I love this quote that I came across recently, from English writer and broadcaster Caitlin Moran. It sums up a lot about what public libraries strive for: “A library in the middle of a community is a cross between an emergency exit, a life raft and a festival. They are cathedrals of the mind, hospitals of the soul, theme parks of the imagination. On a cold rainy island, they are the only sheltered public spaces where you are not a consumer, but a citizen instead.”
I think that the “cold rainy island” she talks about is Great Britain, but I think her praise is applicable to a cold snowy town in the B.C. Interior, as well.
The other life raft that B.C. public libraries provide is accessibility for all, including people who have print disabilities, are unable to turn pages or even access the library in person.
Reading is something that most people take for granted. After all, we do it every day. We read road signs, grocery story labels and billboards, newspapers and books. It’s hard to imagine a day without reading, until you or a family member are unable to do so.
Simply put, a print disability is a learning, physical or visual disability that prevents a person from reading conventional print.
If this sounds like you or someone you know, the Castlegar Library has options! Our in-house collection includes large print books, books on CD and Daisy discs (audio books from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind). We can also provide information on CELA, the Centre for Equitable Library Access, a super resource that offers over 230,000 books, magazines, newspapers and described videos in a choice of formats, and NNELS, the National Network for Equitable Library Service, which gives you access to books in alternate formats, including award winners and a section of recently added titles.
In addition, the library can bring books to you if you are homebound because of illness or mobility issues. Speaking of which, the library has a ramp to the front door and level access to the back door (both of which are equipped with automatic door openers), a wheelchair ramp to our lower level and wheelchair accessible washrooms.
Feel free to visit us or call 250-365-6611 to find out more about any of our accessibility services.
