAISY players and loan pre-loaded players to patrons. There are tutorials on this process for several devices on our Tutorials page.
- Braille readers can continue to request physical braille and print braille
- CD collections may be available at local libraries.
- Devices circulated by local libraries may be an option.
Devices like DAISY players are expensive and cost is a barrier for some patrons. Are there resources available to help people with print disabilities cover the cost of a new device?
Some provinces offer financial support for assistive technology. More information may be found on your provincial government websites. Some information may be available at the AccessAtCanada website.
An Envoy Connect device may also be an option as the cost for these devices is approximately $100.
Can patrons order additional CDs prior to July 31, 2025?
Yes patrons can increase the number of CDs up to our normal limit which is 4 CDs per week. That request can be made by phoning or emailing our Contact Centre.
We run a book club and used to borrow CELA CDs for our members. What are our options?
There are a number of options for your members.
- Envoy Connect devices can be preloaded with your book club selections and provided to your book club members who need an easy way to access the books.
- Books can be added to DAISY players using an SD card or by downloading directly using your library’s CELA account.
- Libraries could burn a CD of a CELA title locally
- Braille readers can order physical braille, if the selected title is available in braille.
Training and information
Our patrons have questions that I can’t answer about this change to CELA services. Where can I send them for more information?
Patrons can get more information by:
- Checking CELA’s website for our CD Transition Resources Page
- Reviewing the information sent by email or on CD
- Attending our upcoming Information Session for Users scheduled for April 30 at 7 pm. Patrons can register for this session by calling our Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273 or emailing help@celalibrary.ca
- Calling our Contact Centre and pressing option 3 to hear about upcoming webinars or Q&A sessions which support users transitioning to new ways of reading.
- Attending one of our webinars or Q&A sessions to ask questions about new devices or apps for reading.
Can library staff attend the information sessions meant for patrons?
Of course! We’d love to have you attend whichever sessions might be helpful. Our Information Session for the CD Transition and our webinars will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel.
Are there any library only training sessions planned to help us support our patrons?
Yes. We’ll be offering monthly webinars for libraries designed to support CELA users through this transition. Libraries are also welcome to reach out to Member Services staff for additional support. Please plan to join us at our Information Session for Libraries on April 29 at 1 pm EDT as well.
Where can I find a list of these webinars and Q and A sessions?
The full list of all our training programs is available on our CD Transition Resources page as well as our usual training page
We have noticed fewer new human narrated audiobook options available on the CELA website in the last few months. Will you be producing fewer audiobooks as the CD service winds down?
No, our plan is to maintain or increase the number of human narrated audiobooks we add to our collection each year. We are fully committed to offering new human narrated titles. While we acknowledge there have been fewer added in the last few months, we have more than 4000 human narrated books which will be added in the coming months, with more being added throughout 2025. The delay in getting them into our collection is not related to our decision to cease CD production. We’re excited about the new books we will be adding for our users.
Registration
Will there be any changes to the registration process for new CELA users?
Yes, effective April 23 there will no longer be an option to have new users request CDs as part of the registration process.
Should we tell people who want to register after March 25 of the change to CD service?
Yes, you are welcome to make people aware of this change. You can direct them to the CD Transition Resources page on our website which will provide information about the various ways to read accessible books.
What do we do about referrals?
You will continue to receive the names of Vision Loss Rehabilitation (VLR) clients who would like to learn about reading in accessible formats and register for CELA. VLR staff have always offered a selection of players to clients and will continue to do so.
Marketing and communications
How should we update our website and library information to reflect this change to CELA services?
If your website specifically mentions CDs as part of your accessible reading resources, or if that information is part of any signage or printed information, we recommend changing it before June 1 when the CD option will no longer be available to new CELA registrants.
When can we order new CELA resources which don’t have CDs listed?
We will be transitioning our printed resources over the next few weeks and new materials will be available by June 1, 2025.
How can we stay up to date on items related to the CD transition?
We will be sending out communications about the transition through our Open Book for Libraries and the Library Page newsletters. Please visit our CD Transitions Page often and make note of anything marked new.
When will the CELA website reflect this change?
We have begun to adapt our website and resources to reflect that CDs will not be available after July 31, 2025. Over the coming weeks you will see reference to CDs include information about this change or in some cases be removed completely. Our goal is to have references to CDs be eliminated from our website and training materials by June 1, 2025.
Letter to users
Dear users,
We are writing to you today to share with you an important message about an upcoming change to CELA’s CD service. Effective July 31, 2025, CELA will no longer be sending out CDs to our users.
We know this is disappointing news for our users who rely on CDs and we want to assure you that it is not a decision we came to lightly. Due to a combination of factors, delivery of audiobooks and magazines on CD, a technology on which many of our users have relied, is no longer a viable option for CELA. Recent shifts in technology, the marketplace and in our federal funding, have required us to make the decision to cease distribution of CDs for audiobooks and magazines to all CELA users and CELA member libraries effective July 31, 2025.
It is important to note that it is only the CD service affected by this decision. Audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods including Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players, the Envoy Connect, digital downloads to apps and other devices, and our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option. CELA’s other services and formats, including all digital options for e-text audio and braille, physical braille and printbraille, are not affected by this change.
What is the reason for this decision?
CDs were introduced to the marketplace more than 40 years ago. But their declining popularity in the broader marketplace has made them both difficult and expensive to purchase and the equipment used to produce CDs is reaching the limits of its lifespan. In addition, CELA has received a reduction to our federal funding, so we have been forced to make this change more quickly than what we had initially planned.
We want to assure you that we understand how much your books matter to you. We also understand that the process of switching to a different technology to read your books may feel challenging, expensive or overwhelming. We are committed to doing everything we can to help you with a transition to new ways to read books.
Here is our plan to support you during this transition from CDs to other ways of reading audiobooks and magazines:
- We are creating guides for reading audiobooks and magazines that will help you decide your best options, based on your current technology, your access to internet services, your reading preferences and your budget.
- We will help you learn how to use new audio reading options:
We will have monthly webinars on various reading options. These will begin in April.
We will have weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainers. These will begin in June.
You can join these webinars and Q and A sessions by Zoom using your computer or your phone. The sessions will offer time for you to learn new skills and ask your questions. The Contact Centre has more information and can help you register.
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We will be holding an information session about transitioning away from CDs for our users on April 30 at 7 pm EDT.
Our Executive Director Laurie Davidson and other CELA team members will outline the reasons for this shift away from CDs and provide you with information on the many other different reading options available to you. We will also review the resources available and the schedule for the webinars and Q and A sessions. You can attend this session by phone or Zoom on your computer. Please visit our Training events on this page to register online or call the Contact Centre to register for the phone service.
This session may be recorded.
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Our Contact Centre will be available to support you and answer questions about the available options and technology for reading audiobooks and magazines. If you need some extra time, we can schedule an appointment to assist you.
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We are working with local public libraries across the country to provide them with the resources and information they need to support you in making this transition.
To further support you, we have created a CD Transition Resource page on our website. This page includes:
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A Frequently Asked Question section which has questions we anticipate you may have along with our answers.
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Links to register for our Information session which will happen on April 30 at 7:00 pm. You will also find links to register for technology webinars, which happen monthly, and our weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainers.
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Tutorials and getting started guides for a variety of reading options and more.
We will update this page with new information and resources as they become available.
Do I have to make the change right away?
No. There is nothing you need to do right now. This letter is to inform you of the upcoming change in our service. Your CDs will continue to be mailed out to you until July 31, 2025. We have lots of resources to help you make that transition over the coming weeks and months. Our goal is to help you become just as comfortable with the alternatives as you are with CDs so that there is no interruption in your ability to enjoy your books.
We know that this news about the change to our services might be difficult to absorb. The CELA team is committed to doing everything we can to help you continue to enjoy your books and magazines. We look forward to serving you.
Sincerely,
Laurie Davidson, Executive Director
Frequently asked questions
In this section:
- Communications and information
- Transitioning from CDs
- Switching off CDs
- Questions about other service changes
- Exceptions and continuing CDs
- Financial and advocacy
- Training and additional information
Communications and information
How do I contact the CELA Contact Centre?
Call us at 1-855-655-2273 or email us at help@celalibrary.ca.
How can I stay up to date on items related to the CD transition?
We will be sending out communications about the transition through our Open Book newsletter. You can visit this page often and make note of anything marked new. Information will be available through our Contact Centre and its phone system for those who do not have access to the internet.
Transitioning from CDs
Do I have to make the change right away?
We will stop mailing CDs as of July 31, 2025. If you are comfortable with technology and can easily shift to different ways of reading, you are welcome to stop your CDs at any time. If you are able, switching now could allow CELA to focus our resources on those who may need more time and support to shift to new ways of reading.
We recommend to all our users to begin to shift to new ways of reading in advance of the deadline. Our goal is to help you become just as comfortable with the alternatives as you are with CDs so that there is no interruption in your ability to enjoy your books.
Why has CELA made the decision to stop production and distribution of CDs?
We understand how important books are to our users, and that many of our users have relied on CDs. We want you to know that this decision has not been made lightly.
There are a number of factors that have led to this decision. CDs are becoming increasingly expensive. The technology required to produce CDs is also becoming expensive and increasingly difficult to obtain and maintain. In addition, CELA is facing budget constraints which have required us to make this change more quickly than we had initially planned. Our service provider has informed us that they will no longer be able to provide CD production and distribution services for us after July 31. This combination of factors has resulted in the decision to stop production and distribution of CDs effective July 31, 2025.
What options are available to users who rely on CDs?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their audiobooks including:
- Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players; if your player is not currently set up for Wi-Fi we can help you configure it,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How can users who do not have internet service access their books?
There are a few options for users who do not have internet access.
- The Envoy Connect devices can be sent to CELA for reloading. Alternately, designates, friends or family members can assist with reloading these devices using the internet at their home. Some libraries may also be able to offer this service.
- Most DAISY players can accept an SD card with books loaded on it. Family, friends or designates can assist with downloading books and placing them on the SD card. There are tutorials available for this process for several devices on our Tutorials page.
- Braille readers can request physical braille.
How can I learn more about this decision and the support CELA will offer those of us who rely on CDs?
As part of our plan to support CD users, information will be posted on the CELA website landing page with a link to this dedicated CD Transition Resources page. This page includes tutorials, resources, information about webinars and drop-in sessions, along with other information.
In addition, our phone system will include an option to learn more about support that is available, and our Customer Care Representatives will be able to answer patrons’ questions about this change.
