Let’s shape the future of accessibility together and make our library more inclusive for everyone.

Who can apply:

In this modern digital world, knowing how to use our devices is more important than ever before.

Currently the library is taking a waitlist for one-on-one technology sessions. Sign-up to be contacted when a Technology Trainer is available.

Need help navigating library services?

Want to get in touch with friends and family?

Struggling with a tough computer problem? Browsing the web?

We’re more than happy to help will all this and more!

All skill levels and abilities welcome!

Sign up for our waitlist by filling in the form below.

All skill levels and abilities welcome!

CBRL has a collection of light therapy lamps available to borrow.

Lamps can be placed on hold and delivered to the library location of your choice for you to take home. You may borrow the lamp for three weeks.

What is a Light Therapy Lamp?

According to MayoClinic,

“Light therapy is a way to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and certain other conditions by exposure to artificial light. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time each year, usually in the fall or winter.

During light therapy, you sit or work near a device called a light therapy box (or lamp). The box gives off bright light that mimics natural outdoor light.

Light therapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep, easing SAD symptoms. Using a light therapy box may also help with other types of depression, sleep disorders and other conditions.”

How to use the lamp

DO…

• Turn on the lamp and allow a few minutes for bulb to achieve full brightness.
• Sit about 6-24″ away from the lamp, with the lamp positioned slightly off centre.
• Keep your eyes open, but DO NOT look directly at the light. Avoid wearing sunglasses, tinted glasses, or a hat with a visor as they block the good light. Clear glasses are fine.
• Use it any time of day. Morning and mid-afternoon are ideal times, but NOT within 4 hours before bedtime, which can affect your ability to get a good sleep.
• More information from Happy Light Manufacturer

Place a hold on a light therapy lamp today!

The Rita E. Gillis Children’s Literacy Collection celebrates the life and legacy of Rita E. Gillis—an inspiring educator, devoted mentor, and lifelong advocate for children’s literacy.

Born and raised in Balls Creek, Rita dedicated her life to nurturing young minds and fostering a love of learning. Through decades of teaching, she left a lasting impact on generations of students, remembered not only for her kindness and dedication, but for her deep belief in the power of literacy to transform lives.

Today, Rita’s legacy lives on at the McConnell Library in Sydney. With generous support from her sons, the Library is proud to house the Rita E. Gillis Children’s Literacy Collection—an ever-growing selection of books that encourages literacy, imagination, and a lifelong love of reading in children.

This collection stands as a tribute to Rita’s remarkable life and her unwavering commitment to young learners, ensuring her spirit continues to inspire for years to come.

Add your support to the Rita E. Gillis Children’s Literacy Collection by making a donation today!

Library staff can assist with transferring audiobooks to the device. Borrowers must register for CELA and NNELs to get access to books from those services.

• Reserve through the online catalogue or by phoning 902-562-3161.
  • Introduction to Victor Reader Stream (handout included when borrowing device)
  • Quick Tips for the Victor Reader Stream (handout included when borrowing device)
  • Transferring Books to the Victor Reader Stream
  • Audio/Video Lessons on using the Victor Stream Reader

The Optelec Traveller HD is a unique reading magnifier designed for an ideal reading experience.

• Easy to use and easy to carry
• Great image quality
• Magnification up to 30x

Let’s Chat Conversation cards are a great resource for sparking meaningful conversations in group settings, workshops, or one-on-one interactions.

The cards are divided into 6 topics for easy separation and can be used with individuals or groups. There are 112 double-sided cards, that’s 224 unique questions! The box includes guidance on how to use these prompts. These cards are ideal for those seeking activities for the elderly with dementia, offering engaging conversation prompts to stimulate meaningful discussions and brain activity through reminiscing and decision-making. Designed in conjunction with Dementia Specialist Gail Elliot of Enhanceability.

Get connected with a mobile hotspot!

CBRL has partnered with @NS Community Technology to offer loans of mobile hotspots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About the Hotspots:

These easy-to-use devices provide WiFi connectivity and can be used with tablets, smartphones, laptops, or any wireless-capable device. Each hotspot includes 40+ GB of data and can be borrowed for a three-week period.

Network Coverage & Usage Notes:

The hotspots operate on the Eastlink mobile network and will work in areas with access to cellular service. Borrowers are responsible for confirming if their location is within Eastlink’s coverage area. A coverage map is available on Eastlink’s website. Please note that signal strength and speed may vary depending on location, topography, network traffic, and other conditions.

Important: Wifi hotspot devices perform best with Android devices and may not be compatible with Apple devices.

Return Guidelines:

Devices must be returned directly to a staff member—they cannot be placed in book drops or return bins. Devices will be deactivated if not returned by the due date, and a replacement fee will apply for any unreturned hotspots.

Is my information tracked on the Hotspot?

The Hotspot devices are provided by your library to access the Internet for educational and recreational purposes. No private information, such as name, login information, account numbers, or websites visited, is collected or retained.

Troubleshooting

Please be sure to read the Quick Start Guide included with your Hotspot first.

