eLibrary

We offer a virtual library for both library members and non-members with a number of online services which can be accessed either at the libraries or on your own devices.

If you love your library and would like to show support, please consider a donation.

MAKE A DONATION

Green Line
Library Word Banner

Library Member Resources

Access to Research

Free access to over 1.5 million academic articles. An ideal resource for small businesses, researchers and students with in-depth information on topics including: art, architecture, business, engineering, history, languages, politics, philosophy, mathematics and the sciences.

Back to Top

Ancestry

Ancestry Library Edition - free access to the full Ancestry website with searchable access to all English and Welsh censuses from 1841 to 1911. More information is available on the UK Census page.

For help using the Ancestry Library Edition website, view a detailed Database Guide or watch ProQuest training videos on YouTube.

During the Covid disruption, please visit the library catalogue and account management system to log in and then access the Ancestry website from the home page.

Back to Top

Britannica Adult     Britannica Junior     Britannica Student 

Encyclopedia Britannica - delivers reliable information fast with three sites in one tailored for adults, student and children.

Access Encyclopedia Britannica by entering your Library Card Number when prompted (for example B761234567 and if your number ends with an X you should include this too). Temporary library card numbers (issued when joining online) can also be used.

Back to Top

COBRA

COBRA is a continually expanding business encyclopedia covering all aspects of setting up, running and growing a business.

Quick and easy access to thousands of factsheets, detailed guides on hundreds of small business trades and professions plus practical 'How To' guides, market summaries and information about trade events, business support and funding.

During the Coronavirus disruption, COBRA is offering remote access to library members. Use your library card number to log in (including the initial B) where it asks for your ticket number.

We can undertake searches on your behalf if you email us your requests. Please note that printing charges will apply.

Back to Top

COIN

Community Information Database - local community information listing both local and national organisations and groups.

Back to Top

Find My Past

Find My Past - contains millions of records for uncovering your family history including UK parish records, census records, Irish records and British military records.

It also gives unique access to the 1939 register, which recorded 41 million citizens across Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the outbreak of World War Two.

During the Covid disruption please contact Central Library for assistance with Find My Past access.

Back to Top

IELTS

International English Language Testing System - the world’s proven English language test. Improve your written English skills with online practical writing, videos and interactive activities and practise skills necessary for standardised English tests. Find videos and more information on the Clarity English website.

Enter your Library Card Membership Number (including the B) when prompted for your library barcode (for example B761234567 and if your number ends with an X you should include this too). Temporary library card numbers (issued when joining online) can also be used.

The Road to IELTS can be accessed by mobile phone, laptop and tablet.

If you are not a member of the library you can still access IELTS on the computers at libraries in Milton Keynes - just ask library staff to log you on.

Back to Top

Libby App (OverDrive)

Libby App (OverDrive) - free eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines to borrow. Full details about how to borrow digital books and magazines and how to read and listen to them using the award-winning one-tap Libby app are on the digital books web page.

Back to Top

Library Account 

Library Account - log in to manage your account details and loans, renew and reserve items or pay fines and charges online.

Online Payments - pay online using a debit or credit card once you have logged in using your library card number and PIN. Forgotten your PIN?

Follow the link to your outstanding fines and charges, select the items you want to pay and click Pay Online.

When making your payment please remember to enter your debit/credit card number with no spaces and your name exactly as it appears on the card. You will be able to print your page showing full details including a receipt number. If you need further information, please read our detailed Online Payments Guidance (PDF, 321KB).

If any items on your card are already overdue you will need to renew these before you can pay the outstanding charge in full. Remember there are various reasons that may prevent you from being able to renew items.

Back to Top

OverDrive (Libby App)

OverDrive (Libby App) - free eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines to borrow. Full details about how to borrow digital books and magazines and how to read and listen to them using the award-winning one-tap Libby app are on the digital books web page.

Back to Top

PressReader

PressReader - digital newspapers and publications from the UK and around the world available 24/7 and in 60 languages. You can also listen to articles in the language of your choice using the PressReader App.

There are dedicated iOS, Android BlackBerry and Windows apps for accessing PressReader on the move. Find help by viewing the PressReader guide (PDF, 185KB).

Enter your Library Card Membership Number (including the B - for example B761234567 and if your number ends with an X you should include this too). Temporary library card numbers (issued when joining online) can also be used.

Back to Top

Theory Test Pro

Theory Test Pro - online driving theory test revision resources. Practise answering over 1000 questions from the theory test question bank and prepare for the hazard perception test using the DSA sample video clips.

When you access the theory test revision site from home for the first time, you will be asked to sign up. To do this you'll need an email address and a library card number. It's free to join the library if you are not already a member.

Enter your Library Card Membership Number (including the B - for example B761234567 and if your number ends with an X you should include this too). Temporary library card numbers (issued when joining online) can also be used.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are using a mobile app you will only have limited access to the site. To get full access to the entire question bank, all the hazard perception clips, the hazard practice exams and the online highway code you need to access Theory Test Pro on a desktop or laptop computer.

Back to Top

Times Digital Archive

Times Digital Archive - contains the full text of the Times newspaper from the very first issue in 1785 up to 2012. As well as news articles, this includes advertisements, book reviews, obituaries, law reports and letters. You can search by keyword for a particular article or browse through issues by date.

Enter your Library Card Membership Number (including the B) when prompted for your library barcode (for example B761234567 and if your number ends with an X you should include this too). Temporary library card numbers (issued when joining online) can also be used.

If you are not a member of the library you can still access Times Digital Archive on the computers at libraries in Milton Keynes - just ask library staff to log you on.

Issues of the Times up to 2006 can be viewed on microfilm in the Reference Library at Milton Keynes Central Library.

Back to Top 

 

Last Updated: 15 April 2021