LBPL Digital Library
Free digital resources (many available in multiple languages) for patrons of all ages. All you need is your Long Beach Public Library card!
Use our online resources to watch movies, read a newspaper or magazine, take classes, research your family tree, learn a language, listen to books and articles, or get help with homework. You can also take practice tests, get help writing a resume, and find classroom materials for all grades.
- Browse our resources in alphabetical order
- Select one from the drop-down list, or
- Use filters to explore different subjects, formats, and age groups.
When you click on any of the resources in the Digital Library, you will be leaving the Long Beach Public Library's website.
Do you have a comment or a recommendation that will help us improve our Digital Library? We'd love to hear from you! Fill out the Digital Library Feedback Form.
Learning can be fun and ABCmouse makes sure it is for kids ages 2-8! Available with audio in English and Spanish, children learn the alphabet, numbers, and animals through:
- sight words
- games
- puzzles
- songs
- books
- virtual field trips
- and other fun activities
Getting Started
- Use your library card to access ABC Mouse anywhere and create your free account!
- If you would like to add more than 3 children between the ages of 2-10 to your group's ABCmouse account, contact the ABCmouse Customer Support Team at BLHSupport@ABCmouse.com or (866) 779-1872 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Pacific Time).
- ABCmouse Password Reset Link
If you need a refresher or are looking to advance your math, reading, writing, grammar, and public speaking skills, check out Adult Core Skills. Each topic has multiple resources to help you succeed. This center also includes resources like flash cards, eBooks, articles, and practice tests in English and Spanish to help prepare for the U.S. citizenship exam. Más recursos está disponible en español en "Recursos Para Hispanohablantes" (otro centro en LearningExpress).
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
- American History in Video
- Broadway on Demand
- CNN Video Collection
- Classical Music in Video
- Dance in Video
- L.A. Theatre Works Collection
- National Theatre Collection
- Opera in Video
- Qwest TV Collection
- Royal Shakespeare Company Collection
- Smithsonian Global Sound for Libraries
- Theatre in Video
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
American History in Video includes 1,600 total hours of footage with over half from the 1890s to the 1980s.
Including:
- the complete series of United Newsreel
- hundreds of documentaries from producers such as PBS, California Newsreel, Pennebaker Hegedus Films, and others
- profiles of great American leaders and personalities
- footage of seminal historic events
This resource is part of the Alexander Street performing arts collections provided by the California State Library.
Get started by selecting a Suggested Topic or a Quick Link from the home page. You can also search the over 4,000 newspapers and magazines by publication or keyword. America's News offers full image editions for over 300 publications like the Press-Telegram, USA Today, OC Register, and more.
Full-text of the Press-Telegram (1990–present) and the Grunion Gazette (2001–present) are available.
Includes a section for teachers with pre-made Lesson Plans on current events.
Ancestry Library Edition contains documents and records essential for genealogists and local history buffs. Researchers will find:
- censuses
- vital records
- immigration records
- unpublished family histories
- military records
- court and legal records
- directories
- photos
- maps and other documents
Getting Started
This resource is available only on-site at an LBPL location.
Ancestry Research Tips:
This collection brings together approximately 1.5 million pages of primary sources on social, political, health, and legal issues impacting LGBTQ communities around the world. Fully-searchable content from newsletters, government documents, manuscripts, pamphlets, and other types of primary sources sheds light on the gay rights movement, activism, the HIV/AIDS crisis, and other issues.
Selection of materials for this milestone digital collection is guided by an advisory board consisting of leading scholars and librarians in sexuality and gender studies
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
Archives Unbound presents digital collections of historical documents arranged by topic.
Researchers will find FBI files on Martin Luther King, Jr, Huey Long, American POWs in Vietnam, and others and U.S. Department of State files on countries and conflicts around the world, as well as collections on the history of film and Hollywood, the AIDS epidemic, Presbyterian missionary records, German folklore, and many, many others.
The documents and collections come from repositories around the world like:
- Presidential libraries
- U.S. and British National Archives
- National libraries
- Library of Congress
- U.S. and international universities
- Special libraries
- Historical societies
This is an invaluable collection for scholars and university students, but high school students will find research ideas and sources in Archives Unbound, too.
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
Authors who write fiction and nonfiction on business, personal growth and self-help, social justice, history, current events, culture, and other topics share their stories with the audience. Each talk lasts about one hour and concludes with a live Q&A with the author.
If you can’t make the live discussion, don’t worry! All talks are recorded for you to access on-demand at your convenience.
Getting Started
The Library's virtual author talk series is supported by the efforts of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation and its generous donors.
