Digital library

The digital library's doors are always open. Here you can find and access ebooks, e-audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, resource guides and lots more. You can even learn a language or a new skill — all from your own living room. We are here to help. Please contact us at 604-998-3450 or info@nvcl.ca if you have a question.

Digital resources by subject

Arts & crafts

Thousands of arts and crafts video classes for all ages. New content is added daily. Learn drawing, painting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, paper crafts, cake decorating, soap-making, jewelry making, canning and lots more.

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Requires City Library card with a barcode that starts with 23287.
  • Requires separate Creativebug account.
  • Download the app for Apple or Android, but make sure to set up an account on the website first!

Automotive

Auto Repair Source provides service and repair information for thousands of vehicles. All content comes from the original equipment manufacturers and includes repair information, diagrams, maintenance schedules, parts and labour estimates, and service bulletins and recalls.

Tutorial

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Access ICBC's Learn to Drive Smart manual as a PDF, translated into Farsi by a volunteer. This translation is not an ICBC publication and is not an official version of Learn to Drive Smart. It may not be based on the current version published by ICBC. ICBC has not verified the contents of this translation and makes no representation whatsoever as to its accuracy or currency.

Database of manuals from Mitchell1, with information about repairs, service, maintenance and more. Once you have arrived at the ProDemand home page, click the Login button.

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  • This product is only available in the library.

Online practice for the written part of the British Columbia driving test. The tests are based on the latest version of ICBC’s Learn to Drive Smart handbook. Please note that the practice questions do not necessarily reflect the nature or difficulty of the questions on the actual test. Correctly answering the practice test questions does not guarantee that you will pass the ICBC test.

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Provides current vehicle safety and inspection standards and related BC legislation from official sources. The product's statement of use is on its home page (above link). Read the statement, and then click "Agree" to use the database.

Access information
  • in-library use only

Book recommendations

An online readers' advisory which helps readers of all ages to find their favourite fiction and nonfiction books and authors. To learn to use Novelist, click the tutorial button or read the Novelist Plus help page

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Available to City of North Vancouver residents
  • Log in with any library card registered with NVCL

Children

Thousands of arts and crafts video classes for all ages. New content is added daily. Learn drawing, painting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, paper crafts, cake decorating, soap-making, jewelry making, canning and lots more.

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Requires City Library card with a barcode that starts with 23287.
  • Requires separate Creativebug account.
  • Download the app for Apple or Android, but make sure to set up an account on the website first!

Fiero Code is a self-paced learn-to-code software for youth ages 8 to 18. Hundreds of tutorials and dozens of real-world projects teach coding in these languages:

  • Code Blocks (Scratch)
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • JavaScript
  • Python 
  • SQL

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Available to all NVCL library card holders 
  • Requires creating a Fiero Code account with your email address

Kanopy Kids provides unlimited access to streaming movies, TV shows, and animated picture books. For children ages 2 and up. It features a diverse selection of educational and entertaining content.

Please be aware that parents/legal guardians are responsible for their children's use of Kanopy.

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Licensed for City of North Vancouver residents only
  • Requires creating a Kanopy account with your email address
  • Users have unlimited streaming of Kanopy Kids. 
  • Get the app for your Smart TV or mobile device

Improve your grades and learn faster and smarter with Solaro. Designed for BC students in grades 3 – 12, Solaro combines tutorials in math, science and English with study guides, customizable flash cards and interactive practice questions. You can also track your progress as you go. For assistance, visit Solaro's Student Support page.

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Log in with any library card registered with NVCL

An collection of animated, talking books for grades K – 6, including picture books, read-along chapter books, National Geographic videos, non-fiction books, graphic novels, playlists, and books in Spanish and French.

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Get the app for Apple or Android.
  • Apps require an NVCL card with a barcode that starts in 23287. 

Consumer

Provides access to the latest provincial codes. Click "Access BC Codes Online" and choose from the building, fire or plumbing code books.

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Use for free from home or in the library.

This product provides buying advice, product ratings and reviews, recommendations and money-saving tips. Watch video reviews on items like appliances, cars, electronics, home and garden equipment, health care products and more. 

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Access information
  • Log in with any library card registered with City Library
  • Available for City of North Vancouver residents 

Ebooks & audiobooks

Bibliothèque Numérique de la Colombie-Britannique is a collection of French ebooks for adults, teens and children. An excellent source of French ebooks, whether you are fluent in French or just getting started!  

Tutorial

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North Vancouver City Library recognizes the financial support of the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Agreement on French-language Services. 

