Home Library
Stuck at home with nothing to do? The library can help!
We have compiled a list of resources you can use from home with the power of your library card!
Signup for a card using the link below, or start using these great resources by using the navigation to the left.
List of Resources
Ancestry Library Edition
NFPL and its partners ProQuest and Ancestry.ca, are offering complimentary access from home for a limited time!
All you need is your library card number and PIN.
Access billions of names in thousands of genealogical databases including Census and Vital Records, Birth, Marriage and Death notices, Passenger lists and Naturalizations, Military records and much more!
Canadian Reference Center
(Book Reviews, Images, Newspapers & Magazines, Reference Books)Canadian Reference Centre combines Canadian magazines, newspapers, newswires and reference books to create the largest collection of regional full text content available to Canadian libraries. This database includes leading Canadian periodicals and international (U.S. and U.K) periodicals in full text; full text reference books; full text biographies and an Image Collection. This database is updated on a daily basis.
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
DIY: Home Improvement Reference Database
This database offers access to leading home improvement magazines, videos, articles, and more. It's the perfect one-stop shop for handywomen and handymen of all skill levels with projects ranging from basic decorating tips to advanced electrical work.
Video Tutorial
Explora Canada
This general interface provides access to Canadian Reference Centre, Consumer Health Complete, Literary Reference Centre Plus, Masterfile Complete and Primary Search.
Video TutorialExplora Primary Canada
This general interface provides access to Canadian Reference Centre, Consumer Health Complete, Literary Reference Centre Plus, Masterfile Complete and Primary Search.
Video Tutorial
Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia
This database provides over 25,000 encyclopedic entries covering a variety of subject areas.
Video Tutorial
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 5 credits per month for an enormous selection of digital video (movies and TV shows), music, audiobooks, ebooks and comics.
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!
Lynda.com
Lynda.com 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.
MasterFILE Complete
Designed specifically for public libraries, this multidisciplinary database provides full text for nearly 1,950 general reference publications with full text information dating as far back as 1975. Covering virtually every subject area of general interest, MasterFILE Complete also includes nearly 500 full text reference books, 84,011 biographies, 83,472 primary source documents, and an Image Collection of 192,999 photos, maps and flags. This database is updated daily via EBSCOhost.
Video Tutorial
Novelist
NoveList is a fiction database that provides subject heading access, reviews, annotations, and much more for over 135,000 fiction titles. It also includes other content of interest to fiction readers, such as Author Read-alikes, What We're Reading, Book Discussion Guides, BookTalks, and Annotated Book Lists. For school media specialists and teachers there are Picture Book Extenders and articles on Teaching with Fiction.
Video Tutorial
Novelist K-8
NoveList K-8 allows you to discover the fiction titles that are popular with young readers as well as titles that teachers may use in the classroom. The NoveList Learning Center provides a complete introduction to the product and shows how to use NoveList to meet the reading needs of students and teachers. You can access the Learning Center by clicking on its link in the left hand column of your screen.
Video Tutorial
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.
RB Digital
RBdigital Magazines, the world's largest newsstand, offers full color, interactive digital magazines for your enjoyment. Browse from the library's collection of popular titles with no holds, no checkout periods, and no limit to the number of magazines you can download
Rosetta Stone
Want to learn a new language or advance your skills in one you are already learning? Rosetta Stone Plus is an effective, easy-to-use program that allows you to learn a new language on your own time. Start your interactive language-learning journey today and choose from 30 different languages.
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
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 5 credits per month for an enormous selection of digital video (movies and TV shows), music, audiobooks, ebooks and comics.
Stories
Kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids. All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet. Due to the COVID-19 situation, Audible is providing complimentary access to Stories on a provisional basis.
TumbleBooks
TumbleBooks’ databases feature unlimited online access to a wide selection of eBooks and eAudiobooks. You can read as many books as you want, when you want, and on any device. There are no check-outs, holds, or downloads. Due to the COVID-19 situation, TumbleBooks is providing complimentary access to this database until August 31.