Learning about the computer and how to use it just got easier with these video courses. The materials teach you the basics of using a computer, navigating the internet (including social media), and using popular software programs from the Microsoft Office suite such as Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word. Achieve basic to advanced skills in word processing, creating spreadsheets and presentations, and sending email.
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
Black Freedom Struggle contains approximately 1,600 documents organized into 6 different phases of African American history:
- Slavery and the Abolitionist Movement (1790–1860)
- The Civil War and the Reconstruction Era (1861–1877)
- Jim Crow Era from 1878 to the Great Depression (1878–1932)
- The New Deal and World War II (1933–1945)
- The Civil Rights and Black Power Movements (1946–1975)
- The Contemporary Era (1976–2000)
Researchers will find documents from:
- National Archives
- Presidential libraries
- Historical news articles
- Supreme Court
- And many other repositories
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
Live real-time homework assistance every day by laptop, tablet, or phone from qualified tutors using state curriculum and standards.
24/7 assistance is available in English and Spanish for Language Arts and Mathematics. Every day between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM, assistance is available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese for core K-12 subjects.
Homework Help:
- Skillsurfer – Master subjects by practicing with online lessons and videos.
- Language Lab – Games, quizzes, flashcards, and tutoring for Spanish.
- Writing Lab – Receive quick writing help using the live chat function, or for a more thorough analysis, visit the Writing Lab and send us your paper. Within 24 hours, you will receive a detailed analysis of your paper in your HelpNow inbox.
Study Tools:
- LEAP Learning Platform – A test center with practice quizzes for standardized (SAT, ACT, GED, and more) and subject specific tests (like math and science).
- Flashbulb flashcards – Enjoy 24/7 access to an extensive library of online, mobile-friendly flashcard sets in hundreds of subjects. You can also create your own flashcards and build quizzes for self-study.
Work With Classmates:
- MEET™ – Easily schedule online meetings with your peers in the Brainfuse classroom.
- Brainwave™ – Record video notes of your study session on a virtual Brainfuse whiteboard. Ideal for recording solutions to homework problems, class projects, or any other concepts that involve motion or sequencing.
Adult Learners:
The Adult Learning Center provides comprehensive academic support from trained adult education specialists in areas such as:
- US Citizenship testing
- resume and cover letter assistance
- and core skills–building
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
Start with the JobNow job matching service and let them search for open positions for you. Then build your resume using the JobNow templates and have it reviewed before you send it out. You can even connect with an interview coach to learn up-to-date techniques to help you land that job.
Other services available include Career Assessments, Life Skills Coaching, Tips and Guides for resume writing and interviewing, and even help getting through unemployment benefits applications.
Britannica Escolar tiene artículos, imágenes, videos, atlas y materiales de aprendizaje para los estudiantes de primaria y secundaria. También son 65 juegos interactivos sobre diversos temas que cubren las siguientes asignaturas: Competencias básicas, Español, Geografía, Historia y Matemáticas.
Este recurso es proporcionado por la Biblioteca del Estado de California.
This online encyclopedia is perfect for students of all ages. Whether you use it for schoolwork or just to look up a fun fact, Britannica School is easy to use and offers 3 levels of reading comprehension. Britannica School also has an automated translation tool for over 50 languages, as well as quick dictionary definitions and audio pronunciation.
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
Bring home the glitz and glamour of Broadway through exclusive recordings of plays, musicals, and dance performances! You'll also get access to unique behind-the-scenes looks and documentaries for a fascinating picture of how talented casts and creators bring productions to the stage.
This online resource is part of the Alexander Street collections and supported with K-12 educational funds provided by the State of California and coordinated by the California State Library.
Reliable current news about California can be hard to come by. CalMatters is a nonpartisan and nonprofit news organization bringing Californians stories that probe, explain, and explore solutions to quality of life.
In addition to daily news coverage, each month CalMatters provides a package of materials to help you learn and share important issues to your communities.
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
Did you know individuals with a high school diploma earn about $10K more annually than those without a diploma? Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) offers a free, flexible diploma program that makes the decision to go back to school easier than ever. Coursework is open 24/7 and you have up to 18 months to complete the program. Plus, everyone is paired with an academic coach for individual support throughout the program.
To apply, you must:
- Be 19 years or older
- Live in the City of Long Beach
- Have a Long Beach Public Library card (and fines must be under $20). Don't have one yet? Getting a library card is easy!
Getting Started
- Fill out the Are You Ready? survey and select Long Beach Public Library for question #1.
- A library staff member will email you about the next steps.
- Find out what to expect and how to get credit for classes you completed before on our COHS informational page.
Questions? Contact Viviana Garcia at Viviana.Garcia@longbeach.gov or (562) 570-6226.
