Services

Accessibility

The Lethbridge Public Library offers a variety of accessible services and resources to increase access and remove barriers.

For those with print disabilities, LPL provides a variety of resources in house including:

We also partner with the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) and the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) to provide access to books, magazines and newspapers in a variety of formats.

Print disabilities may include:

  • The inability to focus or move one’s eyes or to hear properly
  • The inability to hold a book or turn pages
  • Difficulty comprehending written words

For more information, please contact any of our branches.

In collaboration with the Alberta Library, the Happiness Project is an interactive light technology that helps change the lives of people living with cognitive challenges. Bookings are available to try out this innovative technology for 30 minutes

Registration available here

Available to those who are unable to physically visit a branch, Homebound Delivery provides lending services straight to your home. For more information visit the Home Delivery page.

If you prefer to not come into the library to pick up your holds, we can bring them to you.  Simply call the applicable curbside delivery number listed below and we will happily deliver your items to the curbside table.

Curbside Pickup Hours of Operation (Main and Crossings Branches):

  • Monday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm
  • Sunday: 1pm to 4pm

Contact:

  • Main Branch: 403-308-4106
  • Crossings: 403-320-4037
  • Bookmobile: 403-330-4775

Doorbells are available at the entrance for those without cell phones.

The Main Branch offers a Sensory Friendly Browsing Hour on select Saturdays from 10am to 11am. Individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend. This is an opportunity for those who appreciate a sensory-friendly environment to browse the library with reduced noise and lighting for the duration of the hour.  Check out our Events page and search for “Sensory” to view availability.

Access to the Happiness Projector is available in our Makerspace located in Computer Services at the Main Branch.  This projector uses sensory light technology to provide a variety of interactive light games, proven effective for people with cognitive challenges. Paint pictures, brush leaves, pop bubbles or play tennis! For more information ask at the Computer Services desk at the Main Branch or call 403-320-4102.

The Library provides Sensory Baskets for use in branch at both the Main and Crossings branches.  These baskets provide things like noise reducing headphones, lap pads, and wiggle cushions intended to offer a little extra assistance to those patrons who might be easily overstimulated when attending a program or visiting a branch.  These items can be accessed in Children’s Services at the main branch or at the customer service desk at the Crossings Branch.

We also have Sensory Tool Kits and Social Emotional Learning Toys available to check out. The Sensory Tool Kits include noise reducing items (headphones, noise machines), wiggle cushions, weighted lap pads, fidgets, massagers, and more!  These items assist customers with sensory pressure, noise reduction, calming, stimulation, and more.  These items can be found in the Toy Library at the Main Branch.

Our collection of Social Emotional Learning toys focus on teaching emotions, facial expressions, emotional regulation, and calming activities.  Ask the Children’s Services staff at the Main Branch for more information or call 403-380-7320.

The Main and Crossings Branches also offer Family/Calming Rooms for those needing some downtime from the noise and distraction of a busy public space.  The rooms include calming furniture, dimmer lighting, and a collection of sensory items.  Anyone needing a few minutes of low-sensory time can visit Children’s Services at the Main Branch, or the Customer Services desk at the Crossings to request access to this relaxing space.

The Main Branch offers a wheelchair for patron use. Just ask at any customer service desk, or call ahead for more information: 403-380-7310

Both the Main and Crossings branches have accessible, single-user washrooms available for all customers.

Library programs that include films or movies include closed captioning (when available). Select events at the annual Word on the Street festival include a sign language interpreter and/or live captioning.


National Network of Equitable Library Service (NNELS)

The National Network of Equitable Library Service maintains an online collection of downloadable audiobooks and other accessible formats. Once you are registered with your library as a patron with print disabilities, you can download free content from the NNELS catalogue.

Getting Started with NNELS

Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA)

The Centre for Equitable Library Access maintains a collection of books, magazines, newspapers, videos, audiobooks, and ebooks in accessible formats. To register as a CELA patron, ask for help at your home library or fill out this form and give it to library staff. Once you are registered, you can download titles to your computer or mobile device, download books to a DAISY player, or receive audio CDs, Braille books, or described movies through the mail.

Getting Started with CELA