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.
Dream Count
A Novel
The Wedding People
A Novel
A Mind of Her Own
A Novel
Broken Country
A Novel
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
Every Salad Ever
From Grains to Greens and Pasta to Beans Plus Every Salad in Betweens
The Unofficial Studio Ghibli Cookbook
50+ Delicious Recipes Inspired by your Favorite Japanese Animated Films
My Next Breath
A Memoir
So Very Small
How Humans Discovered the Microcosmos, Defeated Germs--and May Still Lose the War Against Infectious Disease
All About Derivatives
The Easy Way to Get Started
The Very Secret Sex Lives of Medieval Women
An Inside Look at Women and Sex in Medieval Times
The Fate of the Day
The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780
Gilmore Girls
The Official Knitting Book : Knit your Way Through Stars Hollow and Beyond
The Only Grammar Book You'll Ever Need
Your One-stop Source for Mastering English Grammar
Personal Finance in Plain English
Definitions, Examples, Uses