Check off items on your to-learn, to-read, to-listen, and to-watch list and get more out of life with these topnotch resources. Most resources require a valid library card number. Don't have one? Sign up for an online membership or visit one of our Idea Exchange locations for a full membership. Must be a city of Cambridge resident. If you already have a card but need it renewed, fill out our membership renewal form.
Featured Databases
Enjoy a good book anywhere! Download or stream audiobooks thousands of free eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and video to your computer, Kobo or mobile device. All you need is a valid library card, an internet connection and the free software. NEW! Overdrive now has over 3000 magazines to borrow. Checkouts of magazines do not count against the 15 item limit.
Use downloadLibrary | Get Started [PDF] | eBook Help | Help from OverDrive | Get the Libby app for your phone or tablet.
Gale Courses offers access to free online learning courses that are available anytime, anywhere. These instructor-led courses begin every month and each course lasts for 6 weeks. Sign up using your library card and immediately gain valuable knowledge you can apply to your life or on the job. There’s definitely something for everyone.
Use Gale Courses | Get Started [PDF].
Hoopla is an online service that lets you borrow movies, TV shows, ebooks, audiobooks, digital music and comics to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your tv. Titles can be streamed immediately with no waiting or downloaded to phone or tablets for offline use. Borrow up to 4 items per month (NEW! Borrow 6 items for the rest of 2021).
Use Hoopla | Get Started [PDF].
Access over 30,000 films via Kanopy’s online streaming platform. Enjoy watching buzzworthy indie movies, Hollywood classics, international cinema, the Great Courses collection and thought-provoking documentaries, as well as an entertaining and educational kids’ collection. Stream up to 8 movies per month.
Use Kanopy | Get Started [PDF] | Get the Kanopy app for Apple Android
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) has over 16,000 free online courses in business, technology, and creative skills taught by industry experts. Courses are available in over 7 languages. Sign in with your library card number and 4-digit PIN and follow the steps to set up your account. If you previously had a Lynda.com account, your courses will be saved as long as you use the same library card number for login.
Mobile App Users: The Library ID when you log into the mobile app is ideaexchange
Use LinkedIn Learning Online Courses | Get Started [PDF] | FAQ from LinkedIn
Enjoy unlimited access to over 5000 newspaper and magazine titles, from more than 120 countries, in over 60 languages. Publications are offered in full-colour, full-page format, just like reading the print version. The Globe & Mail is only available for download onsite at the library. Find out how to get started [PDF]. Use in Library | Use Outside Library
All Databases
View all databases by subject or title
Idea Exchange subscribes to dozens of online databases all free for your use with an active Idea Exchange membership. Watch, listen or read by downloading ebooks, audiobooks or streaming video. Learn a new skill or language, research your family history, or fix your car. Search thousands of full-text magazine, journal and newspaper articles.
Topic Guides
Are you working on a research project? Want to know more about a subject? Our guides are a great place to start. From books to websites, they bring together the best resources on your topic.
Life + Learning Ideas
Discover the latest and greatest in current events, research, and DIY in our Life + Learning Ideas blog. You can join the conversation too. Simply fill out the submission form and we'll post your entry.
Read all Life + Learning Ideas»