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
Find eBooks and reliable practice tests for vocational and certification exams for many fields like WorkKeys® Assessments, nursing, teaching, electrician and plumbing, pharmacy, civil services, California real estate agent, and many others. Use the eBooks and practice tests to boost your knowledge and help you ace the test!
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
Chilton Library provides access to repair, maintenance, and service information on the most popular cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs on the road today. This continually updated resource includes:
- Step-by-step repair procedures
- Troubleshooting guides
- Diagnostic trouble codes
- Multimedia explanations: photos, illustrations, diagrams, videos, and animations
Enjoy classical music at its finest! Classical Music in Video offers an array of orchestra concerts, chamber music, choral and dance performances, and captivating documentaries showcasing the genre’s evolution from the medieval period to today.
This online resource is part of the Alexander Street collections and supported with K-12 educational funds provided by the State of California and coordinated by the California State Library.
CNN specials and feature programming on business, economics, technology, environmental studies, health, women’s studies, and human rights.
This resource is part of the Alexander Street performing arts collections provided by the California State Library.
Craftsy has resources for all creative makers. Find video instruction on basic to advanced techniques in fabric and yarn crafts, baking, drawing, gardening, photography, and more!
Getting Started
Start learning with Craftsy using the “Access Resource” button below or find it in the Libby app under “Extras”.
- Each pass gives you 7-days of access to Craftsy content.
- Captions are available for all videos.
No importa cuál sea tu pasión, hay una clase de Craftsy para ti. ¡Explora clases de costura, pintura, decoración de pasteles y mucho más, a las que puedes acceder en cualquier momento y en cualquier lugar!
- Acceso a más de 150 clases premium en línea
- Nuevas clases agregadas cada mes
- Instrucción paso a paso para cada nivel
Getting Started
Comienza a aprender con Craftsy haciendo clic en el botón “Acceder al recurso” o encuéntralo en la aplicación Libby bajo “Extras”.
- Cada pase te da 7 días de acceso al contenido de Craftsy.
- Hay subtítulos disponibles para todos los videos.
Perfect for a report or background information, CultureGrams gives accurate, unbiased information about the history, geography, culture, and lifestyles of societies from all over the globe. The online version is greatly expanded and includes both primary and secondary sources like interviews, photos, recipes, and more that are organized into comprehensive, easy-to-use reports.
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
Enjoy the world of dance through films of performances by the greatest dance companies in the world and rare historical performances. Dance styles include ballet, ballroom, court, flamenco, hip hop, jazz, modern, and tap, as well as dance from Cambodia, India, Thailand, West Africa, Guyana, Bali, and other cultures and countries.
There are also instructional videos for all skill levels. Whether you're just starting or have experience, you can:
- learn new dance styles and the cultures that inspire them
- explore special techniques like barre work and pointe
- get a sneak peek into how dancers and choreographers create their amazing routines
This online resource is part of the Alexander Street collections and supported with K-12 educational funds provided by the State of California and coordinated by the California State Library.
Easily searchable by author, title, keyword, or format, this amazing selection of eBooks and eAudio has something for everyone. You can find fiction and nonfiction for all ages. All books are read or listened to through the browser, so no downloads or checkouts needed. Also, no library card is required!
Getting Started
Access is only available in the state of California.
enki California Digital Library is a joint project of Califa and Bibliolabs and was started in 2020 in response to COVID-19.
Find credible, science-backed information about the environment and sustainability with Environmental Studies (Gale in Context). Learn about global issues such as:
- climate change
- food security
- soil ecology
- water privatization
- ecotourism
- pollution
Gale In Context: Environmental Studies is ideal for high school and college students’ research and reports.
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
Designed for high school and college students, Exploring Race in Society provides reliable information on complex topics making it ideal for research and term papers.
Find essays, articles, reports, and other vetted resources for an in-depth look at race-related issues, history, and policies. There’s even a built-in citation tool to help students easily create a list of references/works cited!
Topics include:
- Affirmative Action
- Black Lives Matter Movement
- COVID-19 and Communities of Color
- Digital Divide
- Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice
- Food Insecurity
- Neighborhood Gentrification
- Police Use of Force
- School-to-Prison Pipeline
- Sports Team Branding Changes
- Voting Rights and Voter Suppression
- Wealth Gap
General OneFile is an expansive database perfect for homework or curiosity. It contains more than 8,000 titles and millions of articles, reviews, reports, and audio/video clips. Articles are available in PDF and HTML full-text formats.
GetSetUp is the place for older adults to learn new skills and hang out with peers. Exclusively for ages 55 and up, GetSetUp provides live, online classes teaching everything from fitness to starting a business, and from computers to art. There are frequent orientations and so many interest groups, you are bound to find one that piques your interests!
