Accessible Libraries
In an era where knowledge is power, Our Library is committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that every member of our community has access to our resources and services.
With a firm dedication to increasing accessibility, we strive to create a space where everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, can freely explore and engage with the wealth of knowledge and stories within our library and at home.
Access Keys
Access Keys are visual and text-based guides that provide convenient information about accessing a particular experience, event, facility, or program. They are professionally prepared by Access Ability Australia and designed with universal design principles in mind. This means they are suitable for a wide range of people, including those with disability.
Access Keys for Rosebud Library are available now.
We plan to launch more in 2025 as part of our continued effort to make our libraries more accessible and inclusive.
You can download your free Access Keys below.
Social Stories and Sensory Guides
Social Stories are tools designed to help individuals prepare for and feel comfortable during visits. They outline key aspects of a library visit in an engaging and accessible way. To ensure their success, we recommend reading them in a calm, distraction-free environment at least two weeks prior to a visit. These stories can enhance understanding and make library visits more enjoyable for all.The sensory resource guide prepares people for social interactions by providing clear information about specific social situations at the library. Outlining why they happen and a typical response.
Using a Computer at Hastings Library(PDF, 1MB)
Sensitive Storytime at Mornington Library(PDF, 940KB)
A visit to Rosebud Library(PDF, 1MB)
Borrowing Items at Somerville Library(PDF, 1MB)
Communication Boards
Communication Boards are customised with contextualised symbols reflecting Our Library services. These boards empower visitors to:
• Express their needs.
• Interact with others.
• Build and maintain relationships with staff.
• Make active choices about products and services.
You can watch a guide on how to use a communication board here
Hastings Library(PDF, 156KB)
Mornington Library(PDF, 1MB)
Rosebud Library(PDF, 160KB)
Somerville Library(PDF, 1MB)
Our Library also has hard copies available at all of our library branches.
Audiobooks + Talking Books
Audiobooks are a basic accommodation for the blind and visually impaired but are also an inclusive and accessible solution for readers with an array of experiences. While physical copies of books are available in Braille, audiobooks tend to be more readily accessible. They have been proven to accommodate children with learning disabilities, by helping children to improve their reading, critical thinking, and vocabulary skills.
You can find audiobooks here:
and Talking books from our physical collection here:
Auslan Online Stories
Deaf, hard of hearing, nonverbal, and hearing children who use Auslan can now enjoy a wide range of online stories.
Story Box Library's Auslan Storytime series features an ever growing children's picture book favourites with accessible Auslan translations.
LOTE4Kids (Languages Other Than English) has introduced sign language children's books into their collection. You’ll now find online picture books in American (ASL), Australian (Auslan), and British (BSL) sign languages, as well as more bilingual and read-along stories and downloadable activities.
Our physical collection also includes a range of books, DVDs and eBooks all about sign language. From learning the basics, to teaching your children, along with stories including deaf characters, there is something for everyone in our collection.
Dyslexia Books
Did you know an estimated 10 percent of people have dyslexia, a neurological difference that leads to difficulties with reading and spelling?
Our Library has recently increased its collection of dyslexia-friendly books that incorporate tinted pages to reduce visual distress, fonts that make text clearer to read and assist with letter confusion, thicker paper and more accessible layouts to make reading easier. These books can be found across all library branches and can easily be spotted by the blue dots on the spines of our books in the junior fiction section.
Our range of eBooks through BorrowBox and Hoopla offers the ability to change the layout of each book - both children's, YA and adult books alike for easier reading, using larger and dyslexic-friendly fonts and changing the background colours of the pages and/or font.
Home Library Service
Our Home Library Service matches borrowers to a volunteer who will select library items and arrange regular visits into your home. Available for Mornington Peninsula residents who cannot leave their homes due to illness, disability or caring obligations and do not have regular access to support. Our volunteers provide a free, friendly and personalised service which offers our more isolated community members a sense of connection and inclusion, giving them access to a world of entertainment and a friendly ear to listen.
Sensitive Storytimes
Our Library is passionate about developing early literacy skills and encouraging a love of books and reading in all children. We also strive to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our customers.
Sensitive Storytime is designed for preschool-aged children with sensory sensitivities and those on the autism spectrum, or those who simply prefer a quieter and calmer session than our regular larger Storytime sessions. Enjoy short stories and songs, movement and bubbles in small groups to help keep children attentive in a calm environment.
Sunflower Campaign
We’re proud to announce that our Libraries are officially Sunflower-friendly places. This means you can visit us wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and our staff will be able to support you with whatever needs you may have.
The Sunflower is a discreet symbol that people can wear to let others know they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately obvious – and may need a helping hand, understanding, or simply more space.