Our Collection
La Bibliothèque en français
The CNIB Library is a lot like your local public library. But what makes this service unique and accessible are the different types of book formats designed for those who have vision loss or who cannot read regular print. You can access our materials by mail or though online services.
The library has thousands of books, including all types of stories, subjects, and authors. Our books and services are available in French and English.
Book Formats
Audio books - these are the most popular books. They can be accessed in two ways:
Braille (contracted and uncontracted) - these books are made up of raised dots on paper representing letters or words. Some of these books are available online at The CNIB Digital Library. We also offer a choice of braille-format magazines.
Printbraille - Printbraille books are regular children's picture books with clear braille overlays placed between the print pages. They're great for kids and for adult braille readers who want to read to children!
Electronic text - these books are in either plain text or Portable Document Format (PDF) and can be read using adaptive technologies on your computer. These books are available online at The CNIB Digital Library.
More than Just Books
The CNIB Library is much more than just books. Here are other types of materials and services available to you:
Descriptive videos: The library has everything from the classics to blockbusters. During pauses in dialogue a narrator describes the scene in the movie such as action, setting, and even costumes. Descriptive videos are available on DVD and VHS and are a great way to follow your favourite movie with your friends or family!
Magazines: The library offers eight Canadian magazines on audio CD, as well as many more online at The CNIB Digital Library. Braille magazines are also available.
Newspapers: More than fifty newspapers are available online at The CNIB Digital Library.
Music: The CNIB Library offers one of the most extensive collections of braille musical scores in the world. For those just learning, the library also has a collection of instructional guides in braille and in audio. A music reference service is also available.
Children's programs: In addition to children's books ranging from the Franklin series to The Princess Diaries, the library offers a summer reading club where kids send in book reviews and win prizes, a braille creative writing and accuracy competition, and loads of online reading and fun on The Children's Discovery Portal.
Additional Resources
The CNIB Library collection has been greatly expanded through international partnerships. If you are looking for a book and we do not have it in our collection, we can check for it in other libraries. If the item is available there, we will arrange an inter-library loan.
Books can be borrowed for a period of three months and there is no fee for this service.