Information about the change will also be included in upcoming newsletters and regular communications. If you do not have an email address, perhaps a friend or family member could become a designate and receive this information on your behalf.
CELA will host an information session on April 30 which can be accessed by phone or internet. This session will outline the resources and training workshops available to users.
How can I learn about new ways to read books?
We want to make this process as easy as possible for you. As part of our plan to support CD users, we have created this dedicated page on our website. The CD Transition Resources page includes information about the various ways to read accessible audiobooks and has information about upcoming webinars, drop-in sessions with our peer trainer, as well as information about our information session which is scheduled on April 30.
Our various training and information sessions include:
- Information session with the CELA team on April 30 at 7:00 pm EDT
- This session will walk through this transition and outline the many resources we have available to help CD users transition to a new way to read books. All are welcome, including designates. Please register online in the Training events section of this page, or call us at 1-855-655-2273 or email us at help@celalibrary.ca.
- Weekly Q and A sessions with our peer trainer beginning in June.
- Monthly audiobook options webinars, which begin in April.
I just bought a DAISY player to use with your CDs, can I return it?
You will have to ask the vendor where you bought your player from.
However, we can help you configure your DAISY player for Direct to Player service so audiobooks will be delivered directly to your device through the internet, if you have not already configured this service. You can also play your own personal CDs or CDs from the library on your DAISY player.
Will magazines and the What’s New newsletter still be available on CD?
No. All CD production including the magazines and What’s New newsletter will stop. The last magazine CD will be distributed on at the end of April. Audio magazines will continue to be available through our other distribution methods.
Where can I find more information about this decision?
CELA users can get more information by:
- Checking CELA’s website on this CD Transition Resources Page for information and updates
- Reviewing the information sent by email or on CD
- Attending our upcoming information session scheduled for April 30 7:00 pm EDT. Patrons can register for this session online or by calling our Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273 or emailing help@celalibrary.ca
Switching off CDs
I am able to read using non-CD formats now. How do I cancel the CD delivery?
Please email us at help@celalibrary.ca or call 1-855-655-2273 to update your account.
Do I have to switch away from CDs before the July 31 deadline or can I receive them until they are no longer available?
You can receive CD service until the end of July. If you are comfortable switching to other reading options, you can certainly let us know by emailing us at help@celalibrary.ca or call 1-855-655-2273.
Questions about other service changes
Are there other changes to CELA’s services?
No, CELA’s other services and formats, including digital options, physical braille and printbraille, are not affected by this change. Audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods.
Will you be producing fewer audiobooks as the CD service winds down?
No. Human-narrated audiobooks are an essential part of our collection, and we will continue to produce them and add them to our collection each year. We are fully committed to offering new human narrated titles. While we acknowledge there have been fewer added in the last few months, we have more than 4000 human narrated books which will be added in the coming months, with more being added throughout 2025. We’re excited about the new books we will be adding for our users.
Will you continue to offer the Envoy Connect reloading service?
Yes. Envoy Connect devices are an excellent option and mailing them to CELA to be reloaded supports our users who do not have access to the internet.
Exceptions and continuing CDs
Can you make exceptions so I can continue to use CDs?
Unfortunately, our CD service will cease on July 31, 2025. There is no way to extend the service beyond that date or make exceptions. We will do everything we can to support you as you find a new way to read your books.
Will my library still have accessible CDs for me to borrow?
CELA’s service, which provides CDs to libraries to circulate, will no longer be available after July 31, 2025. Many public libraries offer CDs as part of their collection. There may also be some commercial versions of audiobook CDs which may meet your needs. It’s best to reach out to your library directly to learn more.
Can I keep the CDs I already have?
Yes, you may keep the CDs you currently have and any which you receive before July 31 for your own use and enjoyment. As with all CELA books and magazines only people with print disabilities are allowed access under the copyright law. If you no longer wish to keep your CDs, please return them to CELA as usual for recycling.
Can I order more CDs before the July 31 deadline?
Yes, you can increase the number of CDs up to our normal distribution limit which is 4 per week. That request can be made by email to help@celalibrary.ca or call us at 1-855-655-2273.
Financial and advocacy
Do you offer financial support for users who will need to buy new devices?
We do not offer financial assistance to purchase new devices. Some provinces offer financial support for assistive technology. More information can be found on your provincial government website. Some information may be available on the Access AT Canada website.
There are low cost or free options for those who need different technology.
- An Envoy Connect device may be an option as the cost for these devices is approximately $100
- EasyReader is a free app which can work on existing phones, tablets or iPads or computers
More information can be found in the Guides and tutorials section of this page.
Is it possible to pay for this service so that I can continue to receive CDs?
CELA’s CD service will cease for all users at the end of July. We cannot offer a pay for service model unfortunately. We know that books are important to all our users and we will do our very best to help you transition to new ways of reading your books.
The CD service is very important to me. Can I donate money or help advocate with funders to make CDs available to those who need it?
We appreciate your offer, and we understand that CDs are very important to some of our users. The decision to stop CDs was based on a combination of factors and was not one we made lightly. Even if money were available for CD service, our producer partner will no longer offer this service past July 31, 2025. Changes and changes in the marketplace and technology are making CDs no longer a viable option.
Training and additional information
Where can I find a list of these webinars and drop-in sessions?
The full list of all our training programs is available in the Training events section of this page. The Contact Centre also has this information and can help patrons without internet access register for events available by phone
When will the CELA website reflect this change? CDs are still mentioned. Does that mean they may be available past July 31, 2025?
We have begun to adapt our website and resources to reflect that CDs will not be available after July 31, 2025. Over the coming weeks you will see reference to CDs include information about this change or in some cases be removed completely. Our goal is to have references to CDs be eliminated from our website and training materials by June 1, 2025. The option to place a hold on books on CD will be removed in mid-July.
Training events
We have a variety of training opportunities available to assist our users and libraries through this transition.
In this section you can learn about:
- Our information session for users
- Our regular monthly session for users
- Our weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainer
- Our information session for libraries
- Our regularly monthly session for libraries
Users and libraries can register for these session using the links below. If users would like to join by phone, please call our Contact Centre to register.
Information session for users
Information session: CD transition for CELA users
Join Laurie Davidson, CELA's Executive Director and other members of the CELA team to learn more about the transition away from CDs, options for CD users and CELA's plan to support users. To register for the online Zoom session please select the date below and fill in the registration form. To attend by phone, please call the Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273
Our regular monthly session for users
How to read CELA audiobooks and magazines: Transitioning from reading on CDs to other devices
Discover the many ways you can read CELA’s audiobooks and magazines using a variety of devices. This webinar is intended to support you as you transition off of CDs onto other players. In this one-hour webinar, you will learn:
- Which audiobook players work with CELA audiobooks and magazines
- How to start using Envoy Connect devices, the EasyReader app or Direct to Player on your Humanware Stratus DAISY player
- Where to buy players
- How we can further support you through this transition
To register for the online Zoom session please select the date below and fill in the registration form. To attend by phone, please call the Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273.
Tues. May 6: 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Wed. June 11 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Tues July 8: 3:00-4:00pm EDT
Tues Aug 5: 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Wed Sept 17: 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Our weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainer
Transitioning from CD to other audiobook device options Q&A
Were you receiving CELA CDs and need help transitioning to a new device? Are you helping someone make this transition?
Join our Peer Trainer, Ioana Gandrabur, who will answer your questions about finding the best alternative players and apps for reading CELA’s audio books and magazines. We welcome your questions about using the following devices and more:
- Envoy Connect player
- Humanware Victor Stratus players that have an internet connection
- EasyReader app on your tablet or smartphone
- Other device options
To register for one of the weekly Thursday sessions from 2:00-3:00pm ET select the link below, choose the date you prefer from the dropdown menu and complete the registration form. We look forward to meeting with you.
Thursday Q & A sessions: Audiobook device options
To register for one of the monthly Wednesday evening sessions from 6:30-7:30pm ET select the link below for your preferred date and complete the registration form. We look forward to meeting with you.
Wed June 18 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Wed July 23 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Wed Aug 20 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Wed Sept 17 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Information session for libraries
Information session: CD transition for public library staff
Join Laurie Davidson, CELA's Executive Director and other members of the CELA team to learn more about the transition away from CDs, options for CD users and CELA's plan to support users and libraries.
Monthly programs for libraries
How to support library patrons to read CELA’s audiobooks and magazines: Transitioning from reading on CDs to other devices
In this webinar, library staff will discover how to transition patrons with print disabilities from reading CELA’s audiobooks and magazines on CD, to a variety of players and apps. We will guide you through this change so you can continue to offer accessible reading materials through your library’s CELA account. You will learn:
- Which audiobook players and apps work with CELA audiobooks and magazines
- How to access CELA books and magazines onto library-owned devices
- How CELA can support book clubs and reading programs
- Where to find help, training and tutorials
Guides and tutorials
We have lots of support for our users who will be shifting to a new way of reading their audiobooks. And, we will be adding more in the coming weeks.
If you're not sure which device might work for you or where to start, check out our Accessible reading formats and delivery options table.
Envoy Connect
- Online version: Getting started guide: Envoy Connect
- Downloadable version: Getting started guide: Envoy Connect (Word document)
EasyReader - New!
- Online version: Getting started guide: EasyReader
- Downloadable version: Getting started guide: EasyReader (Word document)
Victor Stratus4 M
Coming soon!
Library information
Letter to libraries
We are writing today to share with you an important upcoming change to CELA services with regards to audio CD production and distribution. Effective July 31, 2025, CELA will no longer be sending out CDs to users or libraries. Member libraries are a crucial part of the team supporting users with print disabilities and I wanted to share this with you in advance of our general announcement to users on March 25, 2025. This letter includes information about the resources CELA will offer to support libraries and users through this transition as well as an FAQ to help you and your users understand this change to CELA services.
Why has this decision been made?
This decision has not been made lightly. While recent circumstances have required us to make this change earlier than anticipated, we have been planning for this eventuality for quite some time. CDs and the technology required to support them are becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain and maintain. In addition, CELA is facing a reduction to our federal funding. This combination of factors has resulted in the decision to stop production and distribution of CDs effective July 31, 2025. It is important to note that all our other services and formats, including digital options, embossed braille and printbraille sent in the mail, are not affected by this change. We want to reassure you that audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods. CD services will continue uninterrupted through until July 31, 2025, and we will be working with users and libraries until then to prepare for the transition.
What alternatives are available to our users with print disabilities?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their books including:
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player.
- Humanware 4M and 12 M Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How will CELA support users as they transition to new ways of reading?
