Online library resources
Join to access services
Transparent Language Online
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, enewspapers, and eaudio
We have a large selection of ebooks, enewspapers and eaudiobooks to read or listen to. They are all available from the BorrowBox website and app.
European news stream
Explore ProQuest European news resources available with your library membership. Many of the resources are the most widely read, most influential, with reputations for fearless reporting, or are the largest in their country, or considered the top English-language paper in their country. This collection gives you access to news resources from Europe — from today's news to backfiles dating back several decades. Titles include:
- Daily Telegraph (2000 to present)
- Financial Times (1996 to present, delayed by one month)
- Grocer (1998 to present)
- The Guardian (1996 to present)
- The Independent (2016 to present)
- Le Monde (2001 to present)
- North Somerset Times (2018 to present)
- El Pais (2008 to present)
- Weston, Worle and Somerset Mercury (2012 to present)
Magazines and comics
You can also access the following services using your Library card on the below websites.
eMagazines
Choose from over 3000 different titles that you can access on your computer, tablet or smartphone, including:
- BBC Good Food
- New Scientist
- Gardeners’ World
- TV Times
- Computeractive
- Money Week
- Good Housekeeping
How to access
We are sorry, due to technical issues we are not able to offer the Libby service (digital magazines, digital comics and graphic novels) at the moment.
We are working hard to get a service back to you.
- Libby website - sign up - for desktop and mobile users
- OverDrive website apps - sign up - for Kindle Fire users
- download the free Libby app from the Apple Store or Google Play - for smartphone or tablet users
eComics
You can access 1500+ digital titles including titles on:
- Marvel
- Disney
- Star Trek
- Star Wars
How to access
- Libby website - sign up - for desktop and mobile users
- OverDrive website apps - sign up - for Kindle Fire users
- download the free Libby app from the Apple Store or Google Play - for smartphone or tablet users
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
Open Educational Resources
This service provides an ever growing, vetted collection of more than forty million open access, peer-reviewed articles, non-fiction books and other open materials.
This collection includes resources for not only students, but anyone, including resources for:
- small businesses
- entrepreneurs
- health and wellness
Traditionally, these open access resources were scattered and challenging to find. LibrariesWest brings these resources together to create one easy location to find anything you need.
How to access
To use this new feature, simply search for what you need in the library catalogue with the search bar and click on the Open Educational Resources tab.
Theory Test Pro at North Somerset Libraries
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 servers in the United States and 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.