Online Resources

Use our free online resources for consumer research, online classes, language learning, newspaper reading and more.

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  • Research

    Dictionary of Canadian Biography

    Use the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online to review the lives and achievements of individuals who played important roles in the formation of Canada.  This major research and publishing project was launched by the University of Toronto and the Université Laval in 1959, and currently covers persons who died between the years 1000 and 1930, or whose last known date of significant activity falls within these years.

    Content Language
    Bilingual
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Terms of Use
  • Research

    FamilySearch Affiliate Library

    FamilySearch is the largest genealogy organization in the world sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history.

    Ottawa Public Library is now a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, this designation means library clients will now have greater and more convenient access to the wealth of genealogical resources available through FamilySearch at our 33 branches.

    Benefits of an Affiliate Library

    • Due to contractual obligations, some images are only viewable online through FamilySearch centers and Affiliate Libraries
    • Through the affiliate program, OPL customers have access to over 350 million additional records that are otherwise restricted

    This resource is available for in-library use only.

    Please note that each individual client must log into FamilySearch using their own unique username and password. There is no institutional login. 

     

    Beginning April 30, 2026, clients will be required to sign in to access the FamilySearch Catalog. To help prepare for this change, a notification banner has been added to the top of the FamilySearch Catalog landing page for clients who are not signed in.

    This update is being implemented as part of ongoing efforts to improve website security and ensure appropriate access to records.

    Content Language
    English
    Help Guide(s)
    Why do historical records have access limitations?
    What are the image restrictions in Historical Records?
    Affiliate Library Additional Resources
    Frequently asked questions
  • Read

    Flipster eMagazines

    Access today's edition of popular magazine titles including Maclean's, Scientific American, Time, People, and others.

    • If you are experiencing difficulty accessing magazines, please check "Tips on how to access magazines from Flipster" under our Help Guide
    • Starting from May 18, 2023, Forbes is available on the Flipster eMagazine Platform
    • Starting from Oct.1, 2022, seven new eMagazines will be added to the Flipster platform. They are Backcountry; Sports Illustrated, Travel & Leisure; Fine Woodworking; Fine Gardening, Threads & Fine Homebuilding.
    • Effective on Nov.1, 2022, the following three magazines : Azure ; Canadian House and Home, and Hello! Canada will be available on Overdrive Magazines Platform and no longer available on Flipster eMagazine Platform
    • Martha Stewart Living, Do It Yourself, and Rachael Ray in Seasons are discontinued on Flipster by the publisher.  However, some back issues are still available for you to view.
    • Effective on Nov.1, 2023, Black Girl Magazine and  Teen Black Girl Magazine are no longer available on Flipster eMagazine Platform.  However, some back issues are still available for you to view.
    • Beginning in July 2025, no new issues of Allrecipes magazine will be published, However, you will still have full access to all back issues.
    Content Language
    Bilingual
    Help Guide(s)
    Getting Started with Flipster
    Introducing the New Flipster User Interface
    Flipster Fundamentals
    Flipster Help
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
  • Listen

    Naxos Music Library

    Offers streaming access to over 1 million tracks of classical music. Can be accessed from any computer, anywhere, anytime with your library card. Also features an app that can be used on iPhones, iPads and Android devices.

    This product is limited to 20 simultaneous users. If you have trouble logging on you may wish to try again later.

    In order to properly end a session and free up a user count, please click on the Log-Out button.

     

    • Mobile App activation code is : OttawaPLpd12WDP  1. Download App 2. Select "Connect with your institution. 3. Type in the above activation code, 4. Click "SUBMIT" 5. Create account. 6. Check your email to activate Naxos Music Library personal playlist account.
    •  
    • Your access to the mobile app will be temporarily deactivated if you haven't logged into the web version of the service via our library's authentication system for six months. You can re-activate your account in the following steps:
    • Log in to Naxos Music Library through our website using your library card and PIN
    • Navigate to the Playlists section of the website
    • Login to your Member Account to re-activate your account
    •  
    •  
    • Naxos Music Library has been upgraded from Standard Sound Quality (128kbps) to Premium Sound Quality (320 kbps) The default setting is Premium Sound Quality, but you can unselect the premium and convert to standard.  

     

    Content Language
    English
    Help Guide(s)
    Naxos Mobile Apps Help Guide
    Resetting Your NML Personal Account Password and Reactivating Your Account
    Playlist Tutorial
    Available Apps
    Apple
    Google
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
  • Listen

    Naxos Music Library Jazz

    This includes a mix of jazz legends and contemporary jazz and can be accessed from any computer, anywhere, anytime. You can also listen to this resource through the Naxos Music Library app for iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Please note that Naxos Music Library Jazz is limited to 20 concurrent users.

    In order to properly end a session and free up a user count, please click on the Log-Out button.

    This product is limited to 20 simultaneous users. If you have trouble logging on you may wish to try again later.

    Mobile App activation code is: OttawaPLjazPD11MZD,

    1. Download App. 2. Select "Connect with your institution. 3. Type in the above activation code., 4. Click "SUBMIT" 5. Create account. 6. Check your email to activate Naxos Music Library Jazz personal playlist account.., 

     

    Your access to the mobile app will be temporarily deactivated if you haven't logged into the web version of the service via our library's authentication system for six months. You can re-activate your account in the following steps: 

    • Log in to Naxos Music Library Jazz  through our website using your library card and PIN
    • Navigate to the Playlists section of the website
    • Login to your Member Account to re-activate your account

     

    Naxos Music Library Jazz has been upgraded from Standard Sound Quality (128kbps) to Premium Sound Quality (320 kbps) The default setting is Premium Sound Quality, but you can unselect the premium and convert to standard.