We are committed to supporting both member libraries and their users through this transition. As part of our plan to support users, CELA will be offering resources, training and workshops, Q&A sessions with our Peer Trainers and personal support to our CD users and libraries who may require additional assistance. This information will be available on our CD Transition Resource page.
What support will CELA offer libraries?
As part of our plan, CELA will have a dedicated webpage that will launch immediately following the announcement to users on March 25. This will be a centralized resource page to provide users and libraries with resources, links to tutorials, and information about our CD Transition Resources.
How can libraries support their users with print disabilities?
We know that libraries are committed to providing the best possible service to their users with print disabilities. We also understand that the capacity and resources available to libraries can vary.
As a library you may be able to:
- Assist users with reloading their devices such as Envoy Connect devices.
- Loan library owned DAISY players that have been configured to connect to the library’s wifi to add books directly to the player, Envoy Connects or tablets with the EasyReader app to patrons from books accessed through your CELA account.
- Offer training or host peer training sessions with experts from your community to help patrons get comfortable with new devices or apps.
- Direct patrons to resources offered by CELA if they have questions
- Circulate this letter and the FAQs to all staff who may be involved in providing services or information patrons with print disabilities.
What will happen with CD deposit collections?
Deposit collections will no longer be produced or distributed as of July 31, 2025. However, your library can continue to receive deposit collection CDs from CELA until then.
We do have ways to ensure that you can continue to provide accessible audiobooks for your patrons using different devices such as Envoy Connect. Using your main CELA account, which is a different account number than for your deposit collection, you can load CELA books and magazines on any accessible devices such as DAISY players or Envoy Connect devices you circulate. You can find more information about these options on our website. We have tutorials and monthly webinars to help you transition from offering CDs to providing access audiobooks on other devices. If your library is interested in receiving a deposit collection of CDs prior to July 31, please reach out to Member Services to be set up for a deposit collection or to discuss other ways to receive more CDs.
What should we expect going forward?
We want to assure you that CELA is committed to offering quality and innovative accessible reading services to public libraries and users with print disabilities across Canada. We continue to be dedicated to offering format choice in accessible audio, braille, printbraille and text, and to adapt to and introduce new technologies as they become available. We truly appreciate your support as we work through this transition. Libraries are an integral part of the team which makes accessible reading possible for people with print disabilities in your community.
Please review the FAQs below for more information for you and your patrons. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Member Services.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to accessible reading.
Laurie Davidson, Executive Director
FAQs for libraries
Communication to CELA users
How will CELA users be informed of this change?
On March 25, 2024, an email will be sent to all users on our mailing list outlining this change in services. Later in April, CDs will be sent to CELA users without email addresses. The content of both the email and the CD is very similar to the information sent to libraries.
Information will be posted on the CELA website landing page with a link to this dedicated CD Transition Resources page. This page includes tutorials, resources, information about webinars and Q and A sessions, along with other information.
In addition, our phone system will include an option to learn more about this change and our Contact Centre will be able to answer users’ questions about this change.
Information about the change will also be included in upcoming newsletters and regular communications to ensure that we are able to inform our users and their designates in as many ways as possible.
What should I tell our library’s CD users who receive CELA CDs but do not have an account with CELA?
If you have users to whom you supply CELA CDs and who do not have an account with CELA, we understand you may want to notify your users directly. In this case, we would appreciate it if you could use wording from this letter and FAQ so that users receive consistent and accurate information.
I know that it can take some time for CELA users to receive their CDs. Is it okay to let these users know about the service change before they receive the information CD CELA is sending?
At the end of April, CELA is planning on sending out a CD with this information to CD users who do not have email addresses with us. Libraries are welcome to tell users in this group before the end of April but we would appreciate it if you could use wording from this letter and FAQ so that users receive consistent and accurate information.
Are there other changes to CELA’s services?
No, CELA’s other services and formats, including all digital options in e-text, audio and braille, physical braille and printbraille, are not affected by this change. Audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods.
Deposit Collections
What other audio options are available for our patrons? We rely on our CD Deposit Collection to support our users.
Using your library’s CELA account and selecting the Direct to Player format in our catalogue, you can offer players with pre-loaded books and magazines to your patrons. You can also download the zip file of our audiobooks to transfer to an SD card or USB key/stick for playing on compatible devices, transfer to an mp3 player or burn CDs at your library.
- Envoy Connect device: Load audiobooks and magazines to one or multiple players and lend devices to patrons.
- DAISY players: Contact CELA to configure your Stratus 4M or 12M or Stream players to connect to your library’s Wi-Fi connection and download books and magazines directly to the player.
- EasyReader app: Download this free app to read DAISY audio and e-text books onto library-owned tablets.
Is it possible to make an exception and still provide CDs for our library or one of our patrons?
Unfortunately, effective July 31, 2025, CELA will not be able to provide any CDs. We cannot make any exceptions.
Can libraries order additional CDs or Deposit Collections prior to July 31, 2025?
Yes. Please contact Member Services if you would like to receive your upcoming batch of CDs before July 31, 2025.
We are interested in adding more CELA CDs to our collection in advance of the July 31 cutoff? Is that possible?
Yes. Please contact Member Services to add a Deposit Collection of up to 500 preselected CDs, based on your profile, or to order specific CDs to serve you patrons. Libraries are able to keep and circulate CELA CDs to their users with print disabilities.
Can we keep our existing CD deposit collection to allow us to circulate these books to readers with print disabilities after July 31, 2025?
Libraries can keep and continue to circulate accessible CDs from CELA. If you do wish to return some or all of your collection, please visit our Deposit Collections page for shipping instructions.
Please note that after July 31, 2025, we will no longer ask for your deposit collection statistics.
CELA sent a questionnaire to libraries in January asking if they would like to keep receiving new deposit collections CDs or not. Why did you send this survey if you’re stopping sending CDs in July?
This survey was sent out to capture which libraries wanted new CDs and those who were still receiving CDs and no longer needed them. This survey was valuable to libraries who no longer wanted CDs to save some unnecessary shipments.
Options for patrons
What reading alternatives are available to our users with print disabilities?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their books including:
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player.
- Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How can patrons who do not have internet service access their audiobooks and magazines?
There are multiple options for patrons without internet access.
- The Envoy Connect devices can be sent to CELA for reloading. Alternately, designates, friends or family members can assist with reloading these devices using the internet at their home. Some libraries are also able to offer this service.
- Most DAISY players can accept an SD card with books loaded on it. Family, friends or designates can assist with downloading books and placing them on the SD card. Libraries can also configure library-owned DAISY players and loan pre-loaded players to patrons. There are tutorials on this process for several devices on our Tutorials page.
- Braille readers can continue to request physical braille and print braille
- CD collections may be available at local libraries.
- Devices circulated by local libraries may be an option.
Devices like DAISY players are expensive and cost is a barrier for some patrons. Are there resources available to help people with print disabilities cover the cost of a new device?
Some provinces offer financial support for assistive technology. More information may be found on your provincial government websites. Some information may be available at the AccessAtCanada website.
An Envoy Connect device may also be an option as the cost for these devices is approximately $100.
Can patrons order additional CDs prior to July 31, 2025?
Yes patrons can increase the number of CDs up to our normal limit which is 4 CDs per week. That request can be made by phoning or emailing our Contact Centre.
We run a book club and used to borrow CELA CDs for our members. What are our options?
There are a number of options for your members.
- Envoy Connect devices can be preloaded with your book club selections and provided to your book club members who need an easy way to access the books.
- Books can be added to DAISY players using an SD card or by downloading directly using your library’s CELA account.
- Libraries could burn a CD of a CELA title locally
- Braille readers can order physical braille, if the selected title is available in braille.
Training and information
Our patrons have questions that I can’t answer about this change to CELA services. Where can I send them for more information?
Patrons can get more information by:
- Checking CELA’s website for our CD Transition Resources Page
- Reviewing the information sent by email or on CD
- Attending our upcoming Information Session for Users scheduled for April 30 at 7 pm. Patrons can register for this session by calling our Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273 or emailing help@celalibrary.ca
- Calling our Contact Centre and pressing option 3 to hear about upcoming webinars or Q&A sessions which support users transitioning to new ways of reading.
- Attending one of our webinars or Q&A sessions to ask questions about new devices or apps for reading.
Can library staff attend the information sessions meant for patrons?
Of course! We’d love to have you attend whichever sessions might be helpful. Our Information Session for the CD Transition and our webinars will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel.
Are there any library only training sessions planned to help us support our patrons?
Yes. We’ll be offering monthly webinars for libraries designed to support CELA users through this transition. Libraries are also welcome to reach out to Member Services staff for additional support. Please plan to join us at our Information Session for Libraries on April 29 at 1 pm EDT as well.
Where can I find a list of these webinars and Q and A sessions?
The full list of all our training programs is available on our CD Transition Resources page as well as our usual training page
We have noticed fewer new human narrated audiobook options available on the CELA website in the last few months. Will you be producing fewer audiobooks as the CD service winds down?
No, our plan is to maintain or increase the number of human narrated audiobooks we add to our collection each year. We are fully committed to offering new human narrated titles. While we acknowledge there have been fewer added in the last few months, we have more than 4000 human narrated books which will be added in the coming months, with more being added throughout 2025. The delay in getting them into our collection is not related to our decision to cease CD production. We’re excited about the new books we will be adding for our users.
Registration
Will there be any changes to the registration process for new CELA users?
Yes, effective April 23 there will no longer be an option to have new users request CDs as part of the registration process.
Should we tell people who want to register after March 25 of the change to CD service?
Yes, you are welcome to make people aware of this change. You can direct them to the CD Transition Resources page on our website which will provide information about the various ways to read accessible books.
What do we do about referrals?
You will continue to receive the names of Vision Loss Rehabilitation (VLR) clients who would like to learn about reading in accessible formats and register for CELA. VLR staff have always offered a selection of players to clients and will continue to do so.
Marketing and communications
How should we update our website and library information to reflect this change to CELA services?
If your website specifically mentions CDs as part of your accessible reading resources, or if that information is part of any signage or printed information, we recommend changing it before June 1 when the CD option will no longer be available to new CELA registrants.
When can we order new CELA resources which don’t have CDs listed?
We will be transitioning our printed resources over the next few weeks and new materials will be available by June 1, 2025.
How can we stay up to date on items related to the CD transition?
We will be sending out communications about the transition through our Open Book for Libraries and the Library Page newsletters. Please visit our CD Transitions Page often and make note of anything marked new.
When will the CELA website reflect this change?
