Accessibility

The St. Catharines Public Library endeavors to make our collections, equipment, services and locations accessible to everyone. We offer materials in various formats, including large print, ebooks and audiobooks, as well as equipment such as magnifiers, specialized screen magnification software, text-to-speech software and more.

Accessible Collections

We offer materials in alternate formats for customers with visual impairments, physical disabilities, and learning disabilities, including:

Large print books
Audiobooks
DVDs with Closed Caption or Described video

Assistive Technology and Equipment

We offers a range of assistive technology and equipment that are available to customers, including:

Adjustable Desks
Dome Magnifier
Large Screen Monitors
Large Print Keyboards
Trackball & Mouse
ZoomText

Website Accessibility

We are committed to providing accessible on-line services to our customers in compliance with AODA.

Accessible Underground Parking

Beginning Wednesday, April 16th, access to the City of St. Catharines’s underground parking garage will be limited to permit holders only. The Library will maintain two accessible parking spaces for library customers. Library card holders with a valid Ontario Accessible Parking Permit will be able to apply to access those spots on a first-come, first-serve basis by completing the form below.

Customers can include up to three licenses plates in their application.

Please note, it may take up to 5 business days to process the request for access to the underground parking garage

Accessible Underground Parking Application

The garage door won’t open when I approach. How can I enter the garage?

Here are some common reasons the underground parking garage door won’t open:

It’s hasn’t been 5 business days since form submission. Please allow 5 business days to process your application before attempting to enter the underground parking garage.

Your license plate number is obscured by dirt, debris, or snow. The license plate reader that admits your vehicle access to the garage may have difficulty reading your plate number if your plate is not clear of debris.

Your license plate number is chipped. The license plate reader that admits your vehicle access to the garage may have difficulty reading your plate number if your plate number is unclear due to chips or peeling paint.

The license plate on your car and the license plate submitted in your application do not match. If your license plate number changes after you’ve submitted your application form, please contact us at parking@myscpl.ca to have your garage access updated.

If you require assistance to enter the parking garage, please contact us at parking@myscpl.ca.

I don’t have an Ontario Accessible Parking Permit but still want to park underground. How can I access the garage?

The underground parking is designated for city parking permit holders, and Ontario accessible parking permit holders with a valid library card. If you need to access these accessible parking spots due to mobility issues, you can apply for an Ontario Accessible Parking Permit through the Ontario Government.

Ontario Accessible Parking Permit applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person with all necessary paperwork. For more information, visit the Ontario Government’s website.

How do I exit the garage after my library visit?

Upon departure, the garage door will automatically open when your vehicle approaches.

Can I leave library property with my car in the garage?

No. Unfortunately, there is no way to access the underground parking garage on foot from the outside. If you leave library property and return after the library is closed, your car will remain locked inside the garage.

If your car becomes locked inside the garage, please contact security at 365-378-9464 or 289-556-9388.

Can't make it into the library?

The Visiting Library can help!

Our Visiting Library service is designed to allow our housebound customers to continue use of library materials, even when they cannot visit the library in person. Learn more about Visiting Library and how to qualify for this service.

Visiting Library

SCPL Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Discover how we strive to make SCPL accessible to all

SCPL is committed to providing equitable access to library services that meets the changing needs of all its customers and employees. Our Accessibility Plan outlines the actions we have taken to reduce and remove barrier for our customers and provide plans for future improvements to SCPL's services, facilities, and collections.

2023-2027 Accessibility Plan

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