Find good quality, reliable information in the library or at home, for free.
We provide access for library members to a number of free subscription websites and digital services. You can log in to all our online resources from home using your library card number, unless stated otherwise. If you are not a member, find out how to join.
Some additional websites which you may find useful are also listed here.
Research and help with homework
Access to Research gives free online access to over 10 million journal articles from more than 6,000 academic journals covering arts, humanities and sciences.
You can search and preview from home, but reading the full article and printing (one copy only) is only available using a library public computer. This is for non-commercial use and private study.
Issues Online includes reports, key facts and statistics on topical issues.
Dictionary.com - English definitions, synonyms, word origins, audio pronunciations, example sentences, slang phrases, idioms, word games, legal and medical terms.
Foreign Language Online Dictionaries – links online dictionaries for a huge range of languages.
Onelook - a 'search engine for words and phrases'. Find words and phrases that start, end or contain certain words and related words or phrases.
Phrase Finder - 2,000 English idioms, phrases and expressions, with their meanings and origins explained.
BrainyQuote – claims to be the world's largest quotation site.
Crossword Clue Solver - searches for incomplete crossword answers and elusive clues. The site includes a wizard for answers with multiple words.
Internet Anagram Server - type in any word or phrase to find its anagrams.
Family history
Get access to a wide range of resources for searching your family history including birth, marriage and death records, UK censuses 1841 to 1911, military records, town and trade directories, school records, passenger lists and more.
Ancestry Library Edition - only available using a library public computer (Family Tree Maker is not available). Go the Libraries catalogue, then select My Account and enter your library card and PIN to find a link at the top of the page for accessing Ancestry at home.
Findmypast - this service is only available using a library public computer (living relatives is not available). Findmypast does not provide access to the 1921 Census or British newspaper collection through the library account.
Other resources
Berkshire Record Office – archives of the Royal County of Berkshire, looking after nearly 900 years of Berkshire’s history.
Credo - a guide to aid your genealogical research.
Discovery - access records held by The National Archives and more than 9,000 archives across the UK, many are available for download.
Archives Hub - descriptions of thousands of UK archive collections representing over 330 institutions across the country - an effective way to discover unique and often little-known sources to support your research.
NLS Maps - National Library of Scotland offers access to historical maps for the UK. Discover old maps of Bracknell in the 'Map Series' section.
Visit our local and family history page to find more resources for learning about your history.
Driving theory test
Theory Test Pro - online simulation of the UK's driving theory tests for cars, motorcycles, large goods vehicles, and passenger carrying vehicles. Contains the entire official test question bank, hazard perception video clips and online version of the Highway Code.
Consumer and legal information
Which? Online
Consumer magazine with test results, recommendations and advice.
Which? Online is available at the following libraries:
- Bracknell
- Crowthorne
- Sandhurst
Click on the 'Which Online?' link on the library computer's desktop.
Learning and careers
Getting started with your tablet
Learn My Way - free online courses to learn digital skills to stay safe and connected using a computer or other devices.
Bracknell Forest Community Learning
Open Learn - free online courses from the Open University covering a wide range of topics at introductory to advanced levels.
National Careers Service (NCS) - information, advice and guidance to make decisions on learning, training and work. Includes help with CVs and interviews and finding free courses to help learn new skills or change jobs.
Face-to-face appointments with the NCS are available at Bracknell Library. To book an appointment, contact the NCS by:
- email: ncsberkshire@adviza.org.uk
- phone: 0800 100 900
Books, reading and writing
E-books and e-audiobooks from BorrowBox - free for library members.
RNIB free audiobook service - for registered visually impaired UK residents.
Fantastic Fiction – find out which books have been published in a series or by your favourite author and get information on new or forthcoming books and recommended books.
Children’s Book Sequels – discover the right of order of series of children’s books and find author websites for information, fun and games.
WhichBook – search by mood or emotion, plot or character to find suggestions for your next read.
Writers and Artists’ Yearbook - creative writing resources and expert advice. The book can be found in Bracknell Library.
Help and advice
Citizens Advice - helpful information on a wide range of topics and details of your local Citizens Advice, for free, confidential, independent advice, face-to-face and by phone.
Bracknell Forest Help Yourself - information and support to help you stay well and independent.
Community map - find local community groups and activities.
Newspapers and magazines
E-magazines and e-newspapers from PressReader - free downloadable titles from over 100 countries in over 60 languages – often online before the printed edition.
Find out more on our digital magazines and newspapers page.