We have begun to adapt our website and resources to reflect that CDs will not be available after July 31, 2025. Over the coming weeks you will see reference to CDs include information about this change or in some cases be removed completely. Our goal is to have references to CDs be eliminated from our website and training materials by June 1, 2025.
In this section:
- Communications and information
- Transitioning from CDs
- Switching off CDs
- Questions about other service changes
- Exceptions and continuing CDs
- Financial and advocacy
- Training and additional information
Communications and information
How do I contact the CELA Contact Centre?
Call us at 1-855-655-2273 or email us at help@celalibrary.ca.
How can I stay up to date on items related to the CD transition?
We will be sending out communications about the transition through our Open Book newsletter. You can visit this page often and make note of anything marked new. Information will be available through our Contact Centre and its phone system for those who do not have access to the internet.
Transitioning from CDs
Do I have to make the change right away?
We will stop mailing CDs as of July 31, 2025. If you are comfortable with technology and can easily shift to different ways of reading, you are welcome to stop your CDs at any time. If you are able, switching now could allow CELA to focus our resources on those who may need more time and support to shift to new ways of reading.
We recommend to all our users to begin to shift to new ways of reading in advance of the deadline. Our goal is to help you become just as comfortable with the alternatives as you are with CDs so that there is no interruption in your ability to enjoy your books.
Why has CELA made the decision to stop production and distribution of CDs?
We understand how important books are to our users, and that many of our users have relied on CDs. We want you to know that this decision has not been made lightly.
There are a number of factors that have led to this decision. CDs are becoming increasingly expensive. The technology required to produce CDs is also becoming expensive and increasingly difficult to obtain and maintain. In addition, CELA is facing budget constraints which have required us to make this change more quickly than we had initially planned. Our service provider has informed us that they will no longer be able to provide CD production and distribution services for us after July 31. This combination of factors has resulted in the decision to stop production and distribution of CDs effective July 31, 2025.
What options are available to users who rely on CDs?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their audiobooks including:
- Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players; if your player is not currently set up for Wi-Fi we can help you configure it,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How can users who do not have internet service access their books?
There are a few options for users who do not have internet access.
- The Envoy Connect devices can be sent to CELA for reloading. Alternately, designates, friends or family members can assist with reloading these devices using the internet at their home. Some libraries may also be able to offer this service.
- Most DAISY players can accept an SD card with books loaded on it. Family, friends or designates can assist with downloading books and placing them on the SD card. There are tutorials available for this process for several devices on our Tutorials page.
- Braille readers can request physical braille.
How can I learn more about this decision and the support CELA will offer those of us who rely on CDs?
As part of our plan to support CD users, information will be posted on the CELA website landing page with a link to this dedicated CD Transition Resources page. This page includes tutorials, resources, information about webinars and drop-in sessions, along with other information.
In addition, our phone system will include an option to learn more about support that is available, and our Customer Care Representatives will be able to answer patrons’ questions about this change.
Information about the change will also be included in upcoming newsletters and regular communications. If you do not have an email address, perhaps a friend or family member could become a designate and receive this information on your behalf.
CELA will host an information session on April 30 which can be accessed by phone or internet. This session will outline the resources and training workshops available to users.
How can I learn about new ways to read books?
We want to make this process as easy as possible for you. As part of our plan to support CD users, we have created this dedicated page on our website. The CD Transition Resources page includes information about the various ways to read accessible audiobooks and has information about upcoming webinars, drop-in sessions with our peer trainer, as well as information about our information session which is scheduled on April 30.
Our various training and information sessions include:
- Information session with the CELA team on April 30 at 7:00 pm EDT
- This session will walk through this transition and outline the many resources we have available to help CD users transition to a new way to read books. All are welcome, including designates. Please register online in the Training events section of this page, or call us at 1-855-655-2273 or email us at help@celalibrary.ca.
- Weekly Q and A sessions with our peer trainer beginning in June.
- Monthly audiobook options webinars, which begin in April.
I just bought a DAISY player to use with your CDs, can I return it?
You will have to ask the vendor where you bought your player from.
However, we can help you configure your DAISY player for Direct to Player service so audiobooks will be delivered directly to your device through the internet, if you have not already configured this service. You can also play your own personal CDs or CDs from the library on your DAISY player.
Will magazines and the What’s New newsletter still be available on CD?
No. All CD production including the magazines and What’s New newsletter will stop. The last magazine CD will be distributed on at the end of April. Audio magazines will continue to be available through our other distribution methods.
Where can I find more information about this decision?
CELA users can get more information by:
- Checking CELA’s website on this CD Transition Resources Page for information and updates
- Reviewing the information sent by email or on CD
- Attending our upcoming information session scheduled for April 30 7:00 pm EDT. Patrons can register for this session online or by calling our Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273 or emailing help@celalibrary.ca
Switching off CDs
I am able to read using non-CD formats now. How do I cancel the CD delivery?
Please email us at help@celalibrary.ca or call 1-855-655-2273 to update your account.
Do I have to switch away from CDs before the July 31 deadline or can I receive them until they are no longer available?
You can receive CD service until the end of July. If you are comfortable switching to other reading options, you can certainly let us know by emailing us at help@celalibrary.ca or call 1-855-655-2273.
Questions about other service changes
Are there other changes to CELA’s services?
No, CELA’s other services and formats, including digital options, physical braille and printbraille, are not affected by this change. Audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods.
Will you be producing fewer audiobooks as the CD service winds down?
No. Human-narrated audiobooks are an essential part of our collection, and we will continue to produce them and add them to our collection each year. We are fully committed to offering new human narrated titles. While we acknowledge there have been fewer added in the last few months, we have more than 4000 human narrated books which will be added in the coming months, with more being added throughout 2025. We’re excited about the new books we will be adding for our users.
Will you continue to offer the Envoy Connect reloading service?
Yes. Envoy Connect devices are an excellent option and mailing them to CELA to be reloaded supports our users who do not have access to the internet.
Exceptions and continuing CDs
Can you make exceptions so I can continue to use CDs?
Unfortunately, our CD service will cease on July 31, 2025. There is no way to extend the service beyond that date or make exceptions. We will do everything we can to support you as you find a new way to read your books.
Will my library still have accessible CDs for me to borrow?
CELA’s service, which provides CDs to libraries to circulate, will no longer be available after July 31, 2025. Many public libraries offer CDs as part of their collection. There may also be some commercial versions of audiobook CDs which may meet your needs. It’s best to reach out to your library directly to learn more.
Can I keep the CDs I already have?
Yes, you may keep the CDs you currently have and any which you receive before July 31 for your own use and enjoyment. As with all CELA books and magazines only people with print disabilities are allowed access under the copyright law. If you no longer wish to keep your CDs, please return them to CELA as usual for recycling.
Can I order more CDs before the July 31 deadline?
Yes, you can increase the number of CDs up to our normal distribution limit which is 4 per week. That request can be made by email to help@celalibrary.ca or call us at 1-855-655-2273.
Financial and advocacy
Do you offer financial support for users who will need to buy new devices?
We do not offer financial assistance to purchase new devices. Some provinces offer financial support for assistive technology. More information can be found on your provincial government website. Some information may be available on the Access AT Canada website.
There are low cost or free options for those who need different technology.
- An Envoy Connect device may be an option as the cost for these devices is approximately $100
- EasyReader is a free app which can work on existing phones, tablets or iPads or computers
More information can be found in the Guides and tutorials section of this page.
Is it possible to pay for this service so that I can continue to receive CDs?
CELA’s CD service will cease for all users at the end of July. We cannot offer a pay for service model unfortunately. We know that books are important to all our users and we will do our very best to help you transition to new ways of reading your books.
The CD service is very important to me. Can I donate money or help advocate with funders to make CDs available to those who need it?
We appreciate your offer, and we understand that CDs are very important to some of our users. The decision to stop CDs was based on a combination of factors and was not one we made lightly. Even if money were available for CD service, our producer partner will no longer offer this service past July 31, 2025. Changes and changes in the marketplace and technology are making CDs no longer a viable option.
Training and additional information
Where can I find a list of these webinars and drop-in sessions?
The full list of all our training programs is available in the Training events section of this page. The Contact Centre also has this information and can help patrons without internet access register for events available by phone
When will the CELA website reflect this change? CDs are still mentioned. Does that mean they may be available past July 31, 2025?
We have begun to adapt our website and resources to reflect that CDs will not be available after July 31, 2025. Over the coming weeks you will see reference to CDs include information about this change or in some cases be removed completely. Our goal is to have references to CDs be eliminated from our website and training materials by June 1, 2025. The option to place a hold on books on CD will be removed in mid-July.
Training events
We have a variety of training opportunities available to assist our users and libraries through this transition.
In this section you can learn about:
- Our information session for users
- Our regular monthly session for users
- Our weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainer
- Our information session for libraries
- Our regularly monthly session for libraries
Users and libraries can register for these session using the links below. If users would like to join by phone, please call our Contact Centre to register.
Information session for users
Information session: CD transition for CELA users
Join Laurie Davidson, CELA's Executive Director and other members of the CELA team to learn more about the transition away from CDs, options for CD users and CELA's plan to support users. To register for the online Zoom session please select the date below and fill in the registration form. To attend by phone, please call the Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273
Our regular monthly session for users
How to read CELA audiobooks and magazines: Transitioning from reading on CDs to other devices
Discover the many ways you can read CELA’s audiobooks and magazines using a variety of devices. This webinar is intended to support you as you transition off of CDs onto other players. In this one-hour webinar, you will learn:
- Which audiobook players work with CELA audiobooks and magazines
- How to start using Envoy Connect devices, the EasyReader app or Direct to Player on your Humanware Stratus DAISY player
- Where to buy players
- How we can further support you through this transition
To register for the online Zoom session please select the date below and fill in the registration form. To attend by phone, please call the Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273.
Tues. May 6: 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Wed. June 11 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Tues July 8: 3:00-4:00pm EDT
Tues Aug 5: 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Wed Sept 17: 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Our weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainer
Transitioning from CD to other audiobook device options Q&A
Were you receiving CELA CDs and need help transitioning to a new device? Are you helping someone make this transition?
Join our Peer Trainer, Ioana Gandrabur, who will answer your questions about finding the best alternative players and apps for reading CELA’s audio books and magazines. We welcome your questions about using the following devices and more:
- Envoy Connect player
- Humanware Victor Stratus players that have an internet connection
- EasyReader app on your tablet or smartphone
- Other device options
To register for one of the weekly Thursday sessions from 2:00-3:00pm ET select the link below, choose the date you prefer from the dropdown menu and complete the registration form. We look forward to meeting with you.
