HOME LIBRARY
We have compiled a list of resources you can use from home with the power of your library card!
Signup for a card, learn about using the library at home, and start using some great resources by using the navigation to the left!
ALL ONLINE RESOURCES
Ancestry
Only Available From The Library's Internet Connection. Please attend one of our Locations for Ancestry access.
Ancestry® Library Edition, distributed exclusively by ProQuest and powered by Ancestry.com, delivers billions of records in census data, vital records, directories, photos, and more. Ancestry Library Edition brings the world's most popular consumer online genealogy resource to Niagara Falls Public Library.
cloudLibrary
cloudLibrary is our new eBook and downloadable eAudiobook platform. It's easy to use - download the app, log into your library, browse, borrow and read! There are thousands of titles from which to choose and more being added all the time.
Creativebug
Creativebug lets you stream arts and crafts related videos for free. The videos feature creative experts who have a lifetime of experience both crafting and teaching. There are over 5,000 class offerings, which include everything from paper and sewing to holiday décor. One new class is added each week and all classes come with downloadable patterns, templates and recipes.
Video Tutorial
Flipster
Flipster is a magazine platform for library card holders that provides access to a number of popular titles including Vogue, The New Yorker, TIME, Better Homes & Gardens, Canadian MoneySaver, and many more! You can read new issues and back issues, so you never have to miss out. Plus there are no holds, no fees, and no check out limits!
Driver's Ed Database
Study for your G1 or M1 test or simply brush up on the rules of the road in Ontario using this incredible driver's education database. It includes 6 G1 practice tests, 1 M1 practice test, 1 G1 test simulator, 1 M1 test simulator, and an extensive FAQ section with more than 100 MTO-related questions.
Hoopla
Hoopla offers 4 credits per month for an enormous selection of digital video (movies and TV shows), music, audiobooks, ebooks and comics, and magazines.
Kanopy
Kanopy offers 5 credits per month for one of the most unique and compelling collections of film on the planet. Kanopy's films range from documentaries, indie and foreign films, must-see classics and blockbuster movies. Due to the COVID-19 situation, Kanopy is also currently offering credit-free viewing on Kanopy Kids!
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is a leading online learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. The video library consists of engaging, top-quality courses taught by recognized industry experts.
PressReader
PressReader offers users access to thousands of newspapers and magazines written in over 60 languages. Both current issues and back issues are available, so you never have to miss out. There are no holds, no checkout periods, and no limit to the number of titles you can view or download.
Virtual Reference Library
Gale Virtual Reference Library is a database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research. These reference materials once were accessible only in the library, but now you can access them online from the library or remotely 24/7. Because each library creates its own eBook collection, the content you see may vary if you use the database at different libraries (your school, your public library, or your office).
Video TutorialAUDIOBOOKS & eBOOKS
cloudLibrary
cloudLibrary is our new eBook and downloadable eAudiobook platform. It's easy to use - download the app, log into your library, browse, borrow and read! There are thousands of titles from which to choose and more being added all the time.
Hoopla
Hoopla offers 4 credits per month for an enormous selection of digital video (movies and TV shows), music, audiobooks, ebooks and comics, and magazines.
CRAFTING
Creativebug
Creativebug lets you stream arts and crafts related videos for free. The videos feature creative experts who have a lifetime of experience both crafting and teaching. There are over 5,000 class offerings, which include everything from paper and sewing to holiday décor. One new class is added each week and all classes come with downloadable patterns, templates and recipes.
Video TutorialELEARNING
Virtual Reference Library
Gale Virtual Reference Library is a database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research. These reference materials once were accessible only in the library, but now you can access them online from the library or remotely 24/7. Because each library creates its own eBook collection, the content you see may vary if you use the database at different libraries (your school, your public library, or your office).
Video Tutorial
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is a leading online learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. The video library consists of engaging, top-quality courses taught by recognized industry experts.
Driver's Ed Database
Study for your G1 or M1 test or simply brush up on the rules of the road in Ontario using this incredible driver's education database. It includes 6 G1 practice tests, 1 M1 practice test, 1 G1 test simulator, 1 M1 test simulator, and an extensive FAQ section with more than 100 MTO-related questions.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. You can sign up for free as either a learner, a teacher, or a parent.
