Welcome to AIDE Canada Library! We are a free resource for all Canadians seeking information on autism and related disabilities. Our collection features over 6,000 curated items, including books, audiobooks, and ebooks. You can conveniently order physical books by mail from anywhere in the country, with free shipping and a prepaid return label. For instant access to ebooks and audiobooks, find us on Libby, the Library App.
You can also visit us in person at our two locations: the Pacific Autism Family Centre in Richmond, BC, and the Sinneave Family Foundation in Calgary, AB.
Sign up today—it's free and only requires a Canadian address. If you're unsure where to begin, our friendly staff is here to assist you in finding the information you need. Contact us for help.
Holds
When you place a hold, you're reserving an item for yourself. If the item is available, we'll either set it aside for you to pick up or mail it to you, based on your chosen pickup option. If the item is currently checked out, you'll be added to a waitlist, and we'll notify you via email when it becomes available. You'll also receive an email when your item is ready for pickup or has been shipped.
Borrowing limits
You can borrow up to 10 physical items and 10 digital items (ebooks and audiobooks) at a time.
Loan periods and renewals
Print Books
The loan period is 6 weeks. You may renew for two weeks at a time, up to three times (an additional 6 weeks), provided no one else has requested the book. Renew online through your account or contact us by phone or email. If returning books by mail, please ensure they are sent by the due date.
eBooks and Audiobooks
The loan period is 3 weeks. You can renew for up to three additional weeks, provided no other requests are pending.
Fines and fees
We do not charge late fines or replacement fees for lost or damaged items. Please handle materials with care and return them on time.
We are committed to building a collection that meets the diverse needs of our members. Our collection development is guided by the following principles:
- Audience Focus: Our primary aim is to provide practical information for autistic people and their families. We also collect resources for educators, service providers, and other professionals.
- Languages: We collect resources in English and French.
- Collection Priorities:
- Practical information for autistic people, families, caregivers, and professionals.
- Resources based on empirical, expert, or experiential knowledge.
- Works created by autistic individuals.
- Materials that support self-advocacy and self-determination.
- Resources promoting understanding and acceptance.
- Parenting and family life resources, including home-based interventions.
- Resources addressing systemic barriers like stigma, poverty, unemployment, homelessness, and underhousing.
- Lifespan-relevant resources, from early childhood to old age.
- Resources pertinent to rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.
We aim to represent a range of perspectives, including minority and controversial views. Inclusion in our collection does not imply endorsement.
Suggestions
We welcome recommendations for new additions to our library. You can submit suggestions through the link on your "My Account" page. If we purchase a suggested item, we'll notify you and mail it once it arrives.
Donations
We accept book donations that are in good condition and align with our collection goals. Donations are evaluated based on the same criteria as new purchases. If you're interested in donating, please contact us.