Thursday Q & A sessions: Audiobook device options
To register for one of the monthly Wednesday evening sessions from 6:30-7:30pm ET select the link below for your preferred date and complete the registration form. We look forward to meeting with you.
Wed June 18 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Wed July 23 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Wed Aug 20 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Wed Sept 17 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Information session for libraries
Information session: CD transition for public library staff
Join Laurie Davidson, CELA's Executive Director and other members of the CELA team to learn more about the transition away from CDs, options for CD users and CELA's plan to support users and libraries.
Monthly programs for libraries
How to support library patrons to read CELA’s audiobooks and magazines: Transitioning from reading on CDs to other devices
In this webinar, library staff will discover how to transition patrons with print disabilities from reading CELA’s audiobooks and magazines on CD, to a variety of players and apps. We will guide you through this change so you can continue to offer accessible reading materials through your library’s CELA account. You will learn:
- Which audiobook players and apps work with CELA audiobooks and magazines
- How to access CELA books and magazines onto library-owned devices
- How CELA can support book clubs and reading programs
- Where to find help, training and tutorials
Guides and tutorials
We have lots of support for our users who will be shifting to a new way of reading their audiobooks. And, we will be adding more in the coming weeks.
If you're not sure which device might work for you or where to start, check out our Accessible reading formats and delivery options table.
Envoy Connect
- Online version: Getting started guide: Envoy Connect
- Downloadable version: Getting started guide: Envoy Connect (Word document)
EasyReader - New!
- Online version: Getting started guide: EasyReader
- Downloadable version: Getting started guide: EasyReader (Word document)
Victor Stratus4 M
Coming soon!
Library information
Letter to libraries
We are writing today to share with you an important upcoming change to CELA services with regards to audio CD production and distribution. Effective July 31, 2025, CELA will no longer be sending out CDs to users or libraries. Member libraries are a crucial part of the team supporting users with print disabilities and I wanted to share this with you in advance of our general announcement to users on March 25, 2025. This letter includes information about the resources CELA will offer to support libraries and users through this transition as well as an FAQ to help you and your users understand this change to CELA services.
Why has this decision been made?
This decision has not been made lightly. While recent circumstances have required us to make this change earlier than anticipated, we have been planning for this eventuality for quite some time. CDs and the technology required to support them are becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain and maintain. In addition, CELA is facing a reduction to our federal funding. This combination of factors has resulted in the decision to stop production and distribution of CDs effective July 31, 2025. It is important to note that all our other services and formats, including digital options, embossed braille and printbraille sent in the mail, are not affected by this change. We want to reassure you that audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods. CD services will continue uninterrupted through until July 31, 2025, and we will be working with users and libraries until then to prepare for the transition.
What alternatives are available to our users with print disabilities?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their books including:
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player.
- Humanware 4M and 12 M Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How will CELA support users as they transition to new ways of reading?
We are committed to supporting both member libraries and their users through this transition. As part of our plan to support users, CELA will be offering resources, training and workshops, Q&A sessions with our Peer Trainers and personal support to our CD users and libraries who may require additional assistance. This information will be available on our CD Transition Resource page.
What support will CELA offer libraries?
As part of our plan, CELA will have a dedicated webpage that will launch immediately following the announcement to users on March 25. This will be a centralized resource page to provide users and libraries with resources, links to tutorials, and information about our CD Transition Resources.
How can libraries support their users with print disabilities?
We know that libraries are committed to providing the best possible service to their users with print disabilities. We also understand that the capacity and resources available to libraries can vary.
As a library you may be able to:
- Assist users with reloading their devices such as Envoy Connect devices.
- Loan library owned DAISY players that have been configured to connect to the library’s wifi to add books directly to the player, Envoy Connects or tablets with the EasyReader app to patrons from books accessed through your CELA account.
- Offer training or host peer training sessions with experts from your community to help patrons get comfortable with new devices or apps.
- Direct patrons to resources offered by CELA if they have questions
- Circulate this letter and the FAQs to all staff who may be involved in providing services or information patrons with print disabilities.
What will happen with CD deposit collections?
Deposit collections will no longer be produced or distributed as of July 31, 2025. However, your library can continue to receive deposit collection CDs from CELA until then.
We do have ways to ensure that you can continue to provide accessible audiobooks for your patrons using different devices such as Envoy Connect. Using your main CELA account, which is a different account number than for your deposit collection, you can load CELA books and magazines on any accessible devices such as DAISY players or Envoy Connect devices you circulate. You can find more information about these options on our website. We have tutorials and monthly webinars to help you transition from offering CDs to providing access audiobooks on other devices. If your library is interested in receiving a deposit collection of CDs prior to July 31, please reach out to Member Services to be set up for a deposit collection or to discuss other ways to receive more CDs.
What should we expect going forward?
We want to assure you that CELA is committed to offering quality and innovative accessible reading services to public libraries and users with print disabilities across Canada. We continue to be dedicated to offering format choice in accessible audio, braille, printbraille and text, and to adapt to and introduce new technologies as they become available. We truly appreciate your support as we work through this transition. Libraries are an integral part of the team which makes accessible reading possible for people with print disabilities in your community.
Please review the FAQs below for more information for you and your patrons. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Member Services.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to accessible reading.
Laurie Davidson, Executive Director
FAQs for libraries
Communication to CELA users
How will CELA users be informed of this change?
On March 25, 2024, an email will be sent to all users on our mailing list outlining this change in services. Later in April, CDs will be sent to CELA users without email addresses. The content of both the email and the CD is very similar to the information sent to libraries.
Information will be posted on the CELA website landing page with a link to this dedicated CD Transition Resources page. This page includes tutorials, resources, information about webinars and Q and A sessions, along with other information.
In addition, our phone system will include an option to learn more about this change and our Contact Centre will be able to answer users’ questions about this change.
Information about the change will also be included in upcoming newsletters and regular communications to ensure that we are able to inform our users and their designates in as many ways as possible.
What should I tell our library’s CD users who receive CELA CDs but do not have an account with CELA?
If you have users to whom you supply CELA CDs and who do not have an account with CELA, we understand you may want to notify your users directly. In this case, we would appreciate it if you could use wording from this letter and FAQ so that users receive consistent and accurate information.
I know that it can take some time for CELA users to receive their CDs. Is it okay to let these users know about the service change before they receive the information CD CELA is sending?
At the end of April, CELA is planning on sending out a CD with this information to CD users who do not have email addresses with us. Libraries are welcome to tell users in this group before the end of April but we would appreciate it if you could use wording from this letter and FAQ so that users receive consistent and accurate information.
Are there other changes to CELA’s services?
No, CELA’s other services and formats, including all digital options in e-text, audio and braille, physical braille and printbraille, are not affected by this change. Audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods.
Deposit Collections
What other audio options are available for our patrons? We rely on our CD Deposit Collection to support our users.
Using your library’s CELA account and selecting the Direct to Player format in our catalogue, you can offer players with pre-loaded books and magazines to your patrons. You can also download the zip file of our audiobooks to transfer to an SD card or USB key/stick for playing on compatible devices, transfer to an mp3 player or burn CDs at your library.
- Envoy Connect device: Load audiobooks and magazines to one or multiple players and lend devices to patrons.
- DAISY players: Contact CELA to configure your Stratus 4M or 12M or Stream players to connect to your library’s Wi-Fi connection and download books and magazines directly to the player.
- EasyReader app: Download this free app to read DAISY audio and e-text books onto library-owned tablets.
Is it possible to make an exception and still provide CDs for our library or one of our patrons?
Unfortunately, effective July 31, 2025, CELA will not be able to provide any CDs. We cannot make any exceptions.
Can libraries order additional CDs or Deposit Collections prior to July 31, 2025?
Yes. Please contact Member Services if you would like to receive your upcoming batch of CDs before July 31, 2025.
We are interested in adding more CELA CDs to our collection in advance of the July 31 cutoff? Is that possible?
Yes. Please contact Member Services to add a Deposit Collection of up to 500 preselected CDs, based on your profile, or to order specific CDs to serve you patrons. Libraries are able to keep and circulate CELA CDs to their users with print disabilities.
Can we keep our existing CD deposit collection to allow us to circulate these books to readers with print disabilities after July 31, 2025?
Libraries can keep and continue to circulate accessible CDs from CELA. If you do wish to return some or all of your collection, please visit our Deposit Collections page for shipping instructions.
Please note that after July 31, 2025, we will no longer ask for your deposit collection statistics.
CELA sent a questionnaire to libraries in January asking if they would like to keep receiving new deposit collections CDs or not. Why did you send this survey if you’re stopping sending CDs in July?
This survey was sent out to capture which libraries wanted new CDs and those who were still receiving CDs and no longer needed them. This survey was valuable to libraries who no longer wanted CDs to save some unnecessary shipments.
Options for patrons
What reading alternatives are available to our users with print disabilities?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their books including:
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player.
- Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How can patrons who do not have internet service access their audiobooks and magazines?
There are multiple options for patrons without internet access.
- The Envoy Connect devices can be sent to CELA for reloading. Alternately, designates, friends or family members can assist with reloading these devices using the internet at their home. Some libraries are also able to offer this service.
- Most DAISY players can accept an SD card with books loaded on it. Family, friends or designates can assist with downloading books and placing them on the SD card. Libraries can also configure library-owned DAISY players and loan pre-loaded players to patrons. There are tutorials on this process for several devices on our Tutorials page.
- Braille readers can continue to request physical braille and print braille
- CD collections may be available at local libraries.
- Devices circulated by local libraries may be an option.
Devices like DAISY players are expensive and cost is a barrier for some patrons. Are there resources available to help people with print disabilities cover the cost of a new device?
Some provinces offer financial support for assistive technology. More information may be found on your provincial government websites. Some information may be available at the AccessAtCanada website.
An Envoy Connect device may also be an option as the cost for these devices is approximately $100.
Can patrons order additional CDs prior to July 31, 2025?
Yes patrons can increase the number of CDs up to our normal limit which is 4 CDs per week. That request can be made by phoning or emailing our Contact Centre.
We run a book club and used to borrow CELA CDs for our members. What are our options?
There are a number of options for your members.
- Envoy Connect devices can be preloaded with your book club selections and provided to your book club members who need an easy way to access the books.
- Books can be added to DAISY players using an SD card or by downloading directly using your library’s CELA account.
- Libraries could burn a CD of a CELA title locally
- Braille readers can order physical braille, if the selected title is available in braille.