Taught by instructors who are also 55 or older, this new peer-to-peer classroom can help older adults live healthier, happier, and more connected lives from the comfort of home. There are even classes in Spanish, Mandarin, and Hindi.
Getting Started
GetSetUp classes are completely free for Long Beach Public Library patrons who are 55 and over.
You must sign up for an account to log in and take classes. To sign up:
- Click the 'Access Resource' button below to enter the GetSetUp website.
- Click the 'Sign Up' button in the upper right corner.
- Enter your information.
- The coupon code: CSL-LB should already be in the form, but if it isn’t type that in, too. Then click the 'Sign Up' button.
- Now you are ready to go! Browse the courses or check today’s schedule to see what is starting soon.
Need help? Contact GetSetUp Support.
This resource is available thanks to funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
Teachers and parents will find easy-to-use eBooks, worksheets, practice tests, tutorials, videos, and other materials for grades 4–8. Specific subjects include:
- Math Expressions and Equations
- Algebra and Geometry
- Statistics
- American History
- Geography
- Informational Reading
- Writing
- High School Entrance Exam Practice Tests
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
hoopla is known for their remarkable comic and graphic novel selection, and their high-quality e-reader that allows viewing by individual panels or the whole page. You will also find an incredible selection of music and British and American movies and TV shows to check out.
Or you can BingePass entire collections of streaming content like Hallmark Movies Now, The Great Courses videos, eMagazines, and award-winning content for kids. A BingePass gives you one week of unlimited access for each borrrow!
hoopla also contains our World Languages collection, which features over 100,000 eBooks and 24,000 eAudiobooks in 116 languages. Looking for more titles in English? Try OverDrive/Libby instead.
Getting Started
- Patrons have 8 checkouts total per month, including BingePasses which offer one week of unlimited access per checkout.
- Bonus Borrows are available the last 7 days of each month, allowing you to check out select TV shows, movies, comics, and manga without using your monthly checkouts.
- A hoopla account is required to check out items. Visit the hoopla website by clicking the “Access Resource” button below or download the hoopla app to sign up for an account with your library card.
- Download the app from the App Store, Google Play, Roku, and Amazon Appstore. Compatible with Chromecast, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
Whether you’re looking for a new job in your current field or a career in a new industry, Job & Career Accelerator has the tools and expert guidance to help you succeed.
- Write winning resumes and cover letters
- Get expert advice about job interviews, salary negotiation, and work etiquette
- Search current job and internship postings
- Match your skills and interests to jobs
- Learn about the salaries and skills for over 1,100 occupations
- Find colleges and scholarships
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
Kanopy includes acclaimed movies and documentaries on-demand from award-winning filmmakers. Browse the collections of top film-festival favorites, classic films, world cinema, and popular movies including The Criterion Collection, The Great Courses, Kino Lorber, PBS, and others. With new films added every week, Kanopy allows you to access an unrivaled collection of over 30,000 films.
Getting Started
- Go to Kanopy and create an account by clicking on the orange "Add A Library Card" button.
- Enter your library card number and PIN, then click "Continue."
- Create a Kanopy account with an email address and password.
- Start watching videos!
- You receive 18 tickets each month.
- Every title shows you how many tickets the title will use and how long your checkout lasts.
- Tickets reset on the first day of each month.
- Kanopy Kids is ticket-free and offers media for youth of all ages.
Need help?
- If you see an error message like "Streaming is currently limited at your library," this means the monthly budget has been reached and streaming is temporarily unavailable until the beginning of next month.
- Make sure you are using a supported browser/device
- Try the general troubleshooting
- Report the issue to Kanopy Support
Download the app from the App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore, or for Roku.
If you enjoy listening to audiobooks, you'll love the L.A. Theatre Works Collection. Discover an online treasure trove of enduring masterpieces and contemporary plays, all produced with cutting-edge sound technology for an unparalleled listening experience.
Enjoy significant pieces of dramatic literature from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries (like Julius Caesar, The Crucible, and Twelve Angry Men) and numerous works that shed light on underrepresented groups and tackle complex historical, cultural, and social themes. Radio theatre is a powerful, timeless art.
This online resource is part of the Alexander Street collections and supported with K-12 educational funds provided by the State of California and coordinated by the California State Library.
LawDepot provides guided, step-by-step directions to create over 150 state-specific legal forms & documents that cover a wide range of needs like:
- Plan your estate
- Sell a vehicle or personal property
- Sell services
- Start a business
- Rent out property
- and more!
Final documents can be saved locally or printed.