Libby (also called Library2Go) is our downloadable eBook, audiobook, and digital magazine service. Read/listen online, or get the Libby app and take them to go! Need help getting started? Check out OverDrive’s help pages.

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Requires an NVCL card with a barcode that starts in 23287
  • Maximum of 7 items out at a time and 7 holds at a time
  • Download the app for your device at OverDrive's Device Help page
  • App available for Apple and Android

More than 50,000 ebooks and 30,000 hours of video on technology and business topics, including computer programming and consumer technology. This resource also offers learning paths on technical subjects, case studies from top companies, expert playlists and more. 

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Access information
  • Available to City of North Vancouver residents
  • Log in with any library card registered with NVCL
  • Maximum eight users at a time

An collection of animated, talking books for grades K – 6, including picture books, read-along chapter books, National Geographic videos, non-fiction books, graphic novels, playlists, and books in Spanish and French.

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Get the app for Apple or Android.
  • Apps require an NVCL card with a barcode that starts in 23287. 

Genealogy

The BC Historical Newspapers collection provides free access for anyone in BC or the Yukon to the archives of BC’s three major daily newspapers, from the start of their publication up to 2010.

  • The Vancouver Sun (1912 to 2010)
  • The Times-Colonist (1884 to 2010)
  • The Province (1894 to 2010)

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Anyone in BC or the Yukon can use this for free, either from home or in the library

Government

Provides access to the latest provincial codes. Click "Access BC Codes Online" and choose from the building, fire or plumbing code books.

Access information

Use for free from home or in the library.

Find every public act and regulation of public interest currently in force in BC. Includes new and recently amended laws that have yet to be published in official print formats. This current consolidation is an unofficial version of BC statutes and regulations. For support, see the BC Laws FAQ and glossary.

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The BC Statistics portal contains both a public site and a secure subscription-based site that is only available in the library. Provides statistics for a range of topics including demographics and employment.

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Access information
  • This resource is only available in the library.

Statistics Canada is the national statistical office. The agency ensures Canadians have the information on Canada's economy, society and environment that they require to function effectively as citizens and decision makers.

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Health & Medicine

MedlinePlus provides medical information to the general public. It is a service of the US National Library of Medicine, which is part of the US National Institutes of Health, and the world's largest medical library.

Access information

Free for anyone to use anywhere

The Merck manuals are among the world’s most widely used medical information resources. The Consumer Version is intended for the general public. It is clear and easy to understand, and provides information on thousands of health topics.

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Free for anyone to use anywhere

The Merck Manuals are among the world’s most widely used medical information resources. The Professional Version is intended for medical professionals and students, providing medical information on thousands of health topics.

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Free to use everywhere for anyone

PubMed is an index containing over 30 million citations from biomedical journals on medicine, nursing, dentistry and more. Many citations include links to full text articles available for free.

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Free for anyone to use anywhere

Languages & ELL

Bibliothèque Numérique de la Colombie-Britannique is a collection of French ebooks for adults, teens and children. An excellent source of French ebooks, whether you are fluent in French or just getting started!  

Tutorial

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Access information

North Vancouver City Library recognizes the financial support of the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Agreement on French-language Services. 

Welcome to Mango Languages. Learn dozens of languages online, or via the app. Once you have logged in, create a profile to track your learning, or proceed in 'guest' mode. For help, click the tutorial button or see the Mango Languages FAQs.

 Tutorial

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Access information
  • Requires City Library card with a barcode that starts with 23287
  • Requires creating an account with your email address
  • Get the app for Apple or Android

Mauril is a platform for learning English and French through entertaining audio and video from CBC/Radio-Canada — from news, current affairs and documentaries, to comedy, drama and variety. The all-Canadian content provides users with a diverse and culturally relevant learning experience. 

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A comprehensive prep resource for the IELTS test that includes practice exams and more than 100 hours of interactive activities providing advice, hints and tips. There are two types of IELTS tests: Academic, which is needed to apply for some universities or professional registrations, and General, which is required for certain kinds of immigration programs in Canada. Use Road to IELTS as a guest, or create a free ClarityEnglish account to track your progress on practice exams.

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Log in with any library card registered with NVCL
  • Works best on desktop/laptop computers
  • Not compatible with the Internet Explorer browser
  • Access/functionality on mobile devices may be limited

Library help

Need help using any of the library's equipment, services or digital resources? Niche Academy contains tutorials on accessing ebooks, audiobooks, the catalogue, printing, Wi-Fi and more. No login required — start learning right away.

