Public libraries do significant outreach in their communities. This toolkit provides practical, collaborative tools to help you reach individuals with print disabilities — many of whom may feel that "reading isn’t for them." By focusing on these often-underserved populations, you can show that your library is a hub where every person, regardless of their barriers to print, is empowered to experience the joy of reading.
Outreach to your community starts with staff feeling well-informed and enthusiastic about your accessible collections and services. The following resources and suggestions will help engage and train staff:
What is a print disability - YouTube Video
AccessibleLibraries.ca is a great resource where you'll find helpful guidelines:
CELA regularly offers free trainings for library staff. Please check out our webinars page for upcoming library webinars or watch recorded webinars for libraries.
Use this resource as a general introduction to CELA for presentations, onboarding new staff, and board meetings.
Introduce CELA to your library patrons by incorporating it into regular interactions. Libraries can order CELA's promotional materials for free. Have these promotional materials available at your branch to spread awareness of CELA to patrons and their family, professionals, and educators. We recommend displaying flyers like the Child and Teen poster on your bulletin boards and including a pamphlet on CELA’s services in your new patron registration packages.
Use the CELA or CAÉB logo for digital communications.
Long English CELA Logo (.jpg)
Short English CELA Logo (.jpg)
Long French CAÉB Logo (.jpg)
Short French CAÉB Logo (.jpg)
Share digital copies of the CELA or CAÉB promotional materials, or order printed copies for free.
Promotional Materials page – Downloadable copies and order printed materials
CELA provides an updated printable list of new titles every month on its For Libraries page. This list is provided as a downloadable Word document. When promoting new titles or book club reads, remember to check what's new at CELA.
English - Download printable list of selected new book titles
French - Download printable list of selected new book titles
A general guide on disability organizations: Outreach Venues and Organizations
According to the 2023 Statistics Canada Survey on Accessible Print Materials, about 5.2 million Canadians had a difficulty with print material. There may be many people in your community who are not aware that they can access CELA services. One way to help is to reach out to the people who support them. Educators and professionals in rehabilitation, senior services and other fields who work with people with print disabilities can access CELA through our Educator Access Program and Client Access Support Program. Your library can use our letter templates to send to organizations supporting people with print disabilities and schools in your region to let them know about CELA.
English CELA letter to organizations
French CAÉB letter to organizations
English CELA letter to school boards
French CAÉB letter to school boards
To include in library newsletters or newsletter submissions for other organizations about CELA.
English CELA Newsletter content - General, School Boards, and Organizations
French CAÉB Newsletter content - General, School Boards, and Organizations
Short Newsletter content (250 words) English - CELA Newsletter feature
Short Newsletter content (250 words) French - CAÉB Newsletter feature
Feature CELA on your library website. Check the documents for updated information.
Sample Web content about CELA for your library website
French Sample Web content (CAÉB) for your library website
Insert in slideshows, utilize in library staff onboarding, or promote CELA.
Include information about your accessible collections and services on social media, and check and update it periodically to stay up to date. And follow CELA on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Bluesky while you’re at it! The following sample web content and social media posts are intended as starting points for sharing information about your accessible services on your social channels. Please tag us in your social media posts about CELA and don't forget to include links to accessible books in your book promotion posts!
Accessible Libraries Social Media Accessibility Guideline
English Canva edit link – Image using graphics
English Canva edit link – Image using stock images
French Canva edit link - Image using graphics
French Canva edit link - Image using stock images
CELA provides user support via our Contact Centre, which operates from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 7:30 pm Eastern time. Users can reach the Contact Centre by phone or email.
CELA also offers ongoing support via live webinars, which are recorded and then posted to our website. Webinar topics include getting started with CELA, device tutorials, and “Ask us” question and answer drop-ins.
Once you've done all this work for outreach, here are some resources to help support your team to run accessible programming.