AudioBookCloud
All ages eAudiobook database
Comics
Hoopla
Hoopla offers 5 credits per month for an enormous selection of digital video (movies and TV shows), music, audiobooks, ebooks and comics.
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 TutorialDIY: Home Improvement Reference Database
This database offers access to leading home improvement magazines, videos, articles, and more. It's the perfect one-stop shop for handywomen and handymen of all skill levels with projects ranging from basic decorating tips to advanced electrical work.
Video TutorialeBooks
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 5 credits per month for an enormous selection of digital video (movies and TV shows), music, audiobooks, ebooks and comics.
TumbleBooks
TumbleBooks’ databases feature unlimited online access to a wide selection of eBooks and eAudiobooks. You can read as many books as you want, when you want, and on any device. There are no check-outs, holds, or downloads. Due to the COVID-19 situation, TumbleBooks is providing complimentary access to this database until August 31.
TumbleBookLibrary
K-6 children’s eBook database
TumbleMath
K-6 math eBook database
TeenBookCloud
Gr 7-12 eBook database
RomanceBookCloud
A huge collection of steamy Romance eBooks for the older crowd!
Know Buddy Resources
Read entire eBooks online for free on a variety of different topics for grades pre-K to 6. Due to the COVID-19 situation, Amicus publishing has opened up their entire library of Know Buddy Resources eBooks to help with online learning. Complimentary access to this database is available for a limited time. The username is info@amicuspublishing.us and the password is AMICUS.
Storyline
Missing your favourite storytime programs at the library? Then check out Storyline! It streams videos featuring your favourite celebrities reading picture books. Each book includes supplemental curriculum material aimed to help strengthen comprehension, verbal, and written skills for your kids.Story Time From Space
Want to get out of your house for a good story time? Well, this is about as far away as you can get! Join real-life astronauts on the International Space Station as they read your favourite STEAM-inspired children’s bookseLearning
Lynda.com
Lynda.com 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.
Rosetta Stone
Want to learn a new language or advance your skills in one you are already learning? Rosetta Stone Plus is an effective, easy-to-use program that allows you to learn a new language on your own time. Start your interactive language-learning journey today and choose from 30 different languages.
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.
Scholastic Learn At Home
This free virtual learning resource centre has material for grades pre-K to 9. It allows you and your kids to access 20 days worth of lessons across all content areas. Virtually learning has never been so easy or so fun!
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.
Genealogy
Ancestry Library Edition
NFPL and its partners ProQuest and Ancestry.ca, are offering complimentary access from home for a limited time!
All you need is your library card number and PIN.
Access billions of names in thousands of genealogical databases including Census and Vital Records, Birth, Marriage and Death notices, Passenger lists and Naturalizations, Military records and much more!
Family Search
This nonprofit family history organization is dedicated to connecting families across generations. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services each year to learn more about their family history. It has over 4 billion names from all over the world, offers 24/7 expert phone support, and (best of all) it’s completely free.
Newspapers & Magazines
Canadian Reference Center
(Book Reviews, Images, Newspapers & Magazines, Reference Books)Canadian Reference Centre combines Canadian magazines, newspapers, newswires and reference books to create the largest collection of regional full text content available to Canadian libraries. This database includes leading Canadian periodicals and international (U.S. and U.K) periodicals in full text; full text reference books; full text biographies and an Image Collection. This database is updated on a daily basis.
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.
RB Digital
RBdigital Magazines, the world's largest newsstand, offers full color, interactive digital magazines for your enjoyment. Browse from the library's collection of popular titles with no holds, no checkout periods, and no limit to the number of magazines you can download
Movies & Television
Hoopla
Hoopla offers 5 credits per month for an enormous selection of digital video (movies and TV shows), music, audiobooks, ebooks and comics.
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!
Curio
This educational streaming platform allows you to access thousands of programs, documentaries, audio content and archival material from CBC/Radio-Canada. Due to the COVID-19 situation, CBC is providing complimentary access to this database on a provisional basis.
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 and 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
Sports
Symphonies and Operas
Music
Hoopla
Hoopla offers 5 credits per month for an enormous selection of digital video (movies and TV shows), music, audiobooks, ebooks and comics.
