Expanding Braille Access
We’re excited to share more information on our National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) new embossed braille services, available to readers and libraries across Canada! This initiative is made possible through a cost-sharing partnership with the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) and support from the Government of Canada’s Equitable Access to Reading Program, and brings embossed braille books straight to the hands of readers.
Q&A with Riane Lapaire, Braille Coordinator at NNELS
What is the new embossed braille service, and why is it an important addition?
RL: The embossed braille service provides another way for readers to access braille. Using existing braille files in the NNELS collection or obtained from partner organizations, books can be embossed on demand. Unlike traditional library loans, these embossed copies are single-use, meaning readers don’t need to return them once finished. NNELS ships the books directly to patrons, which is especially helpful for those who can’t easily visit a library or don’t want to wait for interlibrary loans. Braille readers can request titles themselves, or library staff can submit requests on their behalf.
How did the partnership with CELA on this project come about?
RL: The partnership with CELA came about through our shared commitment to increasing access to braille materials for readers across Canada. We saw an opportunity to combine resources. This is a great project, which will run until the end of this funding agreement, end of March 2027.
How does this service help reduce barriers for braille readers across Canada?
RL: This service reduces barriers by making braille more convenient and accessible. Since the embossed braille is single-use and mailed directly to readers, it’s especially valuable for people in remote communities, those who are homebound, or anyone who finds it difficult to transport large boxes of braille from the library. Another benefit is that the braille doesn’t need to be returned — readers can keep it to reread or recycle once they’re done reading.
How has the early response been?
RL: Our first shipment of books is going out this week to libraries in BC, and the interest in the program has been very encouraging. Libraries are excited to have another simple, practical way to bring braille into their communities and are eager to see the impact this service will have once patrons start using it.
Who is currently eligible to request embossed braille books through NNELS?
RL: Anyone with a NNELS account is eligible to request embossed braille books. This includes library staff, who can make requests either for their library or on behalf of a braille reader.
In addition, NNELS is also providing braille and tactile activity pages to evacuation centres and libraries across Canada that are supporting people displaced by this summer’s wildfires. These can be requested by emailing braille@nnels.ca.
Can you walk us through the process of how a braille reader can request a book?
RL: Braille readers can request a book directly from the NNELS website. From the home page, they can go to the Grant Projects section in the menu, select Braille Projects, then Embossed Braille Service, and finally open the request form for an embossed braille title. The form can also be accessed through this link directly. Readers, or library staff submitting a request on their behalf, can simply fill out the form with the necessary details so NNELS staff can emboss the book and send it to the correct location.
Are there any costs involved for individuals or libraries using this service?
RL: No – there are no costs for individuals or libraries. Like all NNELS braille programs, this service is completely free, thanks to funding from the Government of Canada’s Equitable Access to Reading Program. Shipping is also free through Canada Post’s Literature for the Blind service.
What is required from libraries to becoming a host library for the Distributed Braille Collection?
RL: The Distributed Braille Collection is different from the Embossed Braille Service. Instead of single-use braille, it provides high-quality, permanent braille books in English and French. These books are embossed or printed on durable braille paper, comb bound into volumes with plastic covers, and include printed title pages and braille labels. The collection also includes print-braille books and titles with tactile graphics. Because they are designed for multiple uses, these books are returned after each loan.
Since NNELS doesn’t have a physical building that braille readers can easily access, braille titles are distributed across public libraries nationwide, making use of their existing systems—local borrowing, programming, staffing, and interlibrary loans. Currently, 25 libraries host titles from the Distributed Braille Collection, and we are looking to add more.
To participate, host libraries are asked to:
- Provide shelf space for the titles.
- Add the braille titles to their catalog and collections (MARC records are available on request).
- Make the books available for borrowing without restrictions.
- Ship books to other libraries on request using Canada Post’s Literature for the Blind service.
- Share circulation stats or feedback when requested.
NNELS supports host libraries by answering questions, supplying MARC records, and repairing or replacing worn titles when needed. Libraries interested in joining the Distributed Braille Collection can contact braille@nnels.ca.
What’s involved in setting up and hosting a Little Free Braille Library?
RL: A Little Free Braille Library works much like the familiar Little Free Library concept, but inside a public library space. Libraries can request a selection of single-use, grab-and-go braille titles through the Embossed Braille Service. These books don’t need to be catalogued or formally circulated. Instead, the library sets up a small, visible, and well-advertised space where readers can freely take braille books home.
Unlike a traditional Little Free Library, there’s no need for book exchanges or tracking statistics. When supplies run low, libraries can simply request more titles. Through NNELS’ library request form, staff can choose specific genres, languages, surprise selections, or individual titles. All books are shipped free of charge using Canada Post’s Literature for the Blind service.
What are your hopes for the future of braille access in Canada through programs like this one?
RL: We hope for a future where braille readers can easily access high-quality braille and tactile graphics in whatever format they prefer—just as print readers do. This could include physical braille available in libraries or delivered to their door, electronic braille on an affordable display, or even braille offered in bookstores or local coffee shops. Print is everywhere for sighted readers, and braille readers should have the same seamless access. Programs like the Distributed Braille Collection, the Embossed Braille Service, and electronic braille titles in the NNELS repository are important steps toward making this a reality.
And lastly, what was the proudest moment you’ve experienced in advancing accessibility in your work for the Co-op and NNELS?
RL: I used to think my proudest moments were about working with Canadian publishers to release books in print and braille simultaneously. But now I see it’s really about all the partnerships we’ve built to advance a more equitable braille landscape—including projects like our Braille for Forthcoming Publications initiative.
The Braille for Forthcoming Publications Project allows NNELS to collaborate with Canadian publishers to release titles in braille at the same time as print editions. This raises awareness among publishers and authors about braille and ensures high-quality electronic and physical braille is available for equitable access. quality electronic and physical braille books to be available at the same time the print is available for more equitable access for braille readers.
We also have sharing agreements with organizations like the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) and the Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired (PRCVI) in BC. These partnerships prevent duplication of expensive braille transcription and help readers access titles outside NNELS’ collection.
Other exciting collaborations include:
- Elections Canada’s Inspire Democracy Program, providing accessible materials, including braille, so everyone can participate in the democratic process.
- Braille Literacy Canada’s Braille Zoomers, offering adults opportunities to practice braille reading. NNELS is providing reading materials, with five short novels joining the collection this fall.
- Andrew Harbridge Music Publishing and the Canadian Conservatory of Music, making new piano repertoire available in music braille for students, teachers, and examiners.
- Development of eBRF (eBraille) with APH, Humanware, the DAISY Consortium, and other stakeholders. This new electronic braille file type will provide modern eBook functionality and improved navigation on braille displays.
Each year, NNELS also leads World Braille Day celebrations with partners like the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA), the Provincial Resource Centre of the Visually Impaired (PRCVI), Braille Literacy Canada (BLC), Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC), CNIB, Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB), and Alternate Educational Resources Ontario (AERO). These events include webinars, panels, downloadable braille activities, and library programming ideas, with 2026 plans already underway.
What I’m most proud of is NNELS’ ongoing commitment to working with people with lived experience and building community partnerships. Being involved in these initiatives and working together within so many communities helps expand access to braille and supports a more equitable reading landscape.