Getting Started
- Start customizing legal documents using the “Access Resource” button below or find LawDepot in the Libby app under “Extras”.
- No secondary account is required, which ensures anonymous use. Once you sign in with your library card number and PIN, you are good to go!
- Each checkout gives you 30 days of access to LawDepot. Your progress is saved for future checkouts when you sign in with the same library card.
Need help?
- LawDepot provides direct support by chat, phone, or e-mail. Phone support is Monday through Friday from 5 AM to 4 PM (Pacific Time).
- LawDepot is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice.
Discover Long Beach City directories, high school yearbooks, photographs, and teen journals from Long Beach history! Browse over 4,000 digital images with more added each week.
The Long Beach History Collection at the Main Library originally contained articles, photographs, and artifacts that could only be viewed in person. In 2009, we started to digitize and share these local history treasures with the launch of the online LBPL Digital Archive.
Getting Started
Search by keyword, share, save, and print our online images, but please credit Long Beach Public Library. Higher resolution images are available for purchase from the Library.
Stories from local newspapers—the Long Beach Press Telegram, the Press, the Press Telegram, and several weekly newspapers—are indexed in the Long Beach Public Library History Index, along with selected magazine articles, pamphlets, and documents.
Getting Started
The index is best searched by keywords, for example Bixby family or cyclone racer. Most articles indexed can be found in Newspapers.com or on microfilm at the Billie Jean King Main Library.
LearningExpress Library Complete offers job search and workplace skills improvement, skill building in reading, writing, math, and basic science, career certification and exam prep, college and grad school entrance test prep, GED® test prep, and citizenship exam prep.
Career Improvement:
- Job & Career Accelerator – Whether you’re looking for a new job in your current field or a career in a new industry, Job & Career Accelerator has the tools and expert guidance to help you through every step of the process.
- Career Preparation – If you are exploring different occupations, building workplace skills, or preparing for an exam, the Career Preparation center has everything you need.
College Resources:
- Prepare for College – Applying to college? This Prepare for College center has everything you need such as a School Matcher, Scholarship Finder, and finance management tools for tuition and housing expenses. You can also take practice tests for exams like the SAT, AP subjects, ACT, and more.
- College Students Center – Undergraduates can use the College Students center to study for tests, get extra practice with difficult subjects, and prepare for graduate school entrance exams.
Elementary, Middle, and High School Learning:
- Grades 4-8 Educator Resources – Use the Grades 4-8 Educator Resources center to prepare students in elementary and middle school for tests, provide extra help with assignments, and boost their skills in different subjects.
- High School Students Center – Study for difficult subjects by completing practice questions and reviewing short video lessons in the High School Students center.
Adult Learning:
- Adult Core Skills – It’s easy to brush up on reading, writing, or math skills by using the Adult Core Skills center. U.S. citizenship exam preparation is available in English and Spanish, too.
- Recursos Para Hispanohablantes – Herramientas de aprendizaje, carrera y ciudadanía en español. Este centro ofrece a los adultos que están muy ocupados los recursos para mejorar sus habilidades básicas, ganar sus credenciales de GED® o ser ciudadano estadounidense.
- High School Equivalency Center – If you are preparing for the GED® test, HiSET® or TASC exams, the High School Equivalency Center's practice tests, interactive tutorials, and eBooks will help you reach your goal.
- Basic Computer Skills – Interactive video tutorials to master computer, internet, and Microsoft Office fundamentals.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
Learn new skills from thousands of online classes about business, creative work, and technology. With classes taught by industry experts, LinkedIn Learning has something for everyone, whether you are learning new job skills or just curious.
Complete classes at your own speed to earn certificates and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to add to your resume. Courses are free and available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and other languages.
Getting Started
- When logging in with a library card, you might be asked for a Library ID. LBPL's Library ID is: longbeachpubliclibrary
- Find courses to help prepare for professional certificaton exams and earn continuing education units (CEUs).
- Browse the full list of LinkedIn Learning course topics.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
Long Beach (LB) Business Insights, powered by SizeUp, is a robust business analytics tool designed to support small and medium-sized businesses in a variety of stages, from the entrepreneur looking to start their first business to a seasoned business owner looking to expand their customer base.
The LB Business Insights tool can help you answer:
- Where should I start my business in Long Beach?
- Who are my competitors and how do I perform compared to them?
- How can I find more customers?
- How do I identify the best places to locate and advertise my business?
Getting Started
Open House Hours are available for you to ask questions, get training specific to your needs, and practice examples of how to use the Long Beach Business Insights tool. Sessions are held every other week on Wednesdays at 11 AM. Registration is required and limited to the first 10 people.
Contact 4Biz@longbeach.gov or (562) 570-4249 for direct assistance.