Additionally, in response to school closures due to COVID-19, Khan Academy has published schedules for parents interested in structuring their child’s day more and guides for how to go about virtual learning. It also live-streams daily on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to help keep students and caregivers engaged.
Random House Teachers and Librarians
The Random House Children’s Books School and Library Marketing Team has put together a fabulous selection of resources for educators, librarians, and parents. If you’re putting together plans for teaching remotely or homeschooling your children and are looking for resources, visit the pages below for discussion guides, activities, and more available for FREE to download.
Elementary School ResourcesIncludes storytime books and activities, Sylvan workbooks, Dr. Seuss, Escape This Book!, exercise and meditation, imagination, Magic Tree House, nighttime books, non-fiction books and resources, social emotional learning, STEAM books, Step Into Reading, and additional resources.
Middle School ResourcesIncludes fiction books with guides, In the Middle of it All, non-fiction books with guides, series for binge-reading, STEAM books with guides, and additional resources.
High School ResourcesIncludes a young adult creative writing guide, a young adult supplemental texts brochure, discussion guides, The Princeton Review, and additional resources.
Coursera
This database allows you to start streaming on-demand video lectures today from top instructors in subjects like business, computer science, data science, language learning, and more. Due to the COVID-19 situation, Coursera is providing complimentary access to select courses for a limited time.
Mental health and well-beingFrom de-mystifying mindfulness to understanding the science of happiness, we’ve collected top wellness courses to help you prioritize mental health and well-being during these uncertain times.
High school studentsFrom calculus to guitar for beginners, we’ve rounded up courses to help high school students everywhere keep learning.
College studentsFrom preparing for an interview to learning data science, we’ve collected courses to make it easier to keep learning.
Career developmentFrom creative problem solving to leading the company of the future, we identified courses to help everyone navigate the changing world of work.
Building your cloud technology careerFrom machine learning to cloud computing, we’ve curated a set of courses to help you grow your career in an increasingly digital world.
Understanding public healthFrom the science behind COVID-19 to communicating during global emergencies, we’re making popular public health courses completely free.
Courses in SpanishFrom wellness to professional development, we’re making popular Spanish-language courses available for free.
EDUCATOR RESOURCES
Expert staff at the Niagara Falls Public Library have curated a list of resources in a Google Doc for you. The list aims to support online education, distance learning, literacy, research, and leisure reading during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resources are all free to use and cover a diverse range of subjects across a variety of school curricula. Most of the resources are accessible to all, but a few require a Niagara Falls Public Library card and PIN.
For educators who need a library card - Click Here For students and parents who need a card - Click Here.
Please check the list below often, as resources are constantly being added.
Game Night
Board Games
You can borrow board games with your library card. We have a selection of over 80 titles ranging from family classics like Scrabble and Jenga to Spiel des Jahres winners like Settlers of Catan and Machi Koro. Board Games are a great way to reduce screen time and interact face-to-face with family and friends. They also help build important skills like comprehension, problem solving, and literacy. Most importantly though, playing board games is a sure way to have a whole lot of fun! Funded by the Niagara Healthy Kids Community Challenge.
Video Game Consoles
Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite video game consoles are now available for you to borrow from the library. The Nintendo Switch is a full console that can be hooked up to a screen or played as a handheld device. The Nintendo Switch Lite is the handheld version of the console only. For more information please visit our Video Game Consoles page
Video Games
At the Niagara Falls Public Library you can borrow video games for several different gaming systems including:
- PS5
- Xbox Series X
- Nintendo Switch
- PS4
- Xbox One
We also have an older selection of games for the PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, and WiiU consoles.
GET OUTSIDE!
Hiking Poles
Hiking poles enhance your stability and can reduce force on your knees while hiking and backpacking. There’s no cost and you get them for one week with up to two renewals if no one else has them on hold.
For more information visit our Outdoor Equipment page
Crampons
If you love hiking, but don’t want to brave the icy winter trails, then check out NFPL’s collection of crampons! Crampons are silicon slip-ons with stainless steel spikes that fit over your boots or shoes so that you can walk on ice or slippery terrain. They’re available to borrow at no cost for one week with the possibility of up to two renewals.
For more information visit our Outdoor Equipment page
Snowshoes
Take advantage of Ontario’s beautiful winter trails with a pair of snowshoes! You can borrow them from NFPL for free for one week with up to two renewals if no one else has them on hold.
