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.
Kanopy
Kanopy is a streaming platform where you can access thousands of films and series, all for free with your Camden library card. Kanopy offers critically acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award-winning foreign films, and more. You need to be 18+ to set up a Kanopy account with your library card.
You can use Kanopy on all your favourite devices, like your phone, tablet, desktop computer or Smart TVs. Sign up here on the Kanopy page.
Kanopy Kids
Kanopy Kids is a curated educational and entertainment collection just for children, complete with parental controls so you can manage their viewing. Set up a PIN so your children will only be able to access the Kanopy Kids section, which has lots of great features, including TV shows and films, read-along storybooks, classic stories and myths, and language learning videos. Enjoy unlimited watching with your little ones.
How to Set Up Your Kanopy Account
- Use this link to access Kanopy
- Click on ‘Add a library card’
- Type in your library card number and your PIN. These are the same details you use to log into your library account
- Enter your name and email address, and create a password
- Explore Kanopy
How to Set Up Parental Controls
- Go to the ‘My Account’ section of Kanopy
- Click on ‘Parental Controls’
- Enter a 4 digit PIN
- Click ‘Turn On’
Turning on Parental Controls means that once in the children’s section, you will need to enter your PIN to exit, so your children can’t watch content outside of that collection without permission.
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.