Tips:

• Ensure the device is fully charged before use.
• Hold the power button down for a few seconds to turn on. If the device is asleep, lightly press the power button to wake the device.
• Network strength can be seen on the status display screen when the device is powered on.
• No connection or connected to the device but not the Internet? Restart by turning the power off and back on. Disconnect from the network on your wireless-capable device and then reconnect to it.
• For more information, contact your local library or visit our online catalogue to place a hold: https://samepagecbrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S195C498215

About the Backstrap Loom Kit

Recommended age: 9+ years old

Learn the centuries-old art of backstrap loom weaving to make colourful belts, straps, wristbands, or bookmarks!

Your project is yours to keep.

Donations for supplies are gratefully accepted

Kit Contents:

• Wooden Clamp
• Plastic heddle
• Shuttle/beater
• Yarn for weaving
• Instruction booklet

How to use the Backstrap Loom:

Watch a Video Tutorial:

Getting Started

1. Attach the warp to the wooden clamp by loosening the black knobs, separating the clamp, and placing the short knotted end of the warp between the pieces of wood. Tighten the black knobs to secure the clamp and warp.
2. Using the white cotton string, feed one end through the free end of the warp, in front of the knot, and then fasten the white string to a heavy, stationary object like a table leg.
3. Wrap the weaving yarn around the shuttle/beater.
4. Take the cord attached to the clamp, unhook the side attached with a small screw, bring it around your back and re-hook the cord to the clamp. The clamp should be about 6 to 8 inches away from the front of your body.
5. Ensure correct tension in the warp by slightly leaning back, whether sitting or standing, until the warp is pulled tightly.

How to Weave

*Refer to the included Instruction Booklet or video for step-by-step photos*

1. Make a space (referred to as a “shed”) with the warp yarn by pulling straight up on the rigid heddle. You should have a triangular-shaped space in the warp yarn.
2. Pull the shuttle/beater through the shed, leaving a 1 inch “tail” on the side on which you started.
3. Tap the weft yarn into place by using either the shuttle/beater, or the rigid heddle. The shuttle makes a narrower, firmer end result, while the heddle is more wide and loose.
4. Push the rigid heddle down to make another shed. You should notice that the yarn strands have switched positions.
5. Tuck the yarn tail into the weaving, then bring the shuttle/beater through to the other side.
6. Tap the weft yarn into place as in Step 3.
7. Continue these steps until you’ve reached your desired length.

Snap Circuits Motion

Snap Circuits Discover Coding

Backstrap Loom

Loom Knitting

Picasso Tiles

Squishy Circuits

About Loom Knitting Kit

Recommended Age 6+

In this kit you will learn how to knit on a round loom. Loom knitting can be easier to learn than knitting on needles and is a great way to introduce children to knitting. It can also be a useful method for people with arthritis or mobility issues. This kit includes looms in three sizes and enough yarn to make a hat.

Your project is yours to keep.

Donations for supplies are gratefully accepted

Items included in the kit:

1. 3 knitting looms (31 peg, 36 peg, 41 peg)
2. Loom hook tool
3. Tapestry needle
4. 2 skeins yarn
5. Book: Knitting Loom Primer
6. STEAM kit Information Guide (this document)

Getting Started

Watch the video below or follow along with written instructions included in the kit.

STEAM Kits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is STEAM?

STEAM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. It is an approach to learning that uses these subjects as a guide to problem-solving, inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.

What are STEAM Kits?

STEAM Kits contain hands-on activities that support STEAM-based
learning.

How do I check out a STEAM Kit?

For how long can I borrow a STEAM Kit?

STEAM Kits can be checked out online through the Cape Breton
Regional Library website (www.cbrl.ca), or in person at any of our
branch locations.

STEAM Kits can be borrowed for up to 3 weeks.

How do I return a STEAM kit?

STEAM Kits can be returned to any of our branch locations. Please
bring the STEAM Kit to the circulation desk. Do not leave in the book return dropbox.

Who do I contact for more information?

If you have any questions or need assistance with your STEAM Kit,
please contact your local branch or email us at info@cbrl.ca.

Explore More Steam Kits to Borrow

Snap Circuits Motion

Snap Circuits Discover Coding

Backstrap Loom

Loom Knitting

Picasso Tiles

Squishy Circuits

Spool Knitting

Weaving: Peg Loom

Learn to Crochet Kit 2: Make a Ribbed Hat

Learn to Crochet: Kit 1. Make a Dishcloth

MAKEDO FREEPLAY

Cubroid

The Pocketalker Ultra Personal Amplifier amplifies sounds closest to the listener while reducing background noise. It is ideal for one-on-one conversation, small-group and television listening, or conversing in the car. It can be used with or without hearing aids.

The Pocketalker is a versatile assistive listening device designed to amplify the sounds and voices most important to the user. It delivers clear, distinct sound, and its large, manageable controls allow for easy operation.

Simply plug in your earpiece, position the microphone near the preferred sound, adjust the volume to your comfort, and start listening.

Kits can be borrowed for three weeks.

• Each kit includes:
• 1 personal amplifier
• 1 set of headphones
• 2 AAA batteries
• 2 disposable sanitary earpiece covers
• 1 lanyard
• 1 instruction manual and user guide.

The archives of Canada’s History Magazine, formerly the Beaver and its children’s magazine Kayak are available online for free. This archive includes issues from 1920 to 2020. Kayak issues are available in both English and French.