Our Online Library
Reading
BorrowBox
Borrow up to 10 e-books, e-audio, and e-magazines. Automatically returned after 3 weeks. No overdue charges.
Go to BorrowBoxUkraine Unlimited Learning
Free reading and learning resources for Ukrainian families including 1,700+ Ukrainian titles.
Visit Website | iOS App | Android AppEntertainment
Freegal
Over 18 million songs, from current hits to blasts from the past, available to download and stream free. (For App users - search 'Essex Libraries UK' when prompted).
Go to Freegal | iOS App | Android AppKanopy
Stream thousands of films and documentaries for free. Includes Kanopy Kids with parental controls.
Watch KanopyBFI Replay
Access 60 years of TV, documentaries, and multicultural content. Available in-library only.
Learn MoreFree Courses
LinkedIn Learning
Over 24,000 free expert-led courses from career help to creative pursuits. No LinkedIn account needed. (For App users - Use Library ID 'essex-gov-uk' on your first sign in).
Sign In | iOS App | Android AppTransparent Language
Learn 140+ languages at your own pace, including child-friendly courses via Kidspeak.
Start LearningLearn My Way
Free digital skills courses covering devices, online basics, internet safety, and more.
Course List | Sign InGov.uk Skills
Official UK Government site for improving English, maths and IT skills.
Improve SkillsDigital Skills Directory
Explore free and paid digital skills programmes curated by Future.Now.
Browse DirectoryCitizen Literacy
A literacy app for adults and ESOL learners blending phonics, grammar and punctuation.
Visit Site | iOS | AndroidBiographical, Historical and Family History
Ancestry Institution
Explore census, birth, marriage and death records. Library-only access.
Visit AncestryBritish Newspaper Archive
Search digitised historic newspapers from all over the UK. Library-only access.
Search ArchiveOxford Dictionary of National Biography
Biographies of 60,000+ figures from Roman times to the 21st century.
Access DictionaryWho's Who
Profiles of notable figures from 1849 to present. Library and home access.
Visit Who's WhoLives of the First World War
Explore life stories of 8 million+ people who served during WWI.
Explore LivesEssex Record Office
Discover 1,000 years of local history documents, images and recordings.
Visit EROBusiness, Education & Reviews
Access to Research
Discover published academic research at your local library. Library-only access
Library AccessOxford English Dictionary Online
Definitive record of English, with 600,000+ words and 3 million quotations.
Access OEDEssex County Council Business Support
Support and guidance for start-ups and growing businesses.
Visit ECC BusinessBritish Library Business & IP Centre
Articles and workshops for entrepreneurs and innovators.
Visit BIPCMet Police Anti-Fraud Guides
Free guides and videos to help avoid online fraud and cybercrime.
Access GuidesDiscovering Literature
Literary treasures, manuscripts and contextual materials from the British Library.
Explore Resources