Training and information
Our patrons have questions that I can’t answer about this change to CELA services. Where can I send them for more information?
Patrons can get more information by:
- Checking CELA’s website for our CD Transition Resources Page
- Reviewing the information sent by email or on CD
- Attending our upcoming Information Session for Users scheduled for April 30 at 7 pm. Patrons can register for this session by calling our Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273 or emailing help@celalibrary.ca
- Calling our Contact Centre and pressing option 3 to hear about upcoming webinars or Q&A sessions which support users transitioning to new ways of reading.
- Attending one of our webinars or Q&A sessions to ask questions about new devices or apps for reading.
Can library staff attend the information sessions meant for patrons?
Of course! We’d love to have you attend whichever sessions might be helpful. Our Information Session for the CD Transition and our webinars will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel.
Are there any library only training sessions planned to help us support our patrons?
Yes. We’ll be offering monthly webinars for libraries designed to support CELA users through this transition. Libraries are also welcome to reach out to Member Services staff for additional support. Please plan to join us at our Information Session for Libraries on April 29 at 1 pm EDT as well.
Where can I find a list of these webinars and Q and A sessions?
The full list of all our training programs is available on our CD Transition Resources page as well as our usual training page
We have noticed fewer new human narrated audiobook options available on the CELA website in the last few months. Will you be producing fewer audiobooks as the CD service winds down?
No, our plan is to maintain or increase the number of human narrated audiobooks we add to our collection each year. We are fully committed to offering new human narrated titles. While we acknowledge there have been fewer added in the last few months, we have more than 4000 human narrated books which will be added in the coming months, with more being added throughout 2025. The delay in getting them into our collection is not related to our decision to cease CD production. We’re excited about the new books we will be adding for our users.
Registration
Will there be any changes to the registration process for new CELA users?
Yes, effective April 23 there will no longer be an option to have new users request CDs as part of the registration process.
Should we tell people who want to register after March 25 of the change to CD service?
Yes, you are welcome to make people aware of this change. You can direct them to the CD Transition Resources page on our website which will provide information about the various ways to read accessible books.
What do we do about referrals?
You will continue to receive the names of Vision Loss Rehabilitation (VLR) clients who would like to learn about reading in accessible formats and register for CELA. VLR staff have always offered a selection of players to clients and will continue to do so.
Marketing and communications
How should we update our website and library information to reflect this change to CELA services?
If your website specifically mentions CDs as part of your accessible reading resources, or if that information is part of any signage or printed information, we recommend changing it before June 1 when the CD option will no longer be available to new CELA registrants.
When can we order new CELA resources which don’t have CDs listed?
We will be transitioning our printed resources over the next few weeks and new materials will be available by June 1, 2025.
How can we stay up to date on items related to the CD transition?
We will be sending out communications about the transition through our Open Book for Libraries and the Library Page newsletters. Please visit our CD Transitions Page often and make note of anything marked new.
When will the CELA website reflect this change?
We have begun to adapt our website and resources to reflect that CDs will not be available after July 31, 2025. Over the coming weeks you will see reference to CDs include information about this change or in some cases be removed completely. Our goal is to have references to CDs be eliminated from our website and training materials by June 1, 2025.
We have a variety of training opportunities available to assist our users and libraries through this transition.
In this section you can learn about:
- Our information session for users
- Our regular monthly session for users
- Our weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainer
- Our information session for libraries
- Our regularly monthly session for libraries
Users and libraries can register for these session using the links below. If users would like to join by phone, please call our Contact Centre to register.
Information session for users
Information session: CD transition for CELA users
Join Laurie Davidson, CELA's Executive Director and other members of the CELA team to learn more about the transition away from CDs, options for CD users and CELA's plan to support users. To register for the online Zoom session please select the date below and fill in the registration form. To attend by phone, please call the Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273
Our regular monthly session for users
How to read CELA audiobooks and magazines: Transitioning from reading on CDs to other devices
Discover the many ways you can read CELA’s audiobooks and magazines using a variety of devices. This webinar is intended to support you as you transition off of CDs onto other players. In this one-hour webinar, you will learn:
- Which audiobook players work with CELA audiobooks and magazines
- How to start using Envoy Connect devices, the EasyReader app or Direct to Player on your Humanware Stratus DAISY player
- Where to buy players
- How we can further support you through this transition
To register for the online Zoom session please select the date below and fill in the registration form. To attend by phone, please call the Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273.
Tues. May 6: 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Wed. June 11 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Tues July 8: 3:00-4:00pm EDT
Tues Aug 5: 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Wed Sept 17: 2:00-3:00pm EDT
Our weekly Q and A sessions with our Peer Trainer
Transitioning from CD to other audiobook device options Q&A
Were you receiving CELA CDs and need help transitioning to a new device? Are you helping someone make this transition?
Join our Peer Trainer, Ioana Gandrabur, who will answer your questions about finding the best alternative players and apps for reading CELA’s audio books and magazines. We welcome your questions about using the following devices and more:
- Envoy Connect player
- Humanware Victor Stratus players that have an internet connection
- EasyReader app on your tablet or smartphone
- Other device options
To register for one of the weekly Thursday sessions from 2:00-3:00pm ET select the link below, choose the date you prefer from the dropdown menu and complete the registration form. We look forward to meeting with you.
Thursday Q & A sessions: Audiobook device options
To register for one of the monthly Wednesday evening sessions from 6:30-7:30pm ET select the link below for your preferred date and complete the registration form. We look forward to meeting with you.
Wed June 18 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Wed July 23 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Wed Aug 20 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Wed Sept 17 6:30-7:30pm EDT
Information session for libraries
Information session: CD transition for public library staff
Join Laurie Davidson, CELA's Executive Director and other members of the CELA team to learn more about the transition away from CDs, options for CD users and CELA's plan to support users and libraries.
Monthly programs for libraries
How to support library patrons to read CELA’s audiobooks and magazines: Transitioning from reading on CDs to other devices
In this webinar, library staff will discover how to transition patrons with print disabilities from reading CELA’s audiobooks and magazines on CD, to a variety of players and apps. We will guide you through this change so you can continue to offer accessible reading materials through your library’s CELA account. You will learn:
- Which audiobook players and apps work with CELA audiobooks and magazines
- How to access CELA books and magazines onto library-owned devices
- How CELA can support book clubs and reading programs
- Where to find help, training and tutorials
Guides and tutorials
We have lots of support for our users who will be shifting to a new way of reading their audiobooks. And, we will be adding more in the coming weeks.
If you're not sure which device might work for you or where to start, check out our Accessible reading formats and delivery options table.
Envoy Connect
- Online version: Getting started guide: Envoy Connect
- Downloadable version: Getting started guide: Envoy Connect (Word document)
EasyReader - New!
- Online version: Getting started guide: EasyReader
- Downloadable version: Getting started guide: EasyReader (Word document)
Victor Stratus4 M
Coming soon!
Library information
Letter to libraries
We are writing today to share with you an important upcoming change to CELA services with regards to audio CD production and distribution. Effective July 31, 2025, CELA will no longer be sending out CDs to users or libraries. Member libraries are a crucial part of the team supporting users with print disabilities and I wanted to share this with you in advance of our general announcement to users on March 25, 2025. This letter includes information about the resources CELA will offer to support libraries and users through this transition as well as an FAQ to help you and your users understand this change to CELA services.
Why has this decision been made?
This decision has not been made lightly. While recent circumstances have required us to make this change earlier than anticipated, we have been planning for this eventuality for quite some time. CDs and the technology required to support them are becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain and maintain. In addition, CELA is facing a reduction to our federal funding. This combination of factors has resulted in the decision to stop production and distribution of CDs effective July 31, 2025. It is important to note that all our other services and formats, including digital options, embossed braille and printbraille sent in the mail, are not affected by this change. We want to reassure you that audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods. CD services will continue uninterrupted through until July 31, 2025, and we will be working with users and libraries until then to prepare for the transition.
What alternatives are available to our users with print disabilities?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their books including:
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player.
- Humanware 4M and 12 M Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How will CELA support users as they transition to new ways of reading?
We are committed to supporting both member libraries and their users through this transition. As part of our plan to support users, CELA will be offering resources, training and workshops, Q&A sessions with our Peer Trainers and personal support to our CD users and libraries who may require additional assistance. This information will be available on our CD Transition Resource page.
What support will CELA offer libraries?
As part of our plan, CELA will have a dedicated webpage that will launch immediately following the announcement to users on March 25. This will be a centralized resource page to provide users and libraries with resources, links to tutorials, and information about our CD Transition Resources.
How can libraries support their users with print disabilities?
We know that libraries are committed to providing the best possible service to their users with print disabilities. We also understand that the capacity and resources available to libraries can vary.
As a library you may be able to:
- Assist users with reloading their devices such as Envoy Connect devices.
- Loan library owned DAISY players that have been configured to connect to the library’s wifi to add books directly to the player, Envoy Connects or tablets with the EasyReader app to patrons from books accessed through your CELA account.
- Offer training or host peer training sessions with experts from your community to help patrons get comfortable with new devices or apps.
- Direct patrons to resources offered by CELA if they have questions
- Circulate this letter and the FAQs to all staff who may be involved in providing services or information patrons with print disabilities.
What will happen with CD deposit collections?
Deposit collections will no longer be produced or distributed as of July 31, 2025. However, your library can continue to receive deposit collection CDs from CELA until then.
We do have ways to ensure that you can continue to provide accessible audiobooks for your patrons using different devices such as Envoy Connect. Using your main CELA account, which is a different account number than for your deposit collection, you can load CELA books and magazines on any accessible devices such as DAISY players or Envoy Connect devices you circulate. You can find more information about these options on our website. We have tutorials and monthly webinars to help you transition from offering CDs to providing access audiobooks on other devices. If your library is interested in receiving a deposit collection of CDs prior to July 31, please reach out to Member Services to be set up for a deposit collection or to discuss other ways to receive more CDs.
What should we expect going forward?
We want to assure you that CELA is committed to offering quality and innovative accessible reading services to public libraries and users with print disabilities across Canada. We continue to be dedicated to offering format choice in accessible audio, braille, printbraille and text, and to adapt to and introduce new technologies as they become available. We truly appreciate your support as we work through this transition. Libraries are an integral part of the team which makes accessible reading possible for people with print disabilities in your community.
Please review the FAQs below for more information for you and your patrons. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Member Services.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to accessible reading.
Laurie Davidson, Executive Director
FAQs for libraries
Communication to CELA users
How will CELA users be informed of this change?
