The Library strives to provide equitable access to all of our services.

Accessible Equipment A woman with white hair uses an accessible computer at the Main Branch

The Library's Main Branch has an accessible computer workstation equipped with special hardware and software, including:

  • fully adjustable table; 
  • computer mouse options; 
  • a large print keyboard; 
  • touch screen monitor;
  • various assistive software.

The Main branch also has a CCTV print magnifier, a DAISY player, a UbiDuo and TextNet software. Please feel free to ask a staff member for additional information.

Visiting Library Service (VLS)

Are you a Town of Ajax resident with restricted mobility or long-term illness? Then you’ll love our Visiting Library Service program: we bring the Library to you! Our Visiting Library Service is available for Ajax residents who are homebound due to illness, age, or disability.

Accessible Collections and Programs

Find accessibility items available for loan in our catalogue such as:

  • Daisy Talking Books - reserved for print-disabled customers who have completed a CELA Self-Declaration Form. This form needs to be verified by CELA.
  • Daisy Player - available for borrowing along with your Daisy Talking Books.
  • Audiobooks - in CD or downloadable format, you can listen to these on your computer or portable device. Search and request audio books online.
  • Closed-captioned DVDs - some of our movie titles have subtitles that can be seen with a closed-captioned decoder or with a built-in decoder on newer televisions.
  • Large Print Books - books printed in 16 point font size.
  • Databases - many of our Online Resources have accessibility features. A staff member can help you find the ones that fit your needs.
  • Toy Library - an educational collection to enhance the play experience, develop skills and allow kids of all abilities to learn as they play.
  • Programs - staff can provide information about current programs that will meet your needs and interests.

Wheelchair Accessibility at all Branches

All Library branches can be approached, entered, and used by persons with physical disabilities. Features include parking lots with pavement markings, automatic door openers, washroom grab-bars, along with an elevator, walker, and stair-tread edgings at the Main Branch.

The Library has recently enhanced accessibility at Main Branch with the addition of automatic door openers in key spaces, including the Rotary Room and upstairs washrooms. The Library looks forward to continuing to increase access for all in Library spaces. Funded in part by the Government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund.

Sign with yellow background and navy text that reads Curbside Pick Up, Ajax Public Library. Icon of stack of three books below.Curbside Pickup is available at all Branches!

Each Library branch has a designated space for Curbside Pickup - look for the sign! 

  • Park your vehicle in the allotted Curbside Pickup space at each branch - look for the sign!
  • Call 905-683-4000; each location has a different extension to enter listed on the Curbside Pickup sign. 
  • Wait for your items to be brought right to you!

Hearing Assistance at Main & Audley Branches

A hearing loop system is part of the microphone system in both the Rotary Room (Main Branch) and Multi-Purpose Room (Audley Branch). It allows customers to hear a clearer, more intelligible sound, and background noises are greatly reduced. 

Listeners hear directly through their hearing aid simply by switching it to the telecoil (T) setting and adjust the volume as needed. If you are unsure about activating the telecoil in your hearing aid, please contact your hearing aid provider for help. For those that require hearing assistance but do not have a hearing aid, a portable receiver and headset are available. Please speak to staff if you require this option.

CELA Library Partners Program

As a Canadian with a print disability you have a right to accessible public library services. CELA makes it possible and easy for all public libraries in Canada to provide materials in a broad range of accessible formats, with both digital and conventional delivery options. If you already receive CELA services, learn about Bookshare, which gives you access to over 253,000 eBooks. Contact us to register for CELA services via email or call 905-683-4000 ext. 8813. 

Accessible Communications

The Library will provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities, upon request. Alternate methods of communication may include, but are not limited to:

  • handwritten or typed communications for customers who are Deaf or hard of hearing;
  • the use of TextNet for customers who are Deaf or hard of hearing;
  • providing transcripts, or the use of assistive software when communicating with customers with low or no vision; and,
  • reading documents out loud to customers with intellectual disabilities or to customers with low or no vision.

Library staff will use the appropriate communication method that takes into account the person’s disability in the particular situation.

TEXTNET is a communications software that allows users to type and read conversations that would otherwise be done by speaking and hearing. You can use TEXTNET to get information about any Library programs and services. TEXTNET users who make inquiries after hours have the ability to leave a message for staff and calls are returned promptly. Customers wishing to use the TEXTNET system to make inquiries can call the Town’s toll free number (1-866-460-4489) and be linked to Town Hall, the Recreation and Culture department, or the Library.

Accessible Formats

All of the content on our website is available in alternate formats. If you require an alternate format, please contact the Coordinator of Marketing and Communications via email or call 905-683-4000, ext. 8819.

Accessibility Policy and Procedure