Audience

BC Charms

BC CHARMS (BC’s Refugee Claimant Housing Referral System) is a joint venture between The Ministry of Municipal Affairs, MAP BC, and MOSAIC, which connects refugee claimants to suitable housing opportunities in the province. The database specifically targets refugee claimants due to the heightened level of vulnerability they experience as a result of not being formally recognized refugees in Canada. Emerging out of the many challenges refugee claimants face, the database aims to enhance the housing supply while creating efficient and effective referrals to appropriate housing and services.
Access: Available to anyone anywhere

Bibliothèque numérique de la Colombie-Britannique (Cantