Accessibility is a core value of public libraries. The Pender Island Public Library is committed to provide accessibility to our building and our services.
We aim to support the diverse needs of our community by following our guiding principles of respect, responsive to change, collaboration, and service.
If you have specific requirements or need assistance to access our digital and public library space, please reach out to us at 250-629-3722, or email libraryhelpdesk@crd.bc.ca
Accessible features at the Pender Island Public Library:
- Two designated, accessible parking spaces in the front of the Library
- Low-level accessibility ramp in front of Library
- Automatic door opener at the main entrance
- Sheltered entryway
- Highly visible and easy to locate information/service desk
- Low service counter at the information/service desk
- Wide aisles and lots of mobility space for navigating inside the library
- Variety of seating options (seats with and without armrests, adjustable heights, fixed and movable)
- Two gender-neutral accessible washrooms
Accessible features at the Mayne, Galiano, Saturna, and Piers reading centres: (coming soon)
Accessible Resources
What is a print disability?
A print disability can be a:
- Learning disability: An impairment relating to comprehension.
- Physical disability: The inability to hold or manipulate a book.
- Visual disability: Severe or total impairment of sight or the inability to focus or move one’s eyes.
National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS)
If you have a print disability, you qualify to register as a print-disabled library member which allows you to access resources from NNELS.
- NNELS is an online collection owned and sustained by Canadian public libraries, working with international partners, libraries, readers, and publishers (particularly Canadian ones) to make copies of books in accessible formats available to readers in Canada who have print disabilities.
- People who have a vision impairment, who are unable to hold a book, and/or who have certain learning disabilities qualify for the NNELS service through public libraries.
- For more information about the service and how to get books, see NNELS: Accessible Books or visit the NNELS website.
- To sign up for NNELS, please contact the Pender Island Public Library by phone: 250-629-3722 or email: libraryhelpdesk@crd.bc.ca to register as a print-disabled member, and then visit the NNELS sign-up page.
Accessible Reading BC
- Accessible Reading BC is a new collection of accessible eBooks from BC publishers available to all BC residents.
- Unlimited access with no wait times.
- Sign in with your library card barcode and password/PIN.
- After downloading an eBook, load it into your favourite reading application.
- Need help getting started? Find tutorials at Accessible Reading BC or book a Tech Tutor session with library staff.
Inter-Library Loan Audiobooks & Large Print
- You can request audiobooks and large print books from other libraries using inter-library loans.
Other Accessible Resources at Pender Island Public Library
- Collection of physical books in Large Print format
- Collection of digital e-books with options to set font size and type (including dyslexia font), page colour and brightness (Libby)
- Collection of audiobooks in physical CD format and in digital format (Libby)
- Website Preferences Tool –change the look of the library website according to your reading preferences and needs to improve the reading experience. For ex., bigger font, links underlined, table formatting removed for accessibility readers, and an accessibility formatting preference options button at the top of each page, labeled “show preferences”.
- Free public domain audiobooks at LibriVox
Subject Guides
- Literacy & Struggling Readers – a subject guide that contains links to local and government resources.
- Resources for People with Disabilities – a subject guide that contains links to local and government resources.
Share your Feedback on Accessibility
The Pender Island Public Library aims to be a dynamic and welcoming centre for all to learn, discover, explore and connect. It’s important to us that we know and understand the barriers within our facility so we can better serve our residents and visitors.
Learn more about the Pender Island Public Library Accessibility Plan.
You can provide feedback on the plan or any barriers you have experienced at the Pender Island Public Library:
- Phone: 250-629-3722
- Email: libraryhelpdesk@crd.bc.ca
- In person: with staff at the Pender Island Public Library
- Mail: Pender Island Public Library, Box 12, 4407 Bedwell Harbour Rd., Pender Island, BC V0N 2M0
How we use your feedback
Your valued feedback will be used to:
- repair deficiencies or hazards at the Pender Island Public Library
- better understand accessibility trends and patterns
- help identify future accessibility projects
Please note that your feedback will only be connected to you when requesting a personal response.