Online Reference Library - Education, training and employment services

Online Resources

We subscribe to a number of online resources. These are available to library ticket holders of any library in Southend-on-Sea.

E-Books and E-Audio for Download Services

You can access hundreds of free e-books and e-audio.

An e-book is an electronic version of a book which can be read either on a computer, or on some e-book readers, tablets or smartphones. 

E-audiobooks are audio books which are borrowed as an audio file that you need to download online. You can then listen to these on a range of devices, including MP3 players, tablets and smartphones.

For details and to start downloading titles view the library catalogue

E-Magazines

Borrow from a huge selection of magazines on a wide range of topics from cookery and fashion to sports and hobbies. All are free of charge. Instant checkout and download to read anywhere 24/7. Sign up using the Libby App or Southend-on-Sea Libraries - OverDrive

Press Reader

Get access to the world’s largest digital newspaper and magazine service. Free unlimited access to over 7,000 publications from 101 countries and 60 languages. All the top newspapers and magazines are available. Sign up using the Press Reader App or https://southend.spydus.co.uk

Go Citizen

A great online study resource if you are preparing for the Life in the UK test or British citizenship test.

Theory Test Pro

An online simulation of the UK's driving theory tests for all vehicle categories. It contains all the official test questions licensed from the Driving Standards Agency.

Ancestry Library Edition

A family history resource covering the UK and a number of other countries including USA, Australia, many European countries and many more. Ancestry Library Edition is only available on public computers within any Southend Library. Please visit a branch near you to access this service.

Find My Past

Findmypast is a searchable online archive of over 10 billion records, covering everything from parish and school records to migration and military collections from across the globe. Includes access to the 1921 Census and the 1939 Register.

Accessible using your library card in all Southend Libraries.

British Newspaper Archive

Offering online access to millions of pages of British and Irish newspapers from 1703-2003, the British Newspaper Archive is a fantastic family history research resource.

Library

library@southend.gov.uk

https://southend.spydus.co.uk/

Accessible 24 hours a day through the Library website

Free