For more information visit our Outdoor Equipment page
Nature Kits
These kits are aimed at children aged 4-10 (parental supervision advised). Each kit includes tools like a compass, a magnifying glass, a set of coloured pencils, and a booklet with instructions and activity suggestions, among other things.
You and your little one can borrow a kit for up to three weeks plus the possibility of two renewals. Funded by the Niagara Healthy Kids Community Challenge.
Park Passes
Nobody should have to worry about the cost of entry to our region’s and province’s beautiful parks. That’s why NFPL has Ontario Parks permits and NPCA NaturePlus Passes available to borrow. You can borrow each type of pass once a year for up to three weeks.
This collection is made possible through the generosity of Ontario Parks and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.
For more information visit our parks passes collection
Seed to Seed
Growing your own vegetables and herbs is practical, delicious, and a great way to enjoy the outdoors! Take some seed envelopes from our robust collection of free seeds, plant them, then donate any seeds from your harvest back to the library.
To access the collection, simply fill out our online form, select up to 5 envelopes of seeds, then pick them up from one the NFPL location of your choice.
For more information visit our Seed to Seed page
TackleShare
There’s something fishy going on at NFPL! Library customers can borrow fishing rods, reels, tackle boxes, and youth fishing licences for up to three weeks. This initiative is funded by the Ontario TackleShare Program.
For more information visit our Tackleshare page
Binoculars
I spy with my little eye… binoculars! Binoculars and binocular kits (complete with smartphone attachment and tripod) are available to borrow at no cost for one week with the possibility of up to two renewals.
For more information visit our Outdoor Equipment page
MAGAZINES & NEWSPAPERS
Flipster
Flipster is a magazine platform for library card holders that provides access to a number of popular titles including Vogue, The New Yorker, TIME, Better Homes & Gardens, Canadian MoneySaver, and many more! You can read new issues and back issues, so you never have to miss out. Plus there are no holds, no fees, and no check out limits!
Hoopla
Hoopla offers 4 credits per month for an enormous selection of digital video (movies and TV shows), music, audiobooks, ebooks and comics, and magazines.
PressReader
PressReader offers users access to thousands of newspapers and magazines written in over 60 languages. Both current issues and back issues are available, so you never have to miss out. There are no holds, no checkout periods, and no limit to the number of titles you can view or download.
Please note that customers must be in the library to access The Globe and Mail on PressReader due to restrictions imposed by the publishers.
MOVIES & TELEVISION
Hoopla
Hoopla offers 4 credits per month for an enormous selection of digital video (movies and TV shows), music, audiobooks, ebooks and comics, and magazines.
Kanopy
Kanopy offers 5 credits per month for one of the most unique and compelling collections of film on the planet. Kanopy's films range from documentaries, indie and foreign films, must-see classics and blockbuster movies. Due to the COVID-19 situation, Kanopy is also currently offering credit-free viewing on Kanopy Kids!
National Film Board
The National Film Board of Canada has over 4,000 films, documentaries, and shorts available to stream for free.
MUSEUMS, GALLERIES, ZOOS & MORE!
Can’t visit in person?
Check out one of these fabulous online experiences instead!
Aquariums
Google Arts & Culture
- J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, United States
- Museum of Art in Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Museum of Orsay in Paris, France
- National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, United States
- National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Gwacheon-si, South Korea
- Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany
- Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands
- State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia
- Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy
- Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands
History
International Landmarks
More Arts & Culture
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Arts Museum in Budapest, Hungary
- British Museum in London, England
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
- Guggenheim Museum in New York, United States
- High Museum of Art, Atlanta
- The Louvre in Paris, France
- Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
- MoMA (The Museum of Modern Art), New York
- Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
- Smartify - Explore curated exhibition tours from museums globally.
- Smithsonian Museums across the United States
- State Russian Museum in St.Petersburg, Russia
- Vatican Museum in Rome
Local
- Attractions Ontario - Virtual Tours and Online Connections
- St. Catharines Museum Classroom
Even though the Museum is closed until further notice, there’s still tons to do online! During the closure, the museum is sharing ideas, activities, lesson plans, and more with you here in their new virtual classroom.
Science
Symphonies and Operas
MUSIC
Hoopla
Hoopla offers 4 credits per month for an enormous selection of digital video (movies and TV shows), music, audiobooks, ebooks and comics, and magazines.
