Free online reading and reference information
ReadOn by London Libraries
'ReadOn', a new app developed by librarians from London Libraries that takes inspiration from the 'Couch to 5k' fitness plan to get people reading more is now available from the app store for android and Apple devices. The app will have quizzes and challenges to motivate you to read more. Ask the library team if you have problems downloading the app. The app was funded by a British Library LibraryOn grant.
Join the Library
There is a wide variety of free online reading available if you have a Camden library membership.
If you don't have a library membership, you can join today:
When you complete the joining form you will receive a temporary membership ID, starting with the prefix CAM. To access our digital library, you need to come into one of our libraries with photo ID and proof of address (or two forms of proof of address if you don't have photo ID) to confirm your membership and get your library card.
e-Books, e-Audio, e-Newspapers and e-Magazines
- BorrowBox - borrow, download and enjoy the latest e-audiobooks with the BorrowBox library app
- Libby - e-books, e-audiobooks, magazines and comics
- PressReader - a huge range of UK and international newspapers and magazines
Mobile apps are available. Registration may be required.
Comics Plus
Enjoy unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and Manga on any device, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Adult Library log in (content only suitable for 18+)
- Teen Library log in
- Children's Library log in
Online reference databases
Camden Library Services subscribes to a number of online reference resources not otherwise available on the free web. You can access these with your Camden libraries membership number.
Access our: Online reference resources
These include BFI Replay, Ancestry, Oxford dictionaries and reference, Who's Who, newspaper archives and more.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica Adult
- COBRA the Complete Business Reference Adviser.
- New, improved and expanded Newsbank - search current and archived UK newspapers, with full-colour page reproductions (recent editions), full-text articles and content only published online. Also available remotely 24/7 on any device.
- New The London Times Collection (via Newsbank) - full text of The Times, The Sunday Times and content only published online from 1985 onwards. Full-colour page reproductions from 2020 onwards.
- BFI Replay (access only available from a public computer in Camden Libraries)
From the British Film Institute, BFI Replay is a 'living digital archive', designed to give you access to thousands of newly-digitised television programmes and films; spanning 50 years of life captured from videotapes across the 20th century, from the 1960s to the 2010s, and almost lost forever. Offering a glimpse into Britain’s past, its people and places; recording and revealing an era of rapid social, industrial, political and technological change.
Online courses
Driving Theory Test
Theory Test Pro is a realistic online simulation of the UK's driving theory test. It contains the official practice test question bank, hazard perception video clips and an online version of the Highway Code. Access to this is completely free for residents in any of our Camden Libraries. Members of Camden Libraries can also access Theory Test Pro from outside the libraries using their library card number.
Life in the UK test
GoCitizen.co.uk is an online study resource for candidates preparing for the Life in the UK Test or British citizenship test. It includes an online version of the latest study materials licensed from the Home Office, the people who write the handbook, plus hundreds of practice test questions in the same format as the official test. Access to GoCitizen.co.uk is completely free for residents using any of our Camden Libraries. Members of Camden Libraries can also access GoCitizen.co.uk from outside the libraries with their library card number.
Alison: Extensive catalogue of educational classes
Camden Libraries are keen to support people to improve their knowledge and skills. We are pleased to share access to Alison courses for you to explore. Alison courses offers over 4000 free courses on a range of topics.
Visit the Alison courses website
How to get started with Alison courses
Transparent Languages
Everything you need for your language learning experience! Access the transparent languages learning.