Dyslexia Friendly Library
At Ōtorohanga Libraries, we are proud to be a dyslexia-friendly space. We’re committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment where everyone - no matter how they read - feels supported and empowered.
Whether you’re exploring books for pleasure, learning, or support, our team is here to help. We offer a range of dyslexia-friendly books and resources in print and digital formats, and we’re always happy to answer questions or help you find what you need.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a common learning difference that primarily affects how people read, spell, and process written language. It’s not related to general intelligence - in fact, many people with dyslexia have strengths in problem-solving, creativity, and visual thinking. In fact, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Richard Branson, Steve Jobs are some of the many amazing dyslexic thinkers.
Dyslexia comes from a difficulty in processing the sounds of words (phonological processing). This can make it harder to decode written language, remember names, facts, or spoken lists. Some people may also experience challenges with maths, but this varies from person to person.
It’s estimated that around 1 in 10 New Zealanders are affected by dyslexia. People often describe letters or words as seeming to move, blur, or blend together on the page.
At Ōtorohanga Libraries, we’re committed to encouraging literacy for everyone. We offer a range of dyslexia-friendly books and resources, both in print and digital formats, designed to support readers of all ages and abilities.
For more information about dyslexia in New Zealand, visit Dyslexia Foundation New Zealand.
Print Books
You can easily find books designed for dyslexic readers by searching "dyslexia friendly books" in our online catalogue (be sure to include the quotation marks). Or simply click the link below to browse the full list of available titles.
Books about Dyslexia
We also have books about dyslexia - these may be helpful for people with dyslexia themselves, as well as for family, friends, and teachers who want to learn more and offer support. If you need help, please ask any of our friendly staff.
eResources
Did you know that any of the eBooks on our platforms can be easily converted into a more dyslexia-friendly format! The font can be changed to something you find easier to read, the font size can be adjusted, as can the background colour and layout of the page on the screen. This gives dyslexic readers of all ages better access to a huge range of titles.
Overdrive / Libby
Most of our eBooks on Libby can be read with a dyslexia-friendly font. To turn on this feature on your device, you should open a book, tap the centre of the screen, and then tap the "A" icon. From there, tap OpenDyslexic under "Book Design."
You can also use this menu to change the font size, lighting (bright, sepia, or dark), and other features like line spacing.
BorrowBox
In BorrowBox, any eBook can be easily converted into a more dyslexia-friendly format! The font can be changed to something you find easier to read, the font size can be adjusted, as can the background colour and layout of the page on the screen. This gives dyslexic readers of all ages better access to a huge range of titles.
Once you have borrowed an eBook, tap the AA icon to access the settings. Your preferred settings will be autosaved for each time you open Borrowbox.
EPlatform
In ePLatform, once you have downloaded the title, open the book, then tap the centre of the screen. Click on AA icon. From there click on “launch the dyslecia friendly settings”. Work youyour way through the settings selecting background colour, font style, text size and line spacing. Click on done and you are ready to read!
Other Resources
Specially-designed dyslexia-friendly books and eBooks are not your only option if you have dyslexia or a related condition. You may also like to explore:
Comics and graphic novels - Readers of all ages may also find graphic novels helpful, thanks to the way the text is supported by images.
Large print books – Bigger text with more spacing can make reading easier on the eyes.
Text-to-voice pen – Also known as reading pens or scanner pens, these portable devices use text-to-speech technology to read printed words aloud. They’re great for people with dyslexia or anyone who needs help understanding unfamiliar words.
Ōtorohanga District Library
+64 7 873 7175
[email protected]
Opening Hours
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday - 10am - 12pm
Sunday - Closed
Kāwhia War Memorial Library
+64 7 871 0248
[email protected]
Opening Hours
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - 2pm - 4pm
Wednesday - 10.30am - 12pm
Thursday - Closed
Friday - 2pm - 4pm
Saturday - 10am - 12pm
Sunday - Closed