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!

 

Mental Health and Wellbeing
Library StatusGet A Library Card Online! Seed to Seed
Digital History CollectionmyNFPL Insider Fine Free Info

ALL ONLINE RESOURCES

Brought to you by NFPL
cloudLibrary

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.

Video Tutorial

Creativebug

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
PressReader

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

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

Hoopla offers 4 credits per month for an enormous selection of digital video (movies and TV shows), music, audiobooks, ebooks and comics, and magazines.

Video Tutorial

Kanopy

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!

Video Tutorial

LinkedIn Learning

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.

Video Tutorial

PressReader

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.

Video Tutorial

Virtual Reference Library

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

AUDIOBOOKS & eBOOKS

Brought to you by NFPL
cloudLibrary

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.

Video Tutorial

Hoopla

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.

Video Tutorial

CRAFTING

Brought to you by NFPL
Creativebug

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

ELEARNING

Brought to you by NFPL
Virtual Reference Library

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

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.

Video Tutorial

Driver's Ed Database

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.

More Resources

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 Resources

Includes 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 Resources

Includes 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 Resources

Includes 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-being

From 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 students

From calculus to guitar for beginners, we’ve rounded up courses to help high school students everywhere keep learning.

College students

From preparing for an interview to learning data science, we’ve collected courses to make it easier to keep learning.

Career development

From 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 career

From 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 health

From the science behind COVID-19 to communicating during global emergencies, we’re making popular public health courses completely free.

Courses in Spanish

From 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.

Access Educator Resources

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seeds

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

Fishing Poles

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

MAGAZINES & NEWSPAPERS

Brought to you by NFPL
PressReader

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

Hoopla offers 4 credits per month for an enormous selection of digital video (movies and TV shows), music, audiobooks, ebooks and comics, and magazines.

Video Tutorial

PressReader

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.

Video Tutorial

MOVIES & TELEVISION

Brought to you by NFPL
Hoopla

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.

Video Tutorial

Kanopy

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!

Video Tutorial

More Resources

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!

Local

MUSIC

Brought to you by NFPL
Hoopla

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.

Video Tutorial

ONLINE EVENTS

Events in the next month

For more events, see our Full Calendar

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