ONLINE EVENTS
Events in the next month
- Number Ninjas
4:00pm - 5:00pm Monday, January 10, 2022 - Reading Buddies
4:00pm - 4:45pm Wednesday, January 12, 2022 - Crafternoons
1:30pm - 3:00pm Thursday, January 13, 2022 - Evening Community Centre Book Club
7:00pm - 8:00pm Thursday, January 13, 2022 - 2s and 3s
10:30am - 11:15am Monday, January 17, 2022 - Number Ninjas
4:00pm - 5:00pm Monday, January 17, 2022 - Author Talk: Peter Edwards and Luis Najera
6:30pm - 7:30pm Monday, January 17, 2022 - Virtual Paint Class
7:00pm - 8:00pm Monday, January 17, 2022 - After School Kindergarten Explorers
4:00pm - 4:45pm Tuesday, January 18, 2022 - Eco Heroes Virtual Storytime
4:00pm - 5:00pm Tuesday, January 18, 2022 - Babytime
2:00pm - 2:30pm Wednesday, January 19, 2022 - Jr Cooks and Books
4:00pm - 5:00pm Wednesday, January 19, 2022 - Pokemon 3D Design and Print
4:00pm - 5:00pm Wednesday, January 19, 2022 - Reading Buddies
4:00pm - 4:45pm Wednesday, January 19, 2022 - Yoga Storytime With Your Stuffies
10:30am - 11:15am Thursday, January 20, 2022 - Shake, Shimmy & Dance
1:00pm - 2:00pm Thursday, January 20, 2022 - Crafternoons
1:30pm - 3:00pm Thursday, January 20, 2022 - After School Kids Club
4:00pm - 4:45pm Thursday, January 20, 2022 - Rainbow Kids Reading Club
4:00pm - 5:00pm Thursday, January 20, 2022 - Ready Player One
4:00pm - 5:00pm Thursday, January 20, 2022 - Beer and Books
7:00pm - 8:00pm Thursday, January 20, 2022 - Winter Fun - PD Day Celebration
10:30am - 11:30pm Friday, January 21, 2022 - Virtual Piano Classes
11:30am - 12:10pm Saturday, January 22, 2022 - Virtual Piano Classes
12:15pm - 1:00pm Saturday, January 22, 2022 - Virtual Piano Classes
1:00pm - 1:45pm Saturday, January 22, 2022 - Virtual Piano Classes
1:45pm - 2:30pm Saturday, January 22, 2022 - 2s and 3s
10:30am - 11:15am Monday, January 24, 2022 - Online security and confident computing
2:00pm - 3:00pm Monday, January 24, 2022 - Number Ninjas
4:00pm - 5:00pm Monday, January 24, 2022 - After School Kindergarten Explorers
4:00pm - 4:45pm Tuesday, January 25, 2022 - Eco Heroes Virtual Storytime
4:00pm - 5:00pm Tuesday, January 25, 2022 - Babytime
2:00pm - 2:30pm Wednesday, January 26, 2022 - Jr Cooks and Books
4:00pm - 5:00pm Wednesday, January 26, 2022 - Reading Buddies
4:00pm - 4:45pm Wednesday, January 26, 2022 - Virtual Paint Class for Kids
4:00pm - 5:30pm Wednesday, January 26, 2022 - Yoga Storytime With Your Stuffies
10:30am - 11:15am Thursday, January 27, 2022 - Shake, Shimmy & Dance
1:00pm - 2:00pm Thursday, January 27, 2022 - Crafternoons
1:30pm - 3:00pm Thursday, January 27, 2022 - Afternoon Community Centre Book Club
2:00pm - 3:00pm Thursday, January 27, 2022 - After School Kids Club
4:00pm - 4:45pm Thursday, January 27, 2022 - Rainbow Kids Reading Club
4:00pm - 5:00pm Thursday, January 27, 2022 - Ready Player One
4:00pm - 5:00pm Thursday, January 27, 2022 - Pajama Storytime
6:00pm - 7:00pm Thursday, January 27, 2022 - Virtual Piano Classes
11:30am - 12:10pm Saturday, January 29, 2022 - Virtual Piano Classes
12:15pm - 1:00pm Saturday, January 29, 2022 - Virtual Piano Classes
1:00pm - 1:45pm Saturday, January 29, 2022 - Virtual Piano Classes
1:45pm - 2:30pm Saturday, January 29, 2022