Online Events Hosted by NFPL
Join the Niagara Falls Public Library on Facebook daily as we host online events for all ages!
View the list below or see the Full Calendar.
Afternoon Doodles with Donna
Tuesdays @ 4pm (Oct 6 - Nov 24)
Join Donna as she takes you through the basics of drawing and doodling. This program will run on our Facebook
Bookgartners - Ages 3-6
Tuesdays Dec 1, 8, 15 @ 10:30am
Rhyming games, sensory bins and finger puppet activities based on the works of popular children’s authors.
Build-A-Bot Workshop - Ages 8+
Saturdays Dec 12, 19 @ 1pm
Take a look at how to design robot pieces that fit together, move, and respond to controls. We’ll also look at some simple electric circuits and how to decorate your functioning robot. All supplies will be available for pickup after registration. This program will have two sessions.
Book Clubs
Book clubs are back! Book clubs will be running from October - May.
Chapter By Chapter
Wednesdays @ 7pm
Join us every Wednesday night as we read a chapter a night. Relax at the end of the night with an adult “storytime”. This program will be on our Facebook page.
Code Art - Ages 8+
Tuesday Dec 8 @ 4pm
Learn some basic (and some complex) coding skills to generate digital art. No experience necessary. The end result will be an art piece that we’ll print in high resolution for you to collect.
Colouring Circle - Adults
Monday Dec 7, 14, 21 @ 1:30pm
Colour and relax in the company of others in this online program.
Cooking Classes - Ages 6+
Thursdays @ 3:30pm
Thursdays Dec 3, 10, 17 @ 4pm
Learn how to prepare some healthy, tasty recipes as you learn basic kitchen safety, food handling, cooking techniques and nutrition.
Create Your Own Holiday Cards
Decorate, colour and write holiday cards to share with family and friends.
- Kids - Wednesday Dec 2 @ 4pm Registration required
- Adults - Monday Dec 7 @ 1:30pm Registration required
DIY Bath Bomb and Body Scrub - Ages 12+
Monday Nov 23 @ 4pm
Create your own unique bath bombs and sugar scrubs. Pamper yourself or offer them to friends and family as Holiday gifts. Prepared supply kits will be available for pickup upon registration.
DIY I Spy - Ages 6+ with caregiver
Monday Dec 14 @ 4pm
Create your own I Spy-style picture riddle diorama. All supplies will be available for pickup after registration.
DIY Lantern Making - Ages 6+
Tuesday Dec 15 @ 4pm
Don’t get lost in the dark. Make your own unique Lantern. All supplies will be available for pickup after registration.
DIY Photo Coasters - Ages 6+
Wednesday Dec 9 @ 4pm
Create your own personalized photo coasters. Grab your favourite photos and make a beautiful holiday gift for family or friends. All supplies will be available for pickup after registration.
Fun Fact Mondays - Ages 8+
Mondays @ 4pm
Learn some fun facts on a particular topic by checking out our Facebook page!
Graphic Novel Book Club - Ages 12+
Tuesdays @ 4pm
Are you a fan of Graphic Novels and Comics? Join us on the fourth Tuesday of every month to discuss the titles below. All titles are available online with your library card.
- November 25 - New Kid
Holiday Baby Art - Ages 0-3
Tuesday Dec 8 @ 1pm
Get your hands dirty for some creative and messy fun. Activity kits will be provided upon registration.
Letters to a Character - All ages
Write a letter to your favourite storybook character and get a response from that character! Place written letters in any of our library drop boxes with your address on them. We will share your letter with the character and they will mail you a response. The fine art of letter writing, and communicating by mail is a lost treasure. We’re excited to reignite the fun with our character mailbox.
Kindergarten 101
Tuesdays @ 10:30am
For children who would have been starting Kindergarten in Fall 2020
Help your child get ready for school with Kindergarten 101, our kindergarten-style storytime routine designed to foster independence and play-based learning. Prepared supply kits will be available for pickup upon registration.
Messy Masterpieces - All ages
Saturdays @ 10:30am
Explore your creativity through fun, easy, and sometimes messy art projects. Join us on Facebook!
