Autism Spectrum Disorder Resources

Children and families can enjoy new ways to learn, read and have fun! Check out the new sensory-friendly arrivals on our shelves for you to borrow or use in the library.

• Autism Tools Kit
• Feelings Flashcards: A Great Way for Kids to Share--and Learn About--all Kinds of Emotions
• Mindfulness Game: Guess, Connect, Experiment
• Moods & Emotions Wooden Match-Ups
• Moogy the Emotions Game
• My Feelings: Exploring Emotions Through Fun, Active Play!
• Photo Conversation Cards For Children With Autism and Asperger’s
• Sensory Fidget Toys
• What Should I Do? A Game of Consequences

Explore ASD Tools

 

Cognitive Care Kits

Our Cognitive Care Kit collection features kits containing a variety of activities intended for people looking to improve their cognitive abilities. These kits are appropriate for someone who has Alzheimer’s Disease or another dementia, is recovering from a stroke, or another condition not specified. They are categorized into early, middle or later stage. The materials include simple puzzles, activity and colouring books, readers, and interactive games. Elements of these kits may need to be adapted to be suitable for the person using it.

Watch this video to learn more about our Cognitive Care Kits.

Introduction to Cognitive Care Kits

Borrow a Cognitive Care Kit

 

Dyslexia Toolkits

Explore our dyslexia-friendly resource kits. This kit equips adult caregivers with valuable information about dyslexia. Inside, you’ll find helpful tools tailored to support children aged 5 to 9 who experience dyslexia or related symptoms.

Borrow a Dyslexia Toolkit

 

CELA Services

Vaughan Public Libraries is a member of the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA). CELA provides access to over one million titles to seniors and individuals with print disabilities. This includes visual, physical, and learning disabilities that impair the reading of printed materials.

Enjoy books, magazines, newspapers and described videos in a variety of formats including audio, e-text, and braille. Digital formats can be downloaded or accessed with a device setup for Direct to Player. Physical formats are sent in the mail.

To set up an account with CELA, please visit the Information Desk or Ask Us! online for assistance. A library membership is required, but it is not required to have proof of disability.

 

Home Library Service

We recognize that some members of our community are unable to visit our libraries and may rely on family or friends to bring them materials from the library. We offer a Home Library Service to help such individuals. Once registered for this service, you will have access to the following benefits:

• Longer loan periods
• Flexible hold pickup dates
• Qualified Library staff to assist with selection of materials
• Books by Mail service

The Home Library Service can be used temporarily or on a permanent basis and is free of charge. Please complete the online Home Library Customer Declaration Form to start the process or speak with library staff if assistance is needed.

 

Accessible Building Features

• Libraries with multiple levels (or are not on ground level) have a button operated passenger elevator or lift. These include Civic Centre Resource Library, Kleinburg Library, Pierre Berton Resource Library, VMC Library, and Woodbridge Library. Other libraries are on ground level.
• Book drops are accessible height.
• Distance between book shelves in all libraries accommodates minimum aisle widths per accessibility standards.
• All libraries have strobe lights attached to fire alarms to help the hearing impaired.
• Service desks are accessible to persons who use a wheelchair or scooter at most libraries.
• The Pierre Berton Resource Library has a push-button automatic door, all the other libraries branches have automatic sliding doors. All library main entrances are wheelchair accessible.
• All libraries have handicap accessible washrooms.
• Self-check stations at most libraries are wheelchair accessible.
• Persons with disabilities are welcomed to use personal assistive devices, registered service animals and/or support persons in the library.
• Hearing Loops (also known as Induction or Audio Loops) are installed at the Service Desks of our three resource libraries (Bathurst Clark, Civic Centre, and Pierre Berton) to assist individuals with hearing impairments.

 

Accessible Programming

We offer accessibility accommodations during programs and events upon request, subject to availability. Accommodations include accessible seating arrangements, microphone or voice amplifier for larger programs, and sign language interpretive services. Some programs may be offered virtually for those unable to attend in person. Additionally, program admission fees are waived for support persons. Please contact us if you require accommodations or for more information.