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Movies, TV & video

Kanopy is an on-demand video streaming service which provides access to over 20,000 documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films, educational videos, and more. Kanopy has an extensive selection of kids' movies and TV shows. It also includes the Great Courses, a lecture series taught by award-winning experts and professors. Includes content in over 100 languages.

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Licensed for City of North Vancouver residents only
  • Requires creating a Kanopy account with your email address
  • Users have access to 15 tickets per month
  • Movies and documentaries are typically 2 – 4 tickets for 48 – 72 hours of access 
  • TV series and The Great Courses are 5 tickets for 14 – 21 days of access  
  • Kanopy Kids does not cost any tickets 
  • Get the app for your Smart TV or mobile device 

Newspapers & magazines

The BC Historical Newspapers collection provides free access for anyone in BC or the Yukon to the archives of BC’s three major daily newspapers, from the start of their publication up to 2010.

  • The Vancouver Sun (1912 to 2010)
  • The Times-Colonist (1884 to 2010)
  • The Province (1894 to 2010)

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Anyone in BC or the Yukon can use this for free, either from home or in the library

CBC Corner is a free digital portal that features a wide variety of content and resources from CBC and its partners, including news, streaming TV, podcasts, radio programs, kids’ content & news, and much more! 

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Access information
  • Free for anyone to use anywhere

NOTE: The Economist is no longer available through Libby Magazines and can now be accessed through PressReader.

Libby (also called Library2Go) has a rich collection of digital magazines, including hundreds of popular titles such as Newsweek, Star Magazine and National geographic. Read online or in the Libby app. Check out OverDrive’s help pages to get started.

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Requires an NVCL card with a barcode that starts with 23287
  • All magazines are simultaneous use — no holds or waitlists
  • Check out an unlimited number of magazines
  • 21-day checkout period
  • Download the app for your device at OverDrive's Device Help page
  • App available for Apple and Android

Access to current and past articles from The New York Times, including the U.S., Canadian and International editions. Also includes access to the archives from 1851 – 2002, with five PDF downloads per day allowed from the 1923 – 1980 date range (off-site access only). Read more about the NYT Archives. New York Times Crosswords and Cooking are not included in library access.

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Logging in with the "access" link above provides free access for 24 hours, after which you will need to log in again.
  • There is a daily limit on the number of users who can access the Library's New York Times subscription
  • Requires creating a New York Times account with your email address
  • Get the Apple or Android app

Please note: app access is available, but you will need to log in to this webpage first via the link above each day to renew your access token. We recommend reading on your browser instead of the app for this reason. If you prefer to use the app, you can switch over to the app after you have logged in via the link above.

The North Shore Digital Libraries is a special collection of digitized newspapers from North Vancouver and West Vancouver, including the North Shore News from 1976 to 2000.

Provided in partnership by the North Shore News, North Vancouver City Library, North Vancouver District Public Library, and West Vancouver Memorial Library.

Tutorial

Terms of use

Access information

Anyone can use this for free, either from home or in the library

PressReader offers an endless stream of stories from top newspapers and popular magazines from around the world to read, discuss, and share. Newspapers like the Vancouver Sun, the Province, and National Post, and magazines like Maclean'sChatelaine and Vanity Fair are available just as they appear in print. Learn how to use PressReader by clicking the tutorial button above, or view the PressReader help center.

Please note: The Globe and Mail is only available on library computers, or when using the library's "Libair" Wi-Fi network.

Tutorial

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Sing Tao Daily is an online Chinese language newspaper based in Canada. It publishes editions for Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto. 

Access information
  • Sing Tao Daily is free and can be accessed from any computer

Online learning

Fiero Code is a self-paced learn-to-code software for youth ages 8 to 18. Hundreds of tutorials and dozens of real-world projects teach coding in these languages:

  • Code Blocks (Scratch)
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • JavaScript
  • Python 
  • SQL

Tutorial

Privacy policy | Terms of use

Access information
  • Available to all NVCL library card holders 
  • Requires creating a Fiero Code account with your email address

This iconic service offers professional-level video instruction to develop your business, creative, and technology skills. It offers 15,000 courses and learning paths on subjects including software, programming, audio and music production, photography, design, marketing, and 3D animation.

Tutorial

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Access information
  • Free for City of North Vancouver residents
  • Requires an NVCL card with a barcode that starts with 23287
  • 20 users at a time
  • App available for Apple and Android. Use “northvancitylibrary” as the Library ID when logging in.

Welcome to Mango Languages. Learn dozens of languages online, or via the app. Once you have logged in, create a profile to track your learning, or proceed in 'guest' mode. For help, click the tutorial button or see the Mango Languages FAQs.