Reading Buddies - Ages 6+
Thursdays Nov 5 - Dec 10 @ 4pm
A fun, weekly program that gives children one-to-one reading practice with a teen Reading Buddy. This program will run through Zoom. Meeting details will be shared after registration.
RECYCLE, REUSE, ROBOTS - Ages 6+
Saturday Nov 28 @ 1pm
Look at upcycling leftover bits and pieces and some unexpected household items that would otherwise be waste. Explore the mechanics of simple machines and various materials as you get creative building a moving robot. Prepared supply kits will be available for pickup.
Say Goodbye To 2020 Party! - All Ages
It’s time to kick 2020 to the curb! Let’s celebrate all of the milestones we missed this last year with a giant virtual party. Make your own party hat or sign, join our dance party and don’t miss our countdown at noon! Who's ready to ring in 2021? WE ARE!
Stuffy Sleepover - All ages
Tuesday Nov 17 @ 6pm
Reconnect with our Mo Willems stuffies to see what mischief they get up to while in the library. Will there be any staff around for them to try and distract? Keep an eye on our social media to catch a glimpse of their library adventures.
Trivia! - Ages 13+
Test your knowledge! Join us online for themed trivia nights that put your knowledge to the test.
- Thursday November 26 @ 4pm - Harry Potter Trivia
- Thursday December 17 @ 4pm - Holiday Movies
Virtual Paint Class - Ages 13+
Saturday Nov 21 @ 1pm
Wednesday December 9 @ 7pm
Customers of any skill level are welcome to recreate beautiful paintings through step-by-step online instructions.
Research
Brought to you by NFPL
Administrative assistance for these products is provided by
Canadian Reference Center
(Book Reviews, Images, Newspapers & Magazines, Reference Books)Canadian Reference Centre combines Canadian magazines, newspapers, newswires and reference books to create the largest collection of regional full text content available to Canadian libraries. This database includes leading Canadian periodicals and international (U.S. and U.K) periodicals in full text; full text reference books; full text biographies and an Image Collection. This database is updated on a daily basis.
Explora Canada
(Book Reviews, Encyclopedias, Images, Newspapers & Magazines)
This general interface provides access to Canadian Reference Centre, Consumer Health Complete, Literary Reference Centre Plus, Masterfile Complete and Primary Search.
Video TutorialExplora Primary Canada
(Book Reviews, Encyclopedias, Images, Newspapers & Magazines)
This general interface provides access to Canadian Reference Centre, Consumer Health Complete, Literary Reference Centre Plus, Masterfile Complete and Primary Search.
Video TutorialFunk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia
(Encyclopedias)
This database provides over 25,000 encyclopedic entries covering a variety of subject areas.
Video TutorialMasterFILE Complete
(Encyclopedias, Images)
Designed specifically for public libraries, this multidisciplinary database provides full text for nearly 1,950 general reference publications with full text information dating as far back as 1975. Covering virtually every subject area of general interest, MasterFILE Complete also includes nearly 500 full text reference books, 84,011 biographies, 83,472 primary source documents, and an Image Collection of 192,999 photos, maps and flags. This database is updated daily via EBSCOhost.
Video TutorialNovelist
(Book Reviews, Finding Books to Read)
NoveList is a fiction database that provides subject heading access, reviews, annotations, and much more for over 135,000 fiction titles. It also includes other content of interest to fiction readers, such as Author Read-alikes, What We're Reading, Book Discussion Guides, BookTalks, and Annotated Book Lists. For school media specialists and teachers there are Picture Book Extenders and articles on Teaching with Fiction.
Video TutorialNovelist K-8
(Book Reviews, Finding Books to Read, For Children)
NoveList K-8 allows you to discover the fiction titles that are popular with young readers as well as titles that teachers may use in the classroom. The NoveList Learning Center provides a complete introduction to the product and shows how to use NoveList to meet the reading needs of students and teachers. You can access the Learning Center by clicking on its link in the left hand column of your screen.
Video TutorialVirtual Reference Library
(Book Reviews, Finding Books to Read, For Children)
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