Are you a self-motivated lifelong learner? Or are you looking for resources to help your children with their homework? Are you a college student working on a research project? Or would you like to improve skills for your next job or set up your own business?
As well as our large book collections on the catalogue, Cambridgeshire Libraries have a wealth of resources to help you with your learning and research.
Online reference library
With your library card number, you can access a range of free online information resources that we subscribe to. These include:
- online encyclopaedias
- dictionaries
- journals
- newspaper archives
- financial and consumer advice websites
- family history websites
Please visit our online reference library. You will be surprised by what you can find!
Local Studies
Huntingdon Library, Wisbech Library and Cambridge Central Library are home to the Local Studies’ major collections. These are material from across Cambridgeshire, including books, newspapers, periodicals, photographs, printed maps and plans.
They are great resources for finding out about local history, family history and house history. The Local Studies team also offer a research service.
Learn My Way
Each of our Cambridgeshire libraries is a centre of learning with computers, printing facility and helpful library staff.
We encourage library customers who are new to the Internet and computers to have a go using Learn My Way. This is a free online learning programme to help people develop basic digital skills. If you are helping others to learn, you might want to download the free learning guides and make the most of Learn My Way.
Please type in your local library as your centre when you register:
Learn My Way is provided by our partner the Good Things Foundation.
Digital buddies
Many of our libraries run 1 to 1 sessions with customers who want a bit of help using a computer, laptop or tablet. These sessions are offered by the library volunteers known as digital buddies.
If you would like to work with a digital buddy, please ask for information at your library. You can also use our online contact form - choose 'Libraries' as the service you require. And you can call us on 0345 045 5225 - 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
If you would like to be a digital buddy and volunteer for us, please email volunteers@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or go to the Volunteering with libraries webpage.
Free online resources
There are many online resources for learning or for inspiration searching, such as Open Learn provided by the Open University. There you will find free courses, as well as TV and radio programmes, on all kinds of subjects to support your study or improve your life skills.
Also visit our free online resources webpage. You will see lists of resources covering various topics, from nature to culture and health to work.
National Careers Service
Are you looking to learn new skills or change jobs? The National Careers Service Skills Toolkit has information on trusted courses and free online courses.
National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work. Visit National Careers Service website for details.
Cisco Networking Academy
Looking for a career in IT? Enrol in new CISCO NetAcad free online courses and progress your career. Cambridgeshire Libraries, in partnership with Cisco Networking Academy, provide self-paced introductory courses which enable you to take your first steps on your path to becoming an IT professional.
These courses can be accessed over library Wi-Fi, library computers and at home. Visit Cambridgeshire Libraries CISCO Network Academy page for more information.
Cambridgeshire Skills
Cambridgeshire Skills (formerly Cambridgeshire Adult Learning and Skills) is the County Council’s adult education service. The Service provides education and training opportunities to individuals, local communities and businesses, to help them develop skills and fulfil their potential.
Visit Cambridgeshire Skills and contact the Cambridgeshire Skills admissions team for information.
Business & IP Centre Cambridgeshire (BIPC)
The Business & IP Centre Cambridgeshire (BIPC) is part of a national network led by the British Library. The BIPC provides free and low-cost business support and advice to start up business owners, entrepreneurs and inventors.
There is a regional centre at Cambridge Central Library and three local hubs at Huntingdon, Ely and Wisbech Libraries. These offer events and workshops and networking opportunities, and provide service and resources.
If you are doing research for your business and about your market, the wide range of business resources provided by the BIPC Network will be of benefit to you. Please get in touch with the BIPC to find out more.