This resource is available thanks to the City of Long Beach's Economic Development Department.
MakeMake es una plataforma de libros digitales, interactivos y con animación que ofrece acceso a una colección de literatura infantil y juvenil única en español, proveniente de América Latina. En MakeMake encontrarás más de 300 cuentos ilustrados, historietas, novelas, mitos y leyendas para lectores desde los 3 años en adelante.
MakeMake is a digital, interactive, and animated book platform offering access to a unique collection of children's and youth literature in Spanish from Latin America. In MakeMake you will find more than 300 illustrated stories, comics, novels, myths and legends for readers from 3 years old and up.
Learn practical conversation skills for languages spoken all around the world!
- Lessons focus on practical conversations while increasing vocabulary and grammar skills.
- Choose from over 70 languages or ESL learning offered in 15 languages.
- Includes cultural insights, memory building exercises, and pronunciation help.
- Downloadable courses for offline learning.
Getting Started
A library card and Mango Languages account are needed to use the resource and save your progress.
How to create an account:
- Click the "Access Resource" button to go to the Mango log in page.
- Click the "Sign Up" button to create an account.
- Enter your information then click the "Sign Up" button. Your Long Beach Public Library card number will allow you to skip the subscription payment and access Mango for free.
- After you make an account, use that email and password to sign into the Mango mobile app or website.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
The same fun magazine for kids just online and with videos, games, and craft ideas.
- Experience nature and wildlife with vivid, award-winning videos (like the Amazing Animals series) and images
- Discover fascinating facts about the wild, the wacky, and the in between
- Play fun games like word scrambles and searches
- Create something new from the Craft Corner
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
Explore the National Theatre Collection for a fresh take on timeless plays and literary gems. Picture this: ancient Greek tales and 20th-century novels set in modern times, featuring diverse casts with popular theatre, film, and TV actors. This collection offers adaptations tackling important issues (such as politics, race, and social classes) and contemporary writing like Barber Shop Chronicles (Inua Ellams) and Consent (Nina Raine).
In collaboration with the U.K.'s National Theatre, this collection also grants special access to behind-the-scenes production materials. Browse original scripts, costume designs, and comprehensive costume bibles for a glimpse into the cast and crew's artistry.
Getting Started
- Watch videos: click the Access Resource button to visit the Enhanced Video Alexander Street Website
- Access behind-the-scenes production materials AND watch videos: visit the Main Alexander Street Website
This online resource is part of the Alexander Street collections and supported with K-12 educational funds provided by the State of California and coordinated by the California State Library.
This resource is easy to use with search, browse, save, and share capabilities designed for newspaper research. The Newspapers.com Library Edition California Collection features historical content from over 600 California newspapers.
Includes access to the following historical (pre-1978) Long Beach newspapers:
- Long Beach Press-Telegram
- Independent Press-Telegram
- Long Beach Independent
- Long Beach Press
- Long Beach Tribune/Evening Tribune
- The Daily Telegram
- Long Beach Daily News
Get direct access to the New York Times online from 1851 to the present, including:
- All regular newspaper content (articles, editorials, etc.)
- All multimedia, including video, photography, VR features, and all new multimedia to come
- Spanish and Mandarin Chinese versions of nytimes.com
- Personalized access, including e-mail newsletters such as California Today, mobile apps* for phones and tablets, with customizable news feeds, and article recommendations based on topics you most commonly read about.
Getting Started
You will need to create an account to read the New York Times online.
- Off-site:
- Use the Off-site Access link to redeem a code for 72 hours of unlimited access.
- Sign up for/sign in with your NYT account.
- After 72 hours expire, come back to the Digital Library and click the Off-site Access link again for another free session.
- On-site at LBPL:
- Go directly to nytimes.com and sign up for/sign in with your NYT account.
Please be advised:
- *Mobile apps are only available for off-site access.
- Articles from 1923–1980 are only available off-site at a limit of 5 articles per day.
- The Crosswords and Cooking apps are not included. Patrons should visit the New York Times website to access this content.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
This resource was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.
Opera in Video offers a front-row seat to the finest opera performances in history. These recordings, interviews, and documentaries showcase the world's top artists and their trailblazing contributions to the world of opera. The dramatic vocal performances are accompanied by world-class orchestras and choruses, providing an unforgettable musical experience.
This online resource is part of the Alexander Street collections and supported with K-12 educational funds provided by the State of California and coordinated by the California State Library.
Opposing Viewpoints is an especially rich resource for debaters, but high school and college students will find a wealth of ideas and resources for research projects and papers.
This resource supports science, social studies, current events, and language arts classes. Informed, differing views help learners develop critical-thinking skills and draw their own conclusions.
