Accessibility at the Central Library

Transportation | Library Entrance | Facilities | Equipment

General Information

The Central Library is designed to accommodate the functional needs of the widest range of users as possible, regardless of their ability. The building meets or surpasses all requirements of the Vancouver Building Requirements for Persons with Disabilities (Building Bylaw #6134, Section 3.7 ) for both the public and the staff. Special accessibility equipment is available throughout the building.

Transportation

Parking

• The entrance to the parkade is on Hamilton Street (near Robson Street).
• The parkade will accommodate vehicles up to 6.6 feet in height.
• Specially designated handicapped parking stalls beside doors to the elevators in the parking garage below the library building.
• Automatic doors on Parking Level 1 leading to elevator that opens across from the library entrance.

Bus

• HandyDart drop off on Hamilton Street between Georgia Street and Robson Street. The drop off is designated "Passenger" zone.
• Easily visible signage leading to elevator to West Promenade entrance doors.
• For more information, call TransLink at 604-953-3333.

Library Entrance

• Both entrances to the Promenade have automatic doors.

Facilities

• Low service counter at the Check In Desk at the Library entrance (Level 2).
• All study/computer tables are wheelchair accessible.
• Levels 1, 3, 5 and 7 each has one workstation with height adjustable surface.
• Levels 2, 4 and 6 each have on a height adjustable table, one computer that accesses the library's online catalogue.
• All washrooms have handicapped-accessible stalls.
• A single unit washroom on Level 2 is large enough to accommodate a person in a wheelchair or on a gurney with their attendant.
• All meeting rooms can be equipped with assistive listening devices.

Equipment

GEWA Page Turner

Allows patrons with physical disabilities to turn pages on books, magazines and other documents. Available for in-library use. The page turner is located in the Popular Reading Library on Level 2.

JAWS

JAWS is a screen reading software program. It is located in the main computer area on Level 2. Headphones and the Users' Guide are available at the Information Desk on Level 2.

JAWS Screen Reading software enables patrons with visual impairments to successfully navigate the Vancouver Public Library's website, access the Library Catalogue, and search the Internet. We recommend taking a few minutes to become familiar with the Quick Start Guide. Helpsheets with keystrokes for webpages are also available at the Information Desk. Please feel free to contact VPL's Quick Information Service with your feedback by email at info@vpl.ca or by phone at 604-331-3603.

OPTELEC

A colour video magnification system that helps people with low vision to read printed and handwritten material. OPTELECs are located in the Reading Arcade at the south end of Level 3 and in the Popular Reading Library on Level 2.

ZoomText Xtra

An adaptive software designed specifically to meet the needs of the visually impaired. Provides screen magnification for the Online Catalogue and the Internet. Available in the PAC area on Level 2 and in the Popular Reading Library on Level 2.