Online library resources

How to join

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To access our library services, you can sign up on the LibrariesWest website. Once you have a library card number, you can use it to sign on to the other platforms and apps listed on this page.

Transparent Language Online

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Transparent Language Online offers North Somerset library members a fun way to build skills in a foreign language. It is completely free and you can learn anywhere. 

There are over 120 languages to choose from including learning English for speakers of over 30 languages. Their wide range of learning tools are suitable for all ages. 

How to access

Open Transparent Language Online on a webpage. Use your North Somerset library card number or your digital membership number to sign up. You will then need to create a username and password to finish setting up your account. 

With your new login, you can use either the desktop site or you can download the free Transparent Language Online app from either the Apple Store or Google Play.

If you're not a library member, you can join online at LibrariesWest website.

eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers, and eMagazines

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We have a large selection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers, and eMagazines to read or listen to. 

To find our what's available, visit the BorrowBox website or download the app.

eBooks

The collection includes around 14,000 titles across various genres. 

You can borrow up to 10 eBooks at a time for 21 days, with the option to return them early or renew them twice.

For those using a PC or laptop to transfer eBook e-reader, Adobe Digital Editions is required. This free software helps manage and transfer eBook files.

eAudiobooks

The eAudiobook collection includes approximately 17,000 titles including:

  •  fiction (adult and children)
  • biographies
  • history
  • science
  • cookery
  • health and lifestyle
  • travel
  • and more

Similar to eBooks, you can borrow up to 10 eAudiobooks for 14 days, with renewal options available. 

eNewspapers

The service provides access to around 90 UK national, regional, and local titles on the day of publication. 

Library members have unlimited access to eNewspapers, which can be checked out for 50 days and renewed as needed. 

Newspapers can be read offline or streamed on various devices. Accessibility features like font resizing and background colour changes are available to enhance readability.

eMagazines

With around 1,100 titles available, eMagazines cover a wide range of genres including technology, crafts, current affairs, entertainment, and more.

You can check out up to 50 editions for 50 days, with the option to renew.

Titles are always available and can be downloaded or streamed on various devices. Accessibility features ensure a comfortable reading experience, and content can be viewed on up to six devices.

John Johnson collection

This online collection houses images of archived items that offer insights into everyday life in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries.

How to access

Theory Test Pro at North Somerset Libraries

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Theory Test Pro is a highly 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. All this material is licensed from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the people who set the tests.

Access to Theory Test Pro is free for residents who call in to any North Somerset library. Members of North Somerset Libraries can also access Theory Test Pro from outside the libraries using their library card number.

How to sign up

When you first use Theory Test Pro, you will need to register with your name, email address and password. There is no charge for this. This information allows Theory Test Pro to save your test scores so you can follow your progress as you practice for the test.

You will need a valid email address to sign up for Theory Test Pro.

If you sign up from home or anywhere else outside of the library, you will also need a valid library barcode number, available on your library card.

Visit us

Visit us to access some online services at the library which you may not be able to at home.

Enquiries

For help with our library services, contact us at libraries@n-somerset.gov.uk

Disclaimer

Access to digital content is provided by a third party supplier who delivers access to the platform and content through their own systems. Please be aware that the supplier will be the data controller for the information it collects. The supplier has their own terms and conditions which you will need to read before choosing to use their service.

The Library Service is not responsible for third party content, and the information you share with the third party supplier.