On March 25, 2024, an email will be sent to all users on our mailing list outlining this change in services. Later in April, CDs will be sent to CELA users without email addresses. The content of both the email and the CD is very similar to the information sent to libraries.
Information will be posted on the CELA website landing page with a link to this dedicated CD Transition Resources page. This page includes tutorials, resources, information about webinars and Q and A sessions, along with other information.
In addition, our phone system will include an option to learn more about this change and our Contact Centre will be able to answer users’ questions about this change.
Information about the change will also be included in upcoming newsletters and regular communications to ensure that we are able to inform our users and their designates in as many ways as possible.
What should I tell our library’s CD users who receive CELA CDs but do not have an account with CELA?
If you have users to whom you supply CELA CDs and who do not have an account with CELA, we understand you may want to notify your users directly. In this case, we would appreciate it if you could use wording from this letter and FAQ so that users receive consistent and accurate information.
I know that it can take some time for CELA users to receive their CDs. Is it okay to let these users know about the service change before they receive the information CD CELA is sending?
At the end of April, CELA is planning on sending out a CD with this information to CD users who do not have email addresses with us. Libraries are welcome to tell users in this group before the end of April but we would appreciate it if you could use wording from this letter and FAQ so that users receive consistent and accurate information.
Are there other changes to CELA’s services?
No, CELA’s other services and formats, including all digital options in e-text, audio and braille, physical braille and printbraille, are not affected by this change. Audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods.
Deposit Collections
What other audio options are available for our patrons? We rely on our CD Deposit Collection to support our users.
Using your library’s CELA account and selecting the Direct to Player format in our catalogue, you can offer players with pre-loaded books and magazines to your patrons. You can also download the zip file of our audiobooks to transfer to an SD card or USB key/stick for playing on compatible devices, transfer to an mp3 player or burn CDs at your library.
- Envoy Connect device: Load audiobooks and magazines to one or multiple players and lend devices to patrons.
- DAISY players: Contact CELA to configure your Stratus 4M or 12M or Stream players to connect to your library’s Wi-Fi connection and download books and magazines directly to the player.
- EasyReader app: Download this free app to read DAISY audio and e-text books onto library-owned tablets.
Is it possible to make an exception and still provide CDs for our library or one of our patrons?
Unfortunately, effective July 31, 2025, CELA will not be able to provide any CDs. We cannot make any exceptions.
Can libraries order additional CDs or Deposit Collections prior to July 31, 2025?
Yes. Please contact Member Services if you would like to receive your upcoming batch of CDs before July 31, 2025.
We are interested in adding more CELA CDs to our collection in advance of the July 31 cutoff? Is that possible?
Yes. Please contact Member Services to add a Deposit Collection of up to 500 preselected CDs, based on your profile, or to order specific CDs to serve you patrons. Libraries are able to keep and circulate CELA CDs to their users with print disabilities.
Can we keep our existing CD deposit collection to allow us to circulate these books to readers with print disabilities after July 31, 2025?
Libraries can keep and continue to circulate accessible CDs from CELA. If you do wish to return some or all of your collection, please visit our Deposit Collections page for shipping instructions.
Please note that after July 31, 2025, we will no longer ask for your deposit collection statistics.
CELA sent a questionnaire to libraries in January asking if they would like to keep receiving new deposit collections CDs or not. Why did you send this survey if you’re stopping sending CDs in July?
This survey was sent out to capture which libraries wanted new CDs and those who were still receiving CDs and no longer needed them. This survey was valuable to libraries who no longer wanted CDs to save some unnecessary shipments.
Options for patrons
What reading alternatives are available to our users with print disabilities?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their books including:
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player.
- Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How can patrons who do not have internet service access their audiobooks and magazines?
There are multiple options for patrons without internet access.
- The Envoy Connect devices can be sent to CELA for reloading. Alternately, designates, friends or family members can assist with reloading these devices using the internet at their home. Some libraries are also able to offer this service.
- Most DAISY players can accept an SD card with books loaded on it. Family, friends or designates can assist with downloading books and placing them on the SD card. Libraries can also configure library-owned DAISY players and loan pre-loaded players to patrons. There are tutorials on this process for several devices on our Tutorials page.
- Braille readers can continue to request physical braille and print braille
- CD collections may be available at local libraries.
- Devices circulated by local libraries may be an option.
Devices like DAISY players are expensive and cost is a barrier for some patrons. Are there resources available to help people with print disabilities cover the cost of a new device?
Some provinces offer financial support for assistive technology. More information may be found on your provincial government websites. Some information may be available at the AccessAtCanada website.
An Envoy Connect device may also be an option as the cost for these devices is approximately $100.
Can patrons order additional CDs prior to July 31, 2025?
Yes patrons can increase the number of CDs up to our normal limit which is 4 CDs per week. That request can be made by phoning or emailing our Contact Centre.
We run a book club and used to borrow CELA CDs for our members. What are our options?
There are a number of options for your members.
- Envoy Connect devices can be preloaded with your book club selections and provided to your book club members who need an easy way to access the books.
- Books can be added to DAISY players using an SD card or by downloading directly using your library’s CELA account.
- Libraries could burn a CD of a CELA title locally
- Braille readers can order physical braille, if the selected title is available in braille.
Training and information
Our patrons have questions that I can’t answer about this change to CELA services. Where can I send them for more information?
Patrons can get more information by:
- Checking CELA’s website for our CD Transition Resources Page
- Reviewing the information sent by email or on CD
- Attending our upcoming Information Session for Users scheduled for April 30 at 7 pm. Patrons can register for this session by calling our Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273 or emailing help@celalibrary.ca
- Calling our Contact Centre and pressing option 3 to hear about upcoming webinars or Q&A sessions which support users transitioning to new ways of reading.
- Attending one of our webinars or Q&A sessions to ask questions about new devices or apps for reading.
Can library staff attend the information sessions meant for patrons?
Of course! We’d love to have you attend whichever sessions might be helpful. Our Information Session for the CD Transition and our webinars will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel.
Are there any library only training sessions planned to help us support our patrons?
Yes. We’ll be offering monthly webinars for libraries designed to support CELA users through this transition. Libraries are also welcome to reach out to Member Services staff for additional support. Please plan to join us at our Information Session for Libraries on April 29 at 1 pm EDT as well.
Where can I find a list of these webinars and Q and A sessions?
The full list of all our training programs is available on our CD Transition Resources page as well as our usual training page
We have noticed fewer new human narrated audiobook options available on the CELA website in the last few months. Will you be producing fewer audiobooks as the CD service winds down?
No, our plan is to maintain or increase the number of human narrated audiobooks we add to our collection each year. We are fully committed to offering new human narrated titles. While we acknowledge there have been fewer added in the last few months, we have more than 4000 human narrated books which will be added in the coming months, with more being added throughout 2025. The delay in getting them into our collection is not related to our decision to cease CD production. We’re excited about the new books we will be adding for our users.
Registration
Will there be any changes to the registration process for new CELA users?
Yes, effective April 23 there will no longer be an option to have new users request CDs as part of the registration process.
Should we tell people who want to register after March 25 of the change to CD service?
Yes, you are welcome to make people aware of this change. You can direct them to the CD Transition Resources page on our website which will provide information about the various ways to read accessible books.
What do we do about referrals?
You will continue to receive the names of Vision Loss Rehabilitation (VLR) clients who would like to learn about reading in accessible formats and register for CELA. VLR staff have always offered a selection of players to clients and will continue to do so.
Marketing and communications
How should we update our website and library information to reflect this change to CELA services?
If your website specifically mentions CDs as part of your accessible reading resources, or if that information is part of any signage or printed information, we recommend changing it before June 1 when the CD option will no longer be available to new CELA registrants.
When can we order new CELA resources which don’t have CDs listed?
We will be transitioning our printed resources over the next few weeks and new materials will be available by June 1, 2025.
How can we stay up to date on items related to the CD transition?
We will be sending out communications about the transition through our Open Book for Libraries and the Library Page newsletters. Please visit our CD Transitions Page often and make note of anything marked new.
When will the CELA website reflect this change?
We have begun to adapt our website and resources to reflect that CDs will not be available after July 31, 2025. Over the coming weeks you will see reference to CDs include information about this change or in some cases be removed completely. Our goal is to have references to CDs be eliminated from our website and training materials by June 1, 2025.
We have lots of support for our users who will be shifting to a new way of reading their audiobooks. And, we will be adding more in the coming weeks.
If you're not sure which device might work for you or where to start, check out our Accessible reading formats and delivery options table.
Envoy Connect
- Online version: Getting started guide: Envoy Connect
- Downloadable version: Getting started guide: Envoy Connect (Word document)
EasyReader - New!
- Online version: Getting started guide: EasyReader
- Downloadable version: Getting started guide: EasyReader (Word document)
Victor Stratus4 M
Coming soon!
Library information
Letter to libraries
We are writing today to share with you an important upcoming change to CELA services with regards to audio CD production and distribution. Effective July 31, 2025, CELA will no longer be sending out CDs to users or libraries. Member libraries are a crucial part of the team supporting users with print disabilities and I wanted to share this with you in advance of our general announcement to users on March 25, 2025. This letter includes information about the resources CELA will offer to support libraries and users through this transition as well as an FAQ to help you and your users understand this change to CELA services.
Why has this decision been made?
This decision has not been made lightly. While recent circumstances have required us to make this change earlier than anticipated, we have been planning for this eventuality for quite some time. CDs and the technology required to support them are becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain and maintain. In addition, CELA is facing a reduction to our federal funding. This combination of factors has resulted in the decision to stop production and distribution of CDs effective July 31, 2025. It is important to note that all our other services and formats, including digital options, embossed braille and printbraille sent in the mail, are not affected by this change. We want to reassure you that audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods. CD services will continue uninterrupted through until July 31, 2025, and we will be working with users and libraries until then to prepare for the transition.
What alternatives are available to our users with print disabilities?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their books including:
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player.
- Humanware 4M and 12 M Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How will CELA support users as they transition to new ways of reading?
We are committed to supporting both member libraries and their users through this transition. As part of our plan to support users, CELA will be offering resources, training and workshops, Q&A sessions with our Peer Trainers and personal support to our CD users and libraries who may require additional assistance. This information will be available on our CD Transition Resource page.
What support will CELA offer libraries?
As part of our plan, CELA will have a dedicated webpage that will launch immediately following the announcement to users on March 25. This will be a centralized resource page to provide users and libraries with resources, links to tutorials, and information about our CD Transition Resources.
How can libraries support their users with print disabilities?
