Updated August 2023 with available resources
Teachers, parents, and students: we’re still here for you. Your Library is proud to be a resource to help you navigate the reality of online learning.
Getting started
Here is a list of our services that could help you in your virtual classroom.
Ask the Library
If you have any questions about our services, you can call our new Ask the Library phone line at 902-490-5753 or email us at AskLib@halifax.ca. Read more about the Ask the Library Line here.
Online card registration
Many of our resources require a library card to access. If you or your students need a card, you can get a temporary one using our online card registration.
Internet access
Our internet is still on. At some branches, our WiFi will reach outside the branch. People can park outside near the building and access our free internet.
Content for Kids and Teens
Our Children’s Services team is always busy creating events, videos, STEAM activities, reading recommendations, contests, cooking videos, and more for kids and teens, all gathered in one convenient place on our website, and updated frequently.
E-Library tools
Access a list of all of our free E-Library online resources here.
Here are a few highlights from our E-Library. If you need any help getting started, you can find quick video tutorials for most of these resources here, on Niche Academy, opens a new window.
E-Books and Audiobooks via OverDrive
The Library has over one million digital titles available for download, including teens’ and kids’ books. We have set up a separate kids’ room to help children, parents and teachers easily find resources. You can find the Kids’ room on OverDrive here, opens a new window. This is a great way to keep kids reading at home who may have run out of physical “just right” books to keep them reading.
We also have a More Languages room set up where you can find material in French, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, Korean, German, and Russian. You can find the More Languages room here, opens a new window.
Our collection can be accessed through tablets and phones, computers (through a browser), or e-readers. Download the Libby app through your preferred app store to get started. If you have any questions about accessing this collection, please call our Ask the Library line and someone will help you get set up or check out our blog post, How to: Use Libby, by Overdrive.
Hot tip: our Duke Classics and Project Gutenberg books are all simultaneous-use, so classes could read the same book. Check out this list of Always Available Classics for Kids, opens a new window.
E-Books via TumbleBooks
TumbleBooks allows access to thousands of books, and unlike OverDrive, they can be read at the same time. For example, an entire class could access the same book for a class novel study. TumbleBooks also offers animated, talking picture books kids can read or listen to online. Choose from over 300 popular and award-winning books. French and Spanish titles are also available. Learn more about TumbleBooks here.
TumbleBookCloud Junior
TumbleBookCloud Junior is curated collection of audiobooks, National Geographic videos, and e-books for children in grades 3-6. Find read-along stories, non-fiction, graphic novels, and more—read, watch, and learn online. The TumbleBook products have lots of accessibility features, which can be very helpful for struggling readers, or those who have challenges reading print materials. Access TumbleBookCloud Junior here.
TeenBookCloud
TeenBookCloud (formerly TumbleBookCloud) is an online database of e-books and educator resources. TeenBookCloud offers a large selection of Graphic Novels, Enhanced Novels, e-books, classic literature, National Geographic videos, educator resources, and audiobooks. The collection is available online around the clock. No downloads, no waiting! Read, watch, and learn online. Access TeenBookCloud here.
Audiobooks via AudioBookCloud
Pick from thousands of audiobooks—from classics and fiction, to books for kids and young adults, to audiobooks recorded in Spanish. Access AudioBookCloud here.
NoveList
Get recommendations for books and audiobooks for all ages. This is a great resource for finding read-alikes for students who have read everything by their favourite author and are looking for something new to read. Learn more about NoveList here.
Professional Skills with LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is home to over 16,000 self-paced online courses, taught by industry professionals. From graphic design, to playing guitar, to using leadership skills, you can find it on LinkedIn Learning! Learn more and get started, here.
The Canadian Encyclopedia
Our own national encyclopedia is a one-stop shop for information about all things Canadian—people, historical events, geography, culture and more. The Canadian Encyclopedia online is available in English and French. Access the Canadian Encyclopedia here.
Gale General Reference Centre
Access more than 100,000,000 articles on a wide range of topics from academic works to homework help for kids. Access Gale General Reference Centre here.
World Book Online
Students of all ages will find valuable information in thousands of articles, interactive games and activities, animations, science projects, and more. You can also access resources in Spanish and French. Access World Book here, opens a new window or learn more about this great resource.
Movies via Kanopy
Kanopy offers a wide range of independent films, classic cinema, documentaries, educational videos, and foreign films. Learn how to get started with Kanopy.
E-Magazines on OverDrive
Read full-colour digital magazines online—for free, with no checkouts or limits. Pick from more than 200 magazines. Access OverDrive here, opens a new window or learn how to get started with OverDrive and its free app, Libby.
PressReader
Stay in touch with the news of the world. With PressReader, you can search thousands of publications by country and language, and read translated articles instantly. Access PressReader, opens a new window or learn how to get started with Press Reader.
LinkedIn Learning
Pick from more than 4,000 video tutorials taught by industry experts on a wide range of topics including business, photography, graphic design, project management, animation, audio and music production, web design, marketing, job interview preparation, public speaking, and much more. Access Linkedin Learning, here or learn how to get started with LinkedIn Learning, opens a new window.
East Coast Recipes
Get instant access to 3,000 recipes from 40+ local Canadian cookbooks. Access East Coast Recipes here, opens a new window or learn more here.
Is there something else we can do to help? Please get in touch and let us know. We are here for you.
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