 

Accessible Equipment

A Victor Reader is a digital talking book player that allows users to control the reading speed, volume, and tone. The Victor Reader may be used by individuals with print disabilities to enjoy a variety of titles offered by VPL and CELA.

Victor Readers may be borrowed from most VPL library locations. The loan period is 2 weeks. View availability

 

Accessible Formats

Many of the resources available at VPL are suited to accessibility needs.

• Audiobooks (Books on CD)
• eAudiobooks (downloadable)
• eBooks (downloadable) - the settings can be adjusted with most of our downloadable eBooks to suit personal preferences for text size.
• Large Print books
• Adult basic literacy books
• Many DVD's and Blu-ray's have the sub-title option
• Descriptive DVD's
• Many of our databases provide text to speech capability.

 

Information Access

• Account information is available in person, over the telephone and online.
• Notification about holds pick up, overdues and due date reminders is available via telephone, Email Notification or Text Notification.

 

Website Features

• Visitors may adjust the font size and zoom level of the webpage.
• Text equivalents are used for images to facilitate those using screen readers.
• Style sheets are used to separate the documents structure from presentation.
• Device-independent interaction with the website is allowed: use a mouse, keyboard, or touch screen device.
• Moving content can be stopped by visitors.

 

If you would like to know more about these services, please contact us at 905-653-READ (7323).

VPL members may borrow book chat sets for their book clubs.

There is a wide variety of book chat sets available for different age groups and in selected non-English languages. Book chat sets are available for an extended loan period of four weeks. To borrow book chat sets, your book club needs to register as a VPL Community Book Club.

Registration of Community Book Club

Your book club should designate a representative to register the club. This designee must be eligible to obtain an adult membership card. To register, the designee should submit the Community Book Club Registration Form.

Responsibilities of Community Book Club Designees

• You will be your book club's contact person
• You will be the only person to reserve book chat sets for your club;
• You will be notified by VPL of the availability of the book chat set for the specific period that you request for your book club;
• You are responsible for arranging with your fellow book club members on how, when and where the books to be picked up and returned;
• You will notify VPL if your book club cancels the booking of a specific book chat set.

Your registration information will be kept on file for the purposes of running the Community Book Club service.

Reserving Book Chat Sets for Community Book Clubs

The English book chat sets are divided into four lists:

• Book chat sets for Adult Book Clubs
• Book chat sets for Teen Book Clubs
• Book chat sets for Kids' Book Clubs
• Book chat sets for ESL Book Clubs

VPL also hosts a collection of book chat sets in selected non-English languages (French, Chinese, and Hindi). Please contact VPL information staff to find out more about these book chat sets.

Community book club representatives should reserve the book chat sets on the website by completing the following steps:

1. Click on one of the book chat set lists above and select a title
2. Click the “reserve” button and submit the Booking a Book Chat Set for Community Book Club Form

A VPL information staff will follow up with your request.

Here is the relevant information you need for booking book chat sets for your book club:

• Indicate the name of the book chat set, number of copies you want to borrow, and the VPL branch for pick-up.
• You will be notified by VPL of the availability of the book chat set for the specific period that you request for your book club.
• You are responsible for arranging with your book club members on how, when, and where the books to be picked up and returned. You can check out the whole book chat set on behalf of your club or have individual members of your club pick up their copy. When you or the individual group members pick up the book, you/they will be asked to present a valid library membership card, the name of the book club, and the title of the book chat set.

Proctoring Examination Guidelines

Proctoring service is available at Bathurst Clark Resource Library, Civic Centre Resource Library and Pierre Berton Resource Library. To apply for this service complete the application form at least two weeks in advance.

Vaughan Public Libraries charges $40 + tax per exam for customers. For institutions that cover the cost of proctoring for students, the charge is $50 + tax per exam. This fee does not include any additional expenses such as material or courier costs.

Before your request can be confirmed, a Vaughan Public Libraries proctor will contact you to ensure all requirements can be met and to arrange the proctoring fee payment. Payments can be made online for all valid Vaughan Public Libraries members, or in person. Exams will not be considered confirmed until this fee is paid. Refunds may be issued up to 7 days prior to your scheduled proctoring session.

