Free Online Resources
Listed below, you will find a curated list of exciting free online resources that we are happy to recommend to our Patrons.
Please note: Several may request your full library card and PIN to get started - if you require either, please contact us at Lansdowne, Lyndhurst, or Seeley’s Bay.
Electronic Books & Magazines
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Centre for Equitable Library Access is a free Public library service for Canadians with print disabilities. Register online with your library card.
Mail order Braille books are available as well as accessible reading for your tablet, computer, Alexa smart speaker, and more.
We now have the Envoy Connect reader available for checkout at the library. If you would like us to help load your books, please set up your account and authorize Leeds & the Thousand Islands on your account.
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A free subscription includes over 21,300 interdisciplinary titles spanning all major DEI subject areas with more than two-thirds of titles published in the last decade.
Curated by collection development librarians using a proprietary taxonomy and the help of an international DEI Advisory Board.
Designed to support university DEI initiatives in a budget-friendly way to help libraries support teaching, research and learning in classrooms and beyond.
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Hoopla is a groundbreaking digital media service offered by your local public library that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV! Titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. We have hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily. hoopla is like having your public library at your fingertips. Anytime. Anywhere.
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Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines to read on your phone or tablet using the Libby app by OverDrive. It’s free and easy to get started for new users and a streamlined experience for current OverDrive app users.
History & Languages
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Ancestry is only accessible in the library and archives buildings.
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A fun way to learn English and French.
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With the free mobile app or web and a few minutes a day, everyone can Duolingo. Learn 30+ languages online with bite-size lessons based on science. Earn points for correct answers, race against the clock, and level up!
Online Courses & Learning
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edX is a massive open online course provider. It hosts online university-level courses in a wide range of disciplines to a worldwide student body, including some courses at no charge. It also conducts research into learning based on how people use its platform.
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Join more than 100 million people from all walks of life who have come to us to learn the essential skills they need to live and work in the 21st century.
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No rigid courses here! Focus on what you care about most, whether you're just starting out with the alphabet and travel basics or you're advancing into conversational skills
Includes American Sign Language for English Speakers, Survival ASL for Librarians, American Sign Language for Babies and Children.
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With 600+ courses in 35+ subject areas, UniversalClass for Librarians has something for every patron, including job seekers, lifelong learners, and DIYers. Patrons can pick up new skills and earn Continuing Education Units in everything from computer skills and candle making to finance and feng shui. Learners can audit courses for fun or complete full-length courses with quizzes and assignments to earn CEUs. Learners can access courses anytime, anywhere, on almost any device.
Recipes & Home
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A vast resource for recipes of all kinds.
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Delicious & comforting recipes for the whole family.
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An in-depth resource for food, culture, and traditional recipes in over 170 countries. An educational resource for country and food related projects. Beautifully illustrated with over 13,000 photos, AtoZ World Food currently features over 6,500 recipes and continues to grow.
Seniors
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Connecting older adults with free technology training and support.
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Cyber-Seniors provides FREE
technology support and training for older adults. -
Learn about programs and services for seniors, including tax credits, health care, caregiving, housing, transportation and more.
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Online learning, exercise classes, Open Mic & more!
Miscellaneous
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211 is a helpline that easily connects people to the social services, programs and community supports they need.
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This one-of-a-kind portal allows you to discover unique Canadian and local content including news, TV and radio shows, podcasts, kids content, a language learning app and much more!
English: CBCCorner.ca
Francais: LeSpaceRadioCanada.ca
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Take a free G1 practice test with exam‑style questions and instant answers – no signup. Quick drills, plain‑English explanations and hazard‑video tips turn guessing into confidence. Keep practising until the G1 test feels familiar, then walk in and pass your Ontario G1 driving exam first time.
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Download our free app to search for books, find library hours, renew items, add your library card to your mobile wallet and more! Simply search the Google Play store or Apple store for “LTIPL”.
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The award-winning Teen Health & Wellness provides middle and high school students with up-to-date, nonjudgmental, straightforward curricular, and self-help support. Articles are correlated to state, national, and provincial standards, including Common Core Health and Science. Topics covered include diseases, drugs, alcohol, nutrition, mental health, suicide, bullying, and more.