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Accessibility at The Library

Bayside Libraries strive to be a welcoming and functional space for people of all abilities. We are committed to ensuring our services are accessible to all community members, and we have resources available for use in the library and at home. 

If you have any questions of suggestions concerning accessibility at the library, please contact our Positive Ageing Librarian.

Visiting The Library

All Bayside Library locations provide accessible parking spaces, wheelchair access to the building, accessible toilets and automatic doors. The multi-use room at Sandringham Library has a hearing loop.

For children visiting the library, try sharing Our Library by Donna Rawlins or Hooray, Hooray it's library day by Julie Anne Grasso to prepare them for their visit.

C-Pen Reader 2

Bayside Libraries offer a C-Pen Reader 2 which can be borrowed.  The C-Pen Reader 2 scans text to have words read aloud with natural speaking voices and defined with highest tier dictionaries instantly. There's a voice recorder and the Reader 2 supports storing scanned text as well as an app for easy access to word practice. Everything is built-in, and there is no need for an internet connection.

eLibrary Collections

One of great things about eBooks is their accessibility. A font is available on iOS and Android that makes text more readable for dyslexic users. Our BorrowBox app is optimised to work with Apple's VoiceOver functionality to enable the eBook to be 'read' aloud simply by tapping the screen. You can also adjust the display to create the best reading experience for you. Heavy print editions only weigh as much as your device, which is great if you've reached a point in your life when holding books to read has become more difficult.

Our BorrowBox platform offers a range of accessibility features, and is compatible with all the most popular screen readers and offers key features including:

  • Visually impaired users can enhance their reading experience by adjusting the size and type of font on the eBook reader to suit them – by clicking on the adjust options or pinching the screen. There is also a zoom in functionality on the eReader.
  • The BorrowBox eAudio player also features a speed setting to adjust the speed of the narration to suit the user, as visually impaired users tend to listen at a faster speed.
  • Users can also adjust the margin width and background theme to make the text easier to read.
  • All adjusted settings are saved so the user only has to customize their account once.
  • BorrowBox synchronises across six devices at once and automatically remembers your preferred text settings
  • The BorrowBox app is fully compatible with the Voice Control feature of Apple and Android devices. 


Dyslexic users can benefit from a wide range of features that make enjoying stories possible.

  • Sepia background option.
  • Amend the margins to make the words easier to read.
  • A specific Dyslexic font option, which makes recognizing the letters and forming words even easier.
  • Settings saving automatically once applied.
  • Listening to the eAudiobook whilst reading the eBook
  • If you listen to eAudiobooks via BorrowBox, you can adjust the playback-speed so you can enjoy listening at your own pace.

Our streaming film service, Kanopy, provides descriptive audio and closed captioning option. 

 

 

Displaying closed captions or subtitles
To enable closed captions or subtitles while watching a film, select the CC icon in the bottom-right corner of the video player. Slide the toggle next to Captions to turn them on. If multiple tracks are available, you can select one below the toggle.  Select Captions Settings to customize how captions appear in Kanopy.


Displaying transcripts
To enable transcripts while watching a film, select the Enable Transcripts icon in the bottom-right corner of the video player.  This will open the "Transcripts" window. As the film plays, the transcript will advance automatically. You can also manually scroll up and down within the transcript.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Libby app for eBooks, eAudioBooks and eMagazines includes a range of accessibility features.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Browse the eLibrary Collection

Studying at The Library

The study rooms at Sandringham Library have adjustable lighting and, while not soundproof, block out most background noise. All our libraries have height adjustable desks.  Laptop tables are available for use in the library at Brighton.

Home Library

We deliver books, CDs, DVDs, and other materials to your home if you are unable to come to the library due to a disability or other mobility issues. You may sign up to receive homebound delivery on either a temporary or long-term basis.

We also support our Home Library members with new technology including Envoy Connect's, Kobo and Kindle eReaders.

Read more information about the Home Library Service

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