 Tutorial

privacy policy | terms of use

Access information
  • Requires City Library card with a barcode that starts with 23287
  • Requires creating an account with your email address
  • Get the app for Apple or Android

Need help using any of the library's equipment, services or digital resources? Niche Academy contains tutorials on accessing ebooks, audiobooks, the catalogue, printing, Wi-Fi and more. No login required — start learning right away.

Privacy policy | Terms of use

More than 50,000 ebooks and 30,000 hours of video on technology and business topics, including computer programming and consumer technology. This resource also offers learning paths on technical subjects, case studies from top companies, expert playlists and more. 

Privacy policy | Terms of use

Access information
  • Available to City of North Vancouver residents
  • Log in with any library card registered with NVCL
  • Maximum eight users at a time

Points to the Past is a world-class collection of primary sources, made up of nearly 200 million pages of digitized maps, photos, newspapers, manuscripts, pamphlets, portraits, and much more. Researchers are free to explore a vast range of resources including Eighteenth Century and Nineteenth Century Collections Online, esteemed periodicals such as The Economist and The Financial Times, and materials from the Smithsonian Institution.

Access information
  • All British Columbians enjoy barrier-free access to this collection

A comprehensive prep resource for the IELTS test that includes practice exams and more than 100 hours of interactive activities providing advice, hints and tips. There are two types of IELTS tests: Academic, which is needed to apply for some universities or professional registrations, and General, which is required for certain kinds of immigration programs in Canada. Use Road to IELTS as a guest, or create a free ClarityEnglish account to track your progress on practice exams.

Tutorial

Privacy policy | Terms of use

Access information
  • Log in with any library card registered with NVCL
  • Works best on desktop/laptop computers
  • Not compatible with the Internet Explorer browser
  • Access/functionality on mobile devices may be limited

Improve your grades and learn faster and smarter with Solaro. Designed for BC students in grades 3 – 12, Solaro combines tutorials in math, science and English with study guides, customizable flash cards and interactive practice questions. You can also track your progress as you go. For assistance, visit Solaro's Student Support page.

Tutorial

Privacy policy | Terms of use

Access information
  • Log in with any library card registered with NVCL

The Great Courses series is a part of the Kanopy video streaming service. It features a large selection of lectures on a wide variety of topics. Lectures are presented by award-winning experts and professors from respected institutions.

Tutorial

Privacy policy | Terms of use

Access information
  • Licensed for City of North Vancouver residents only
  • Requires creating a Kanopy account with your email address
  • Users have access to 15 tickets per month in total and Great Courses cost 5 tickets per course
  • Get the app for your Smart TV or mobile device

Research

Designed to meet academic research needs, Academic Search Elite provides access to nearly 1,600 active full-text journals and magazines, and more than 1,300 full-text peer-reviewed journals.

Tutorial

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The BC Historical Newspapers collection provides free access for anyone in BC or the Yukon to the archives of BC’s three major daily newspapers, from the start of their publication up to 2010.

  • The Vancouver Sun (1912 to 2010)
  • The Times-Colonist (1884 to 2010)
  • The Province (1894 to 2010)

Tutorial

Privacy policy | Terms of use

Access information
  • Anyone in BC or the Yukon can use this for free, either from home or in the library

The Merck Veterinary Manual contains information on thousands of topics for veterinary professionals and students, as well for as pet owners.

Access information

Free for anyone to use anywhere

The North Shore Digital Libraries is a special collection of digitized newspapers from North Vancouver and West Vancouver, including the North Shore News from 1976 to 2000.

Provided in partnership by the North Shore News, North Vancouver City Library, North Vancouver District Public Library, and West Vancouver Memorial Library.

Tutorial

Terms of use

Access information

Anyone can use this for free, either from home or in the library

Points to the Past is a world-class collection of primary sources, made up of nearly 200 million pages of digitized maps, photos, newspapers, manuscripts, pamphlets, portraits, and much more. Researchers are free to explore a vast range of resources including Eighteenth Century and Nineteenth Century Collections Online, esteemed periodicals such as The Economist and The Financial Times, and materials from the Smithsonian Institution.

Access information
  • All British Columbians enjoy barrier-free access to this collection

Digital learning lab

Our digital learning lab is called The Collaboratory! Here we offer hands-on robotics and coding workshops, digital art creation and open space gaming. Explore The Collaboratory.

Help with technology

Join a drop-in device clinic to get help with your computer or smartphone. The library also offers free technology classes on software like Excel, Google Workspace and more. Explore help with technology.

If you have a question, ask us or call 604-998-3450

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Volunteer or donate!