Books and ebooks
There are so many ways to enjoy a book! We have a large selection of books in our library, and even more are accessible though our digital resources.
If you don't find what you are looking for, we can bring in books from other libraries with an interlibrary loan.
Popular requests
Requesting an interlibrary loan
Interlibrary loans connect you with thousands of titles across the province. Loans take approximately two weeks to arrive at City Library, then you'll have two to three weeks to borrow the material. Please note that:
- The requested title must be older than 18 months (newer items cannot be borrowed);
- The item must be a physical book (a/v materials are not available);
- Items cannot be renewed; you may request the item again after 90 days;
- Items requested at City Library must be returned to City Library;
- Textbooks, workbooks and curriculum content are not available.
How to use Illume
Access Illume to browse the catalogue of materials available for an interlibrary loan.
- Enter your search terms in the query box then click the magnifying glass to search.
- Click on the title you'd like to borrow, then click Request this Item.
- Fill out the required fields including your City Library card number.
Public online resources
Gutenberg ebooks
Offers classic ebooks in the public domain. The ebooks are available in ePub format, proof-read by Project Gutenberg volunteers.
HathiTrust digital library
A multilingual ebook collection, HathiTrust is a partnership of major research institutions and libraries working to ensure that the cultural record is preserved and accessible far into the future.
Google Books
Public domain ebooks are free, but other titles may provide previews only and may require payment for full access.
If you need help setting up or accessing any of the resources from this page, please ask for assistance at the desk, or join one of our technology help sessions.
The Jade Peony
A Novel
The Outer Harbour
Stories
Where'd You Go, Bernadette
A Novel
Hyperbole and A Half
Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened
Bridget Jones's Diary
Picador Classic
Furious Observations of A Blue Eyed Ojibway
Funny, You Don't Look Like One Three
Secretly Yours
A Novel
Purgatory Crossing
A Nathan Stark, Army Scout Western
Down These Mean Streets
The Dark Side of the City
Travel Mania
Stories of Wanderlust
Graceful Simplicity
Toward A Philosophy and Politics of Simple Living
Land and the Liberal Project
Canada's Violent Expansion
Signs of the Time
Nłeʔkepmx Resistance Through Rock Art
By Strength, We Are Still Here
Indigenous Peoples and Residential Schooling in Inuvik, Northwest Territories
Camino De Santiago
Sacred Sites, Historic Villages, Local Food & Wine
When the Earth Was Green
Plants, Animals, and Evolution's Greatest Romance
"They Just Need to Get A Job"
15 Myths on Homelessness
Vegan Candles
21 Soy and Plant-based Candles for Beginners