Life-long learning and enjoyment, for all.
The Colchester-East Hants Public Library strives to ensure that everyone is welcome and has access to the full range of information, services, and programs that we offer.
The Interregional Advisory Committee for Library Accessibility (IACLA) is proud to release the multi-year IACLA Accessibility Plan for six regional libraries, including Colchester-East Hants Public Library. Read the full plan.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 level AA standards
At CEHPL, we know that the online experience we create needs to be welcoming and inclusive to people with a wide range of abilities. This includes those who rely on assistive technology to access online services, in addition to individuals with cognitive and digital-literacy challenges.
An important part of our commitment to those using assistive technology includes the implementation of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 level AA on our website, which includes assistive features such as:
- Screen reader accessibility through the use of live text and alt image descriptions
- Responsive display, programmed to respond according to screen and text size
- Accessible design, which includes meeting contrast and colour standards, as well as adapting the content so that it is easily digested by the user
- Light-loading media so that the website can be accessed by poorer internet connections
Something for everyone!
Colchester-East Hants Public Library offers a variety of materials of particular interest to persons with a physical, mental, intellectual, learning, or sensory impairment.
- Large print books
- Audiobooks & eBooks
- Portable DAISY talking book players
- CELA deposit collections*
- Videos and DVDs with descriptive text
- Captioned videos and DVDs
* Some of these services require patrons to sign a print-disability self-declaration form. Please visit one of our branches for further details.
- CELA *
* Some of these services require patrons to sign a print-disability self-declaration form. Please visit one of our branches for further details.
CELA & NNELS services for patrons with print disabilities
CEHPL is pleased to offer a variety of services for patrons with print disabilities, through CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access) and NNELS (National Network for Equitable Library Service).
These services provide downloadable audio and electronic book formats (DAISY, MP3, e-text), described video, and braille to Nova Scotians with print disabilities. People can sign up to download books at home to their own devices or computers.
CELA also offers home delivery of materials and a collection of titles available on-site in our branches.
What is defined as a "print disability"?
We are using the definition from the Canadian Copyright Act which defines a perceptual disability (i.e. print disability) as:
- a disability that prevents or inhibits a person from reading or hearing a literary, musical, dramatic or artistic work in its original format, and includes such a disability resulting from
- (a) severe or total impairment of sight or hearing or the inability to focus or move one’s eyes,
- (b) the inability to hold or manipulate a book, or
- (c) an impairment relating to comprehension
CELA & NNELS titles can be used on a wide variety of devices, including computers/laptops, iPad, iPhone, Android devices, MP3 players, DAISY readers, and can also be burned to CDs.
If you meet the criteria for having a print disability as defined above, you will need to complete a Self-Declaration form at your local library. If you are unable to complete the form, you may have a “competent authority” complete it for you.
You will then be assigned a library barcode and PIN with a “patron type” that will allow you to access the materials via:
- NNELS website – Includes tutorials on downloading NNELS titles and other useful information.
- CELA website – Includes tutorials on downloading CELA titles and other useful information.
Already registered? Log in to login with your library card.
Community Outreach
Library service is available beyond our five branch locations. Our outreach services go where you live and work.
Borrow By Mail
Borrow By Mail service is available to all residents of Colchester-East Hants. Borrow By Mail offers library materials delivered right to your mailbox in Colchester and East Hants counties. Audio books, magazines, and DVDs are also availble by mail. With subsidized mail rates, courtesy of the Government of Canada, you simply request your materials online or by phone, we mail the materials to you in a convenient pouch, and you return them by mail in the same pouch, all at no cost to you. Learn more and register for Borrow By Mail.
Library Delivery Service
The Library Delivery Service lets group settings like nursing homes and other care homes in Colchester and East Hants get free deliveries of items from the Library. Learn more and see if Library Delivery Service is right for you.
Satellite Branches
CEHPL operates two satellite branches – one in Kennetcook and one in Middle Stewiacke. Each satellite is open for 4.5 hours once every three weeks to the general public.
Services offered include:
- Local collection browsing
- Full borrowing access to province-wide collections
- Computer access
- Readers’ advisory
- Information services
Learn more about the Kennetecook and Middle Stewiacke satellite locations and their open dates.
CEHPL stands united with all public libraries in the province in its commitment to work towards the following shared vision: All Nova Scotians have full and equitable access to spaces, services, resources, programs, and employment/volunteers opportunities offered by public libraries.
CEHPL has joined forces with five other regional library boards (Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Cape Breton Regional Library, Cumberland Public Library, Eastern Counties Regional Library, and Western Counties Regional Library) to form the Interregional Advisory Committee for Library Accessibility (IACLA).
The Committee is composed of twelve members; half of the Committee members are people with disabilities or who represent people with disabilities.
IACLA Accessibility Plan (PDF)
We want to hear from you! If you experience an accessibility issue with one of our services or locations, or if you have any feedback or questions about accessibility, please contact our Admin Office or fill out the form below:
Colchester-East Hants Public Library
Admin Office
754 Prince Street
Truro, NS B2N 1GN
(902) 895 – 0235