Vaughan Public Libraries will proctor exams according to the following standards:

• Students are assigned a private study room to write in. Library staff do not remain in the room throughout. Students can be viewed through glass windows and are checked on intermittently throughout their exam period
• Students are asked to leave their personal belongings outside of the exam room
• More than one student may be in the same room provided they are not writing the same exam

All our Information staff are qualified to proctor exams. Students who require a proctor for an online exam must provide their own laptop computer. Written guidelines for online exams must be included in the examination package provided by the issuing institution. The library will not accommodate an exam if it cannot meet operational conditions outlined by the Institution, or if an exam requires specialized procedures such as downloading software to library computers.

The FEB Express is a mini library located at the Father E. Bulfon Community Centre across from the main customer service desk, near the East entrance doors. It offers a convenient resource for the community, holding about 200 titles ranging from new releases to popular titles in various genres. By scanning a library card or entering a card number, VPL members can open the glass door, explore the shelves, read item descriptions, and borrow items. Members may also return borrowed items to the mini library.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I borrow items?

Scan your library card and enter your PIN number, the door will then open. While the door is open, you can browse the shelves and pick up items to read the descriptions. Put back any item you do not wish to borrow and hold on to any items you do wish to borrow. After you close the door, the mini library will automatically take inventory of the items you’ve removed and check them out on your library account. A digital or printed receipt will be provided for your records.

 

How do I know when the items must be returned?

The mini library will provide a receipt, on paper or by email, with the due date listed for each item.

 

How do I return items?

Scan your library card and enter your PIN number, the door will then open. Simply return your borrowed items to any of the shelves and close the door. A receipt will be provided for your records.

 

Can I return items from the FEB Express mini library to other library locations?

Yes, you may return borrowed items to any Vaughan Public Libraries location.

 

Can I return items from other libraries to the FEB Express mini library?

Yes, items borrowed from any Vaughan Public Libraries location can be returned to the mini library.

 

What happens if I return my items late?

Items borrowed from the mini library follow the same rules and loan periods as all Vaughan Public Libraries locations.

 

Can I see what items are available in the FEB Express mini library from your online catalogue?

Yes, they are listed in our online catalogue in the West Woodbridge Kiosk location.

Welcome to our Library of Things

A Lendery is a library of things – instead of books you can borrow items like tools, kitchen equipment, sporting gear and more. Things you need at the moment but don’t need to own. The Lendery can save you money, space and time. The Lendery was initiated in partnership with York Region and is now owned and operated by VPL.

Visit the Lendery at the Pierre Berton Resource Library or check out the online catalogue to see the full list of items.

Browse Items

To borrow from the Lendery you need to:

• be 18 years old or over.
• have a valid VPL library card.
• complete a Lendery borrowing agreement with staff.

Lendery items are available on a first-come-first-serve basis (no holds), can be borrowed for 14 days and are not available for renewal. All items should be returned to the Service Desk at Pierre Berton Resource Library.

Donate Your Things!

Donated items will help build our Lendery inventory. If you have any gently used or new items you would like to donate to the Lendery, please call us at 905-653-7323 and ask to speak with staff at the Pierre Berton Resource Library to arrange a drop-off time.

Notebooks

Notebooks are available for up to 2 hours loan, for in-library use.

Available at all VPL locations except Kleinburg Library.

Internet Access

All libraries have workstations which provide the public with free access to the Internet. While using the Internet in each of the branches, customers are expected to read and abide by the VPL Internet Policy.

Wireless Internet Access

As long as your hardware complies to one of the standards that our wireless supports (802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac) just open your computer or device and away you go! Available at all VPL branches.

Microsoft Office

All VPL locations provide free access to computers equipped with Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and Powerpoint. The workstations are provided for the public on a self-serve basis. Library staff may provide limited assistance, if time permits, but are not able to provide training on the use of PCs or the software.

In order to save their work, customers are encouraged to bring a USB drive, or purchase one from the library, or save files to their personal cloud storage space. Files saved to the computers' hard drives will be cleaned up after the computer session is ended or logged out.

Vaughan Public Libraries assumes no responsibility for computer viruses that may have been introduced to the workstations.

