Is Accessible Reading Canada available for other brands of smart speakers?

Currently, Accessible Reading Canada is only available for Alexa-enabled smart speakers, but this may change in the future.

Can I still use Alexa while listening to an audiobook?

Yes, even during playback, you can still use other Alexa functions. For example, if you ask Alexa about the weather or to set a timer, the playback will be paused while Alexa responds to your prompt. Playback will continue after the interaction has been completed. However, prompting Alexa to start playing audio from another app (e.g. playing music from Spotify or launching a news app), will exit playback of the audiobook and you will have to relaunch Accessible Reading Canada to continue playing the audiobook.

I can't use the command phrases to navigate the skill. Why won’t Alexa listen to my commands?

Remember to speak clearly when using the commands. Alexa will only respond to commands phrases listed in the Command List, but Alexa cannot hear commands while they’re still speaking. Try waiting a few seconds after Alexa finishes giving instructions, then use the command phrase. You can also interrupt Alexa while they’re speaking by using your smart speaker’s wake word before each command. For example, “Alexa, Next” or “Alexa, Bookshelf.”

Can I use Accessible Reading Canada on multiple Alexa speakers?

Yes, as long as your CELA account is linked to the Alexa-enabled smart speakers, the skill will sync place in the audiobook between smart speakers. So, you could start reading a book on one speaker, then continue where you left off on another speaker.

Can I manage my CELA audiobooks on my Direct to Player (D2P) Bookshelf through the skill?

CELA audiobooks can't be added or removed from your D2P Bookshelf using the Accessible Reading Canada app. Titles will not be removed from your Bookshelf automatically once you complete an audiobook. You can manage your bookshelf by logging into the CELA website or by contacting CELA at help@celalibrary.ca or calling 1-855-655-2273.

Can I change the order of books on my bookshelf?

Books are ordered by when they were added to the bookshelf, from most recent to oldest.  You cannot re-order, add, or remove titles via the skill. However, audiobooks that have never been added to your Direct to Player bookshelf and were instead searched and played exclusively using the skill will appear in the “History” section of the CELA website and in the “Books in Progress” menu of the skill. To manage your bookshelf, including adding or removing books, visit the CELA website or contact CELA at help@celalibrary.ca or calling 1-855-655-2273.

Is the skill available for devices other than speakers, such as Fire TVs?

The Accessible Reading Canada skill is only available on Alexa-enabled smart speakers.

Are all audiobooks available through the skill?

All CELA human-narrated audiobooks are available on the skill, however any audiobooks from Bookshare, magazines, and titles in text formats such as DAISY text are not included.

Why can't I listen to summaries of books on my Bookshelf in the skill?

Book summaries are available from every list, except for the “Bookshelf”. If you want to hear a summary of a title already on your bookshelf, you can search for the book in the skill or visit www.celalibrary.ca to browse the summaries of books on your bookshelf. The skill will read the same summary for the book as the summary found in the CELA catalogue.

When I try to resume a book in progress, the book starts from the beginning. How do I resume an audiobook from where I left off?

Opening books from the “Bookshelf” menu will start or restart an audiobook from the beginning. To resume a book you have already started, open the book from the “Books in Progress” menu. When you launch the Accessible Reading Canada skill on your smart speaker, you will automatically enter the main menu of the skill and Alexa will ask if you want to “resume your most recent book in progress.” Say “Resume” to access the book most recently listened to in the skill. Or, say “Books in Progress” to hear the list of books in your “Books in Progress” list. You can navigate this list by saying “Next” or “Previous.” Once you’ve navigated to the book you want to resume, say “Read” or “Start Reading” to pick up where you left off.

Can I use Accessible Reading Canada if I set up automatic selection?

You can still use Accessible Reading Canada with automatic selection. However, since there is no way to remove books through the skill, you will need to remove the books manually from your account on the CELA website or get in touch with our contact centre to remove titles after reaching the 12-book limit.

Where can I get an Alexa-enabled smart speaker?

Alexa-enabled smart speakers can be purchased at many electronics retailers (e.g. Best Buy, Staples, Walmart, etc.) as well as the Amazon Canada website.

My book only plays the first chapter or track, then stops and won’t go forward. What’s wrong?

The Accessible Reading Canada skill only works when the smart speaker is configured for a single language. Go to your Alexa app, check your smart speaker language settings and make sure it is set to only French or only English.

Can libraries loan Alexa devices to patrons with print disabilities so they can use Accessible Reading Canada?

 Yes, it is possible to loan Alexa devices to patrons so they can try this service. The smart speaker needs to be connected to a user’s Amazon account and Wi-Fi to function, so there are a number of steps that the patron and library staff will need to complete to use the device and then remove personal information before loaning to another patron.

We think that eligible patrons may appreciate the opportunity to try the Accessible Reading Canada skill before they buy one for themselves. There are a number of set up steps that the patron will need to complete at home, and which may be challenging for some. We recommend explaining the set-up procedures before loaning.

Alexa devices can be loaned to any patron. Only patrons with print disabilities may use the Accessible Reading Canada skill.

Google smart speaker devices do not work with Accessible Reading Canada at this time.