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 https://southend.spydus.co.uk

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

E-Magazines

Borrow from a selection of over 100 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 RBdigital App or http://southend.rbdigitalglobal.com/

E-Comics

We are very pleased to be able to offer our customers on-line access to a very wide range of comics and graphic novels, all free of charge.

Over 250 titles from leading brands are available, including all the favourites:

•  Dungeons & Dragons
•  Ghostbusters
•  Judge Dredd
•  My Little Pony
•  Skylanders
•  Star Trek
•  Transformers
•  The Crow Midnight Legends

Each can be borrowed for 30 days. They will appeal to all ages, with the following all covered:

• fantasy
• magna
• horror,
• science fiction
• superheroes

The service is free and easy to use. Library Customers just need to download the free RBdigital app from their app store or go to http://southend.rbdigitalglobal.com/ and sign up using their Southend Library card. Alternatively, log in to the library catalogue at https://southend.spydus.co.uk and select e-Comics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The online edition of Encyclopedia Britannica. You can only get remote access to Britannica Online if you are public library staff or a library member (personal use only). Any non-personal use is not allowed.

• Britannica Junior - For ages 5-11
• Britannica Student - For ages 12-18
• Encyclopedia Britannica - For ages 18+
• Encyclopedia Britannica Library Edition
• World Data Analyst

EBSCO Masterfile

An electronic database of thousands of magazines. Articles are either available in full text or as an abstract.

Go Citizen

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

Oxford Online Collection

Please use the links below to access all of the Oxford University Press online databases. Use the Library Card login option and type your library card number.

• Dictionary of National Biography - Biographies of people who shaped the history of the British Isles.
• Oxford English Dictionary Online

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.

Universal Class

Learn something new with access to over 400 courses on a range of subjects from IT to Reiki, Business skills to Cake decorating.

Transparent Languages

Learn over 100 languages from beginner to conversationalist. Great for holidays abroad!