Self Check Stations

Sign out library materials by yourself with your library card. Follow the step-by-step instructions on the screen to check out or renew your materials. When you are finished, you can choose to take the receipt which includes the due-dates.

Not available at Kleinburg Library.

Printing, Photocopy and Scanning

Printing, photocopying, and scanning services are now available at all VPL locations.

To print, you can use either WebPrint or Email to Print which enable you to upload or send your document from your device, and then pick your document up at the library.

How to use WebPrint and Email to Print

Prior to coming to the library, please ensure you have the following:

• A library card (or library card number)
• Your documents uploaded or sent to WebPrint or Email to Print
• Money loaded on your card. If you’re unsure if you have enough funds on your card, please contact the library via Ask Us!

When you arrive at the library, please have your library card or library card number. Staff will need this to retrieve the print job for you.

Sending a Fax

You can send a fax using our eFax service at all VPL locations.

How to Send a Fax from Public Computers

See Service Charges

Tour the Library

Tours can be booked at any VPL location.  Contact your preferred location to set up a customized tour for your group.

If your group would like to register for library cards, please let us know when you book your tour. We can help you sort this out.

School Visits

We love working with educators and children of all ages and would be happy to host a program for your Vaughan class in any VPL location or your classroom. Our dynamic suite of programs and workshops highlight key library resources and services while also engaging students in hands-on activities: whether you're looking for an introduction to the library, storytimes, STEAM programming, book talks, or an exploration of our digital resources. Sessions run for approximately 30-60 minutes each and must be booked and scheduled in advance. To book a program or for more information, please complete the form below.

School Visit Request Form

Book Club Sets

VPL has a wide variety of Book Chat sets available for different age groups, in English and in French.

For more information about book chat set loans and a list of available titles, see the Book Clubs section of the website.

Study Space

If your class is looking for some workspace to tackle a specific project, many of our libraries have rooms that can accommodate groups of 2-30 students.  Contact your preferred location to inquire about the possibilities.

Vaughan Local History

Is your class working on projects involving the history of Vaughan? The Civic Centre Resource Library houses VPL’s Local Studies collection, featuring numerous resources that could be of use. Examples include A History of Vaughan Township by G. Elmore Reaman, which tells the story of the settlement of Vaughan and contains references to numerous Vaughan residents and families.  The collection also features the Illustrated Historical Atlas of York County from 1878, which contains a detailed map of Vaughan Township as well as the names of families that lived in Vaughan and their properties in 1878.

Teacher Cards

Teachers teaching in a Vaughan school can get a Teacher card to borrow library materials for classroom use.  With this special membership, which expires at the end of the school year, you can enjoy extended loan periods for items that regularly circulate for 3-weeks only.  You don’t need to worry about overdue fines!  Contact your preferred location for more details.

Resources for projects & research

The library is, of course, a great place to obtain books, movies, and information for school-related projects.  With a library card, teachers and students have access to VPL’s selection of subscription databases (including Academic OneFile, Canada in Context, Gale Virtual Reference Library, STEM Village, and many more) from home 24/7.

Vaughan Public Libraries will come to you!

We welcome the opportunity to visit your class, group or event to show how VPL is an exciting part of Vaughan’s diverse community, offering intriguing programs for all ages, a large physical and online collection, the latest technology and innovative Creation Spaces. We will work with you to identify what activities and information will benefit your audience and target our presentation or display to meet those needs.

Community Events:

Invite us to your community event and we will tailor our information, display and activities to your audience. Our flexible service is prepared for any size event, indoors or outdoors.

Speakers:

Our knowledgeable and engaging staff are available to speak at meetings, groups and events. We cover a wide variety of topics of interest to organizations or community groups such as, but not limited to training on how to use our free digital resources to download ebooks, movies, magazines and more, and feature resources for businesses and lifelong learners.

Contact us for more information about what we can provide. Free library memberships can also be arranged.

View our event calendar for a sample of our programming

Bring your group to the library

We also welcome organizations and community groups to visit the library for a tour or program. Our staff would be happy to give customized group orientations and activities. Library tours can be booked at any location near to you.

Contact the library for more info:

Please enter in the following information:

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*Full Name

*Organization / Group Name

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*Phone Number: e.g. (416) 123-4567

*Email

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