Specific titles include The New York Times, Newsweek, Foreign Policy, American Scientist, and Education Week.
Debaters will find that the "National Debate Topic" category in Opposing Viewpoints provides quick and easy access to content on frequently studied and discussed issues.
Browse the Library’s digital collection, instantly borrow titles and start reading or listening for free. OverDrive is compatible with all major computers and the Libby, by OverDrive app is compatible with all major devices, including iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows phones and tablets, and Kindle.
Access to “Extras,” including streaming video services, online classes, and more:
- LawDepot offers legal forms in minutes with high-quality, easy-to-use and completely customizable legal documents and templates.
- Craftsy and Craftsy en español are online resources for all creative makers from basic instruction to advanced techniques for fabric and yarn crafts, baking, drawing, and much more.
- Kanopy offers more than 30,000 films, including critically acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award-winning foreign films and more.
Getting Started
Download the Libby, by OverDrive app from the App Store or Google Play.
Introduce your little ones to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and improve their reading skills with PebbleGo’s interactive content and activities.
PebbleGo is available in English and Spanish, along with 25 English eBooks and 25 Spanish eBooks.
Explore:
- Artmaking
- Earth and Space Sciences
- Engineering
- Important Inventions
- Life Sciences
- Math
- Measurements
- Physical Sciences
- Shapes
- Technology
Getting Started
- Off-Site: Please call or visit any of our locations for the off-site login username and password.
- On-Site at LBPL: Use the Library’s computers or connect to our WiFi for access at any of our locations.
This online resource is supported with K-12 educational funds provided by the State of California and coordinated by the California State Library.
Browse, read, and download newspapers and magazines like The Guardian, The Economist, Rolling Stone, Vogue, and thousands of others. Read, listen to, and translate articles into 19 different languages. No checkout limits and no waiting.
Getting Started
- Log in to PressReader through the link below or after downloading the app version
- Click on the sign-in or account icon
- Click Library or Group on the sign in pop-up
- Search for Long Beach Public Library
- Enter your library card number and PIN
- Check the box allowing PressReader to verify and exchange your registration
- Enjoy unlimited access to thousands of newspapers and magazines from around the world
Download the app from the App Store, Google Play, or other operating systems like Amazon Fire and Windows.
PressReader is provided to Long Beach Public Library cardholders completely free through the Southern California Library Cooperative.
The Press Telegram Collection offers full-color newspaper pages (2020–present) and text-only (1990–present) of published articles and content only available online.
Use ProQuest eLibrary Guided Research to find diverse, authoritative perspectives and sources for your research assignments, all in one place.
Examples of topics:
- Global issues: gun control, climate change, internet censorship, gender discrimination
- Assigned readings and authors: Animal Farm, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Odyssey, Amy Tan, Margaret Atwood, Aldous Huxley
- History: Wars and uprisings, landmark Supreme Court cases, important global figures and events
- Careers: The latest news, trends, and training requirements for hundreds of careers
Getting Started
Not sure how to start or which sources to pick? We recommend clicking the “Guided Research interface” link on the resource’s home page for easy browsing of the topics.
This resource is available thanks to funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
Unleash your inner music enthusiast with the Qwest TV Collection, a dynamic collection of performances crafted by Grammy Award winner Quincy Jones and Reza Ackbaraly. This collection features jazz, funk, soul, hip hop, folk, indie, electronic, blues, and other world genres.
Immerse yourself in legendary performances by jazz icons like Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, and John Coltrane. You can even watch the popular Legends in Concert series, which features live shows by Benny Goodman, Nat King Cole, The Temptations, and other musical greats.
The Qwest TV Collection also offers recordings of vibrant concerts from culturally and racially diverse artists of the 21st century, showcasing the global and enduring influence of jazz on today's music scene.
This online resource is part of the Alexander Street collections and supported with K-12 educational funds provided by the State of California and coordinated by the California State Library.
ReadyRosie is a simple tool to:
- Discover activities and games you can play that will help your child succeed at school.
- Have more fun than ever with your child through learning together!
The best part is that every activity is shown in a 2-minute video, available in English or Spanish, so you and your child can watch it together and then play the game. Each video tackles important early learning skills like sorting, sequencing, motor skills, and vocabulary. The video activities are curated into a convenient, weekly playlist that's delivered directly to your device by text message or email.
Getting Started
Sign up for ReadyRosie by clicking the blue "Access Resource" button below and use the code: LBPL. Select "Long Beach Library" and then create your account.
ReadyRosie Long Beach is supported by the Mayor's Fund for Education.