    Content Language
    Bilingual
    Help Guide(s)
    Naxos Mobile Apps Help Guide
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
  • Listen

    Naxos Music Library World

    Naxos Music Library World offers a wide range of music, from legendary historical musical performances to contemporary world music. Recordings of over 32,000 artists are represented, over 1.500 cultural groups represented, and music from over 150 countries. Enjoy the complete Smithsonian Folkways catalogue as well as many other renonwed labels.

    This product is limited to 5 simultaneous users. If you have trouble logging on you may wish to try again later.

    In order to properly end a session and free up a user count, please click on the Log-Out button. 

    Mobile App activation code is: OttawaPLnmlwPD7XIM, 1. Download App 2. Select "Connect with your institution. 3. Type in the above activation code., 4. Click "SUBMIT" 5. Create account. 6. Check your email to activate Naxos Music Library World personal playlist account.

     

    Your access to the mobile app will be temporarily deactivated if you haven't logged into the web version of the service via our library's authentication system for six months. You can re-activate your account in the following steps: 

    • Log in to Naxos Music Library World through our website using your library card and PIN
    • Navigate to the Playlists section of the website
    • Login to your Member Account to re-activate your account

    Naxos Music Library World has been upgraded from Standard Sound Quality (128kbps) to Premium Sound Quality (320 kbps) The default setting is Premium Sound Quality, but you can unselect the premium and convert to standard.

    Content Language
    English
    French
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
  • Learn

    Naxos MusicBox

    Naxos MusicBox is a brand new carefully produced and beautifully presented music resource for children.

    Naxos MusicBox is an educational tool. It offers friendly, informative written texts, colourful and clear design, and tailored playlists of over 4,000 audio tracks. Selections are presented in logical and engaging ways with lessons and examples. This is not merely a streaming platform; it is intended to enhance the music education of children aged 4–12.

    The website is based predominantly on classical music and there are numerous interactive activities included (e.g. multiple-choice listening questions that children can answer online). There are also specific activities for teachers to work through in a classroom. The site will be continually updated and expanded.

    Unlimited simultaneous access is available. Instead of using your own library card and PIN to log in, please use the user name and PIN provided below to login to Naxos Musicbox.

    • Teacher or Parents access : Username: OttawaPLnmbTR , Password:  Oplmusicbox2024!, Teachers or Parents can access everything on the site, including a section of ‘With a teacher’ class activities and accompanying PDF resources, giving clear guidance on what to do.
    • Student access :, Username: OttawaPLnmbST , Password: Oplmb2024st!, Students can access everything on screen, but no PDFs – so no resources or information sheets.
    Content Language
    English
  • Listen

    Naxos Spoken Word Library

    Listen to the world's literature! Access the complete catalogue of critically acclaimed Naxos audiobooks, with transcriptions available for English language learning. Categories for Children's Classics, Classic Fiction, and Shakespeare's plays. New titles are added monthly. 

    This product is limited to 5 simultaneous users. If you have trouble logging on you may wish to try again later.

    In order to properly end a session and free up a user count, please click on the red Log-Out button. 

    Mobile App activation code is: OttawaPLSWpd05MWF, 1. Download App 2. Select "Connect with your institution. 3. Type in the above activation code., 4. Click "SUBMIT" 5. Create account. 6. Check your email to activate Naxos Spoken Word Library personal playlist account.

    Your access to the mobile app will be temporarily deactivated if you haven't logged into the web version of the service via our library's authentication system for six months. You can re-activate your account in the following steps: 

    1. Log in to Naxos Spoken Word Library through our website using your library card and PIN
    2. Navigate to the “Create Student/Member Account” section of the website
    3. Login with your Email address & Password to re-activate your account
    Content Language
    English
    French
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
  • Watch

    Naxos Video Library

    See the world's greatest operas, ballets, orchestras and artists on demand. See performances by legendary artists like Placido Domingo, Claudio Abbado, Luciano Pavarotti, Martha Argerich and Herbert von Karajan. The collection includes more than 2,500 full-length videos.

    • Maximum concurrent users is five. If you can't log in, try again later.
    • Make sure to click on the red logout button to close your session and make way for another user.
    Content Language
    English
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
  • Learn

    Naxos Works Database

    The Naxos Works Database is your online catalog of classical pieces accompanied by a wealth of data such as duration, instruments, publisher and introduction to the pieces. With more than 26,000 pieces and more added daily, it is your gateway to the world of classical music.

    • Only one user can log in at a time. If you can't log in, try again later.
    • Make sure to click on the red logout button to close your session and make way for another user.
    Content Language
    English
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
  • Read

    New York Times

    Understand the world. Navigate life. Access The New York Times here.

    Whether you’re managing finances, tackling tough parenting problems, or simply looking to make sense of this moment, rely on our original, quality journalism to lead the way.

    Enjoy access to The New York Times, compliments of Ottawa Public Library.

    It’s an essential source for fearless reporting, varied perspectives, and practical advice on nearly every topic — from the vital issues shaping our world to the simple pleasures that make everyday life better.

    Start Exploring Today

    Please note:

    • You must create a New York Times account to access.
    • An email address is required
    • There is a daily limit on how many remote passes are available.
    • Access does not include the New York Times crossword puzzle and e-reader editions.
    • If you get a subscription notice while browsing the site, please ignore. 

    *Please ignore the subscription notices while browsing the site. 


     

    Content Language
    English
    Help Guide(s)
    Help guide
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
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