Originally published May 2020; updated December 2025.
We’re here for you
We are always working to adapt our Library services to be more accessible online. We want to make sure you know about all of our fantastic e-resources.
This list is geared toward our adult patrons. You may also want to check out this list of tools for teachers and students., opens a new window
If you need any help getting started with any of the following resources, you can find quick video tutorials for most of these resources on Niche Academy, opens a new window.
Online card registration
Many of our resources require a library card to access. You can request a digital library card online and start using our e-resources right away.
If you have a card but need help finding your library card number or PIN, please give us a call or send an email. We can look up information and get you online in no time.
Ask the Library Phone Line
If you have any questions about our services, you can call our Ask the Library phone line at (902) 490-5753 or email us at AskLib@halifaxlibrary.ca.
Internet access
At some branches, our Wi-Fi will reach outside the branch so you can use it even when we're closed. In most cases, you can park or stand near the building and access our free internet. Our Wi-Fi isn't password protected. Just connect to "Halifax Public Libraries" and you're all set.
Browse content for Adults
On our Adults Browse Page, opens a new window, you'll always find tons of content, with more added every day. We have volunteer openings, book lists, how-to blogs, and so much more.
Read
We have many ways to keep you reading. Here are ways to access e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and newspapers.
E-Books and Audiobooks via OverDrive & Libby
The Library has over one million digital titles available for download in book, e-book, and audiobook format. Every week, we highlight new and interesting books on our main page.
We also have a More Languages room set up where you can find material in French, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, Korean, German, Russian, and more. You can find the More Languages room here., opens a new window
Our collection can be accessed through tablets and phones, computers (through a browser), or e-readers. To get started, download the Libby app through your preferred app store. If you have any questions about accessing this collection, please call our Ask the Library phone line and someone will help you get set up, or check out our blog post, How to: Use Libby, by Overdrive, opens a new window.
Audiobooks via AudioBookCloud
Pick from thousands of audiobooks all available for free. Access AudioBookCloud here., opens a new window
NoveList
Get recommendations for books and audiobooks. This is a great resource for finding read-alikes if you've read everything by your favourite author. It's like having a little librarian in your pocket. Learn more about NoveList here., opens a new window
Newspapers via PressReader
Stay in touch with the news of the world. With PressReader, you can search thousands of publications by country and language, and read translated articles instantly. Learn how to get started with PressReader, opens a new window.
Magazines via OverDrive and the Libby, by OverDrive app
Read full-colour digital magazines online—for free, with no checkouts or limits. Pick from more than 5,000 magazines. Learn more about OverDrive., opens a new window
East Coast Recipes
Get instant access to 3,000 recipes from 40+ local Canadian cookbooks. Access East Coast Recipes, opens a new window or learn more, opens a new window.
Classic E-Books via Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is a library of over 75,000 free e-books with focus on older works for which copyright has expired. Access Project Gutenberg here, opens a new window.
Research
Now could be a great time to start or work on a project. Here are some ways we can help you with your research.
Ancestry.com
Access ancestry, opens a new window using thousands of genealogical records from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries around the world. If you've never used Ancestry before, we recommend you start with our how-to blog post, opens a new window. Please note, Ancestry Library Edition access is only available when visiting a Halifax Public Libraries branch.
Gale General Reference Centre
Access more than 100,000,000 articles on a wide range of topics from academic works to homework help for kids. Access Gale General Reference Centre here., opens a new window
Watch
We now have three ways to watch video content, all accessible with your library card.
Movies via Kanopy
Kanopy, opens a new window offers a wide range of independent films, classic cinema, documentaries, educational videos, and foreign films. Patrons are limited to the number of videos played per month. Learn how to get started on Kanopy, opens a new window.
Movies and TV shows via hoopla
hoopla, opens a new window is a digital media service that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics, and TV shows. With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. Each patron is limited to five (5) borrows per month. Learn how to get started on hoopla.
Learn
Learning can happen anywhere, but these resources were built specifically to teach you something new.
LinkedIn Learning
Pick from more than 4,000 video tutorials taught by industry experts on a wide range of topics including business, photography, graphic design, project management, animation, audio and music production, web design, marketing, job interview preparation, public speaking, and much more. Access LinkedIn Learning here, opens a new window or watch the how-to tutorial on Niche Academy, opens a new window.
Rocket Languages
Learning another language can be a challenge. Rocket Languages makes learning fun with interactive audio lessons that can be completed at your own pace.
You can learn 15 different languages including: Arabic, French, German, Mandarin, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, American Sign Language, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, English for Spanish Speakers, English for Japanese Speakers, or Russian. Learn how to get started with Rocket Languages, opens a new window.
Car Repair via Chilton Library
Access detailed information about car maintenance and repair including guides for specific vehicles, step-by-step service, and repair procedures.
Is there something else we can do to help? Please get in touch, opens a new window and let us know. We are here for you.
Click here to download and read the Arabic version., opens a new window
Please note this version may not be updated with the latest information.
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