Formerly known as ReferenceUSA, Reference Solutions by Data Axle is the leading source for business and residential data in the United States. It helps users of all kinds find sales leads, search for jobs, research U.S. businesses, create marketing and small business plans, even locate specific people.
Need help with a specific search? Contact Reference Solutions support at (800) 808-1113.
This resource is available thanks to the efforts of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation and its generous donors.
Whether it is your first research paper or your 10th, the tools, tips, and quick tutorials in Research Companion will help at every step of the essay process. You’ll learn how to:
- choose a research topic
- find and evaluate credible sources
- write a thesis statement
- organize your points to persuade your audience
- develop your voice and properly cite sources
Getting Started
For off-site access, please create a Research Companion account at any LBPL location while you are connected to our Wi-Fi or using a library computer. Research Companion cannot be accessed off-site without an account and you cannot create an account off-site.
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
In high-definition and surround-sound, these recordings from the Royal Shakespeare Company and Theatre feature performances from the world’s best Shakespearean actors and directors. This collection contains performances for 34 titles.
Can’t find the title you want? It might be available in the National Theatre Collection or Theatre in Video, so try searching there!
This online resource is part of the Alexander Street collections and supported with K-12 educational funds provided by the State of California and coordinated by the California State Library.
Use the 3D models, science articles, and built-in citation tool to study and ace your school projects on:
- the solar system
- Earth’s weather patterns
- chemical reactions
- growth of organisms
- cell and animal anatomy
- the water cycle
- and more!
Plus, you can download and print 3D printer projects for free using the 3D printers in The Studios at Billie Jean King Main Library or the Michelle Obama Library. Please see Studio staff for more details.
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
Find newspapers, magazines, nonfiction eBooks, websites, and images for curated topics, all in one place.
Research Topics:
- Animals
- Controversial Issues
- Countries, States, and Provinces
- Famous People
Nonfiction Books:
- Animals
- Arts and Humanities
- Biographies
- Curriculum Activities
- Environment
- Health and Human Body
- History and Government
- Science
- Sports
- Technology
Getting Started
Not sure how to start or which sources to pick? We recommend clicking the “Guided Research interface” link on the resource’s home page for easy browsing of the topics.
This resource is available thanks to funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
SIRS Issues Researcher combines summaries, debate questions, articles, statistics, infographics, and more for over 360 complex global topics.
Getting Started
Not sure how to start or which sources to pick? We recommend clicking the “Guided Research interface” link on the resource’s home page for easy browsing of the topics.
This resource is available thanks to funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
Step into the rich tapestry of international music and voices with Smithsonian Global Sound for Libraries, your virtual gateway to the world's diverse audio.
This remarkable collection is like an encyclopedia for music lovers, offering music from 169 countries and representing over 450 languages. It also contains spoken word, audio documentaries, oral histories, and biographies.
Many listeners will appreciate the unique children's collection containing counting games, childhood songs, holiday tunes, stories, and sing-alongs from around the world.
This online resource is part of the Alexander Street collections and supported with K-12 educational funds provided by the State of California and coordinated by the California State Library.
TeachingBooks for Libraries offers easy-to-use tools and supplemental resources that will transform the reading experience. Use the Book Finder and the Diverse Books Toolkit to find your next read. Learn about your favorite authors. Enhance classroom or book group discussions with audio performances, questions, and activities. The site is designed to be used by adults, but curious kids and teens will find a lot to interest them too!
Getting Started
TeachingBooks for Libraries is only available from within the state of California.
This resource is provided by the California State Library.
Theatre in Video presents exclusive footage of live performances from around the globe. From celebrated productions of Shakespeare to rare, in-depth footage of the work of Samuel Beckett, the collection covers a wide range of important theatre history.
This online resource is part of the Alexander Street collections and supported with K-12 educational funds provided by the State of California and coordinated by the California State Library.
A top collection of nearly 20,000 video courses curated Udemy Business (powered by Udemy.com). Users receive access to relevant skills-training in 75+ topics across business, tech, and personal development.
Features 7,000+ courses taught by native speakers in more than 12 different languages designed to help more users achieve success at work and in life.
Courses cover the following topics:
- leadership and management
- coding
- design
- marketing
- IT operations
- data science
- project management
- human resources
- sales
- accounting and finance
- productivity
- personal development
- and more!
Getting Started
A Long Beach Public Library Card is required to use this resource, and users must log in to Gale Presents: Udemy from within California.
Logging in to Udemy using a VPN or IP masking may lock you out of your account:
- If you are locked out of your account or unable to reset your password, please contact the Library at lbpl_comments@lbpl.org with Gale Support (gale.technicalsupport@cengage.com) on CC. Include your library card number.