We know that libraries are committed to providing the best possible service to their users with print disabilities. We also understand that the capacity and resources available to libraries can vary.
As a library you may be able to:
- Assist users with reloading their devices such as Envoy Connect devices.
- Loan library owned DAISY players that have been configured to connect to the library’s wifi to add books directly to the player, Envoy Connects or tablets with the EasyReader app to patrons from books accessed through your CELA account.
- Offer training or host peer training sessions with experts from your community to help patrons get comfortable with new devices or apps.
- Direct patrons to resources offered by CELA if they have questions
- Circulate this letter and the FAQs to all staff who may be involved in providing services or information patrons with print disabilities.
What will happen with CD deposit collections?
Deposit collections will no longer be produced or distributed as of July 31, 2025. However, your library can continue to receive deposit collection CDs from CELA until then.
We do have ways to ensure that you can continue to provide accessible audiobooks for your patrons using different devices such as Envoy Connect. Using your main CELA account, which is a different account number than for your deposit collection, you can load CELA books and magazines on any accessible devices such as DAISY players or Envoy Connect devices you circulate. You can find more information about these options on our website. We have tutorials and monthly webinars to help you transition from offering CDs to providing access audiobooks on other devices. If your library is interested in receiving a deposit collection of CDs prior to July 31, please reach out to Member Services to be set up for a deposit collection or to discuss other ways to receive more CDs.
What should we expect going forward?
We want to assure you that CELA is committed to offering quality and innovative accessible reading services to public libraries and users with print disabilities across Canada. We continue to be dedicated to offering format choice in accessible audio, braille, printbraille and text, and to adapt to and introduce new technologies as they become available. We truly appreciate your support as we work through this transition. Libraries are an integral part of the team which makes accessible reading possible for people with print disabilities in your community.
Please review the FAQs below for more information for you and your patrons. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Member Services.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to accessible reading.
Laurie Davidson, Executive Director
FAQs for libraries
Communication to CELA users
How will CELA users be informed of this change?
On March 25, 2024, an email will be sent to all users on our mailing list outlining this change in services. Later in April, CDs will be sent to CELA users without email addresses. The content of both the email and the CD is very similar to the information sent to libraries.
Information will be posted on the CELA website landing page with a link to this dedicated CD Transition Resources page. This page includes tutorials, resources, information about webinars and Q and A sessions, along with other information.
In addition, our phone system will include an option to learn more about this change and our Contact Centre will be able to answer users’ questions about this change.
Information about the change will also be included in upcoming newsletters and regular communications to ensure that we are able to inform our users and their designates in as many ways as possible.
What should I tell our library’s CD users who receive CELA CDs but do not have an account with CELA?
If you have users to whom you supply CELA CDs and who do not have an account with CELA, we understand you may want to notify your users directly. In this case, we would appreciate it if you could use wording from this letter and FAQ so that users receive consistent and accurate information.
I know that it can take some time for CELA users to receive their CDs. Is it okay to let these users know about the service change before they receive the information CD CELA is sending?
At the end of April, CELA is planning on sending out a CD with this information to CD users who do not have email addresses with us. Libraries are welcome to tell users in this group before the end of April but we would appreciate it if you could use wording from this letter and FAQ so that users receive consistent and accurate information.
Are there other changes to CELA’s services?
No, CELA’s other services and formats, including all digital options in e-text, audio and braille, physical braille and printbraille, are not affected by this change. Audiobooks and audio magazines will continue to be available through our many other distribution methods.
Deposit Collections
What other audio options are available for our patrons? We rely on our CD Deposit Collection to support our users.
Using your library’s CELA account and selecting the Direct to Player format in our catalogue, you can offer players with pre-loaded books and magazines to your patrons. You can also download the zip file of our audiobooks to transfer to an SD card or USB key/stick for playing on compatible devices, transfer to an mp3 player or burn CDs at your library.
- Envoy Connect device: Load audiobooks and magazines to one or multiple players and lend devices to patrons.
- DAISY players: Contact CELA to configure your Stratus 4M or 12M or Stream players to connect to your library’s Wi-Fi connection and download books and magazines directly to the player.
- EasyReader app: Download this free app to read DAISY audio and e-text books onto library-owned tablets.
Is it possible to make an exception and still provide CDs for our library or one of our patrons?
Unfortunately, effective July 31, 2025, CELA will not be able to provide any CDs. We cannot make any exceptions.
Can libraries order additional CDs or Deposit Collections prior to July 31, 2025?
Yes. Please contact Member Services if you would like to receive your upcoming batch of CDs before July 31, 2025.
We are interested in adding more CELA CDs to our collection in advance of the July 31 cutoff? Is that possible?
Yes. Please contact Member Services to add a Deposit Collection of up to 500 preselected CDs, based on your profile, or to order specific CDs to serve you patrons. Libraries are able to keep and circulate CELA CDs to their users with print disabilities.
Can we keep our existing CD deposit collection to allow us to circulate these books to readers with print disabilities after July 31, 2025?
Libraries can keep and continue to circulate accessible CDs from CELA. If you do wish to return some or all of your collection, please visit our Deposit Collections page for shipping instructions.
Please note that after July 31, 2025, we will no longer ask for your deposit collection statistics.
CELA sent a questionnaire to libraries in January asking if they would like to keep receiving new deposit collections CDs or not. Why did you send this survey if you’re stopping sending CDs in July?
This survey was sent out to capture which libraries wanted new CDs and those who were still receiving CDs and no longer needed them. This survey was valuable to libraries who no longer wanted CDs to save some unnecessary shipments.
Options for patrons
What reading alternatives are available to our users with print disabilities?
We recognize that this change may be difficult for some CELA users who rely on CDs. There are a number of options that patrons can choose to read their books including:
- Envoy Connect, an affordable and easy to use portable mp3 player.
- Wi-Fi-enabled DAISY players,
- Digital downloads to apps like EasyReader and other devices,
- Our soon-to-be announced smart speaker option.
How can patrons who do not have internet service access their audiobooks and magazines?
There are multiple options for patrons without internet access.
- The Envoy Connect devices can be sent to CELA for reloading. Alternately, designates, friends or family members can assist with reloading these devices using the internet at their home. Some libraries are also able to offer this service.
- Most DAISY players can accept an SD card with books loaded on it. Family, friends or designates can assist with downloading books and placing them on the SD card. Libraries can also configure library-owned DAISY players and loan pre-loaded players to patrons. There are tutorials on this process for several devices on our Tutorials page.
- Braille readers can continue to request physical braille and print braille
- CD collections may be available at local libraries.
- Devices circulated by local libraries may be an option.
Devices like DAISY players are expensive and cost is a barrier for some patrons. Are there resources available to help people with print disabilities cover the cost of a new device?
Some provinces offer financial support for assistive technology. More information may be found on your provincial government websites. Some information may be available at the AccessAtCanada website.
An Envoy Connect device may also be an option as the cost for these devices is approximately $100.
Can patrons order additional CDs prior to July 31, 2025?
Yes patrons can increase the number of CDs up to our normal limit which is 4 CDs per week. That request can be made by phoning or emailing our Contact Centre.
We run a book club and used to borrow CELA CDs for our members. What are our options?
There are a number of options for your members.
- Envoy Connect devices can be preloaded with your book club selections and provided to your book club members who need an easy way to access the books.
- Books can be added to DAISY players using an SD card or by downloading directly using your library’s CELA account.
- Libraries could burn a CD of a CELA title locally
- Braille readers can order physical braille, if the selected title is available in braille.
Training and information
Our patrons have questions that I can’t answer about this change to CELA services. Where can I send them for more information?
Patrons can get more information by:
- Checking CELA’s website for our CD Transition Resources Page
- Reviewing the information sent by email or on CD
- Attending our upcoming Information Session for Users scheduled for April 30 at 7 pm. Patrons can register for this session by calling our Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273 or emailing help@celalibrary.ca
- Calling our Contact Centre and pressing option 3 to hear about upcoming webinars or Q&A sessions which support users transitioning to new ways of reading.
- Attending one of our webinars or Q&A sessions to ask questions about new devices or apps for reading.
Can library staff attend the information sessions meant for patrons?
Of course! We’d love to have you attend whichever sessions might be helpful. Our Information Session for the CD Transition and our webinars will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel.
Are there any library only training sessions planned to help us support our patrons?
Yes. We’ll be offering monthly webinars for libraries designed to support CELA users through this transition. Libraries are also welcome to reach out to Member Services staff for additional support. Please plan to join us at our Information Session for Libraries on April 29 at 1 pm EDT as well.
Where can I find a list of these webinars and Q and A sessions?
The full list of all our training programs is available on our CD Transition Resources page as well as our usual training page
We have noticed fewer new human narrated audiobook options available on the CELA website in the last few months. Will you be producing fewer audiobooks as the CD service winds down?
No, our plan is to maintain or increase the number of human narrated audiobooks we add to our collection each year. We are fully committed to offering new human narrated titles. While we acknowledge there have been fewer added in the last few months, we have more than 4000 human narrated books which will be added in the coming months, with more being added throughout 2025. The delay in getting them into our collection is not related to our decision to cease CD production. We’re excited about the new books we will be adding for our users.
Registration
Will there be any changes to the registration process for new CELA users?
Yes, effective April 23 there will no longer be an option to have new users request CDs as part of the registration process.
Should we tell people who want to register after March 25 of the change to CD service?
Yes, you are welcome to make people aware of this change. You can direct them to the CD Transition Resources page on our website which will provide information about the various ways to read accessible books.
What do we do about referrals?
You will continue to receive the names of Vision Loss Rehabilitation (VLR) clients who would like to learn about reading in accessible formats and register for CELA. VLR staff have always offered a selection of players to clients and will continue to do so.
Marketing and communications
How should we update our website and library information to reflect this change to CELA services?
If your website specifically mentions CDs as part of your accessible reading resources, or if that information is part of any signage or printed information, we recommend changing it before June 1 when the CD option will no longer be available to new CELA registrants.
When can we order new CELA resources which don’t have CDs listed?
We will be transitioning our printed resources over the next few weeks and new materials will be available by June 1, 2025.
How can we stay up to date on items related to the CD transition?
We will be sending out communications about the transition through our Open Book for Libraries and the Library Page newsletters. Please visit our CD Transitions Page often and make note of anything marked new.
When will the CELA website reflect this change?
We have begun to adapt our website and resources to reflect that CDs will not be available after July 31, 2025. Over the coming weeks you will see reference to CDs include information about this change or in some cases be removed completely. Our goal is to have references to CDs be eliminated from our website and training materials by June 1, 2025.