Online Resources

Databases

For additional online resources, consider signing up for a Boston Public Library eCard. An eCard is a Boston Public Library card that you can sign up for online and which provides access to all BPL online resources, including OverDrive and Hoopla. BPL eCards are available to anyone who lives, resides part-time to attend school, owns property, or works in Massachusetts.


Local History


Newspapers


Streaming Services

  • Kanopy: enjoy films that inspire, enrich, and challenge perspectives. Stream thoughtful entertainment to your preferred device with no fees and no commercials. Everyone from film scholars to casual viewers will discover remarkable and enriching films on Kanopy.
     

Mobile App

The CW MARS Libraries app is available on iOS and Android:

  • Search the catalog and place holds.

  • Manage existing holds.

  • View items checked out.

  • Pay fines and fees.

  • View and update lists.

  • Display and use your digital library card (where accepted).
     


Helpful Tools

  • Author Alerts: get an email or text when new releases become available from your favorite author or performer (movie or music).
  • Burbio: keep track of school, library, and other local event calendars all in one place.
  • Wowbrary: receive our free weekly email about the newest books, movies, and music at the library.
  • Transparent Language (via the MA Library System): an engaging language learning experience in which learners can build vocabulary, grammar, and cultural knowledge in more than 110 languages, including English.
  • FuelEconomy.gov: check out the 2025 Fuel Economy Guide and related information.
  • MA RMV practice Permit Exams: through driving-tests.org or dmv-written-test.com.
     

Employment


Genealogy Resources

These databases are only accessible in the library, on one of our public computers.


Readers Advisory

  • Good Reads: Keep track of your reading, write and read reviews, find new books, and create book lists.
  • LitLovers: Provides helpful resources for book clubs; Find book reviews, recipes, and free literature courses here.
  • NoveList: A database of book recommendations for all ages, with options to browse by genre, appeal, theme, and read-alikes.
  • KDL What's Next: A database that helps you search series fiction. 
     

Legal Resources

  • MassLegalHelp: a comprehensive legal self-help resource that helps Massachusetts residents learn about their legal rights
  • Gale LegalForms: offers a wide selection of Massachusetts-specific legal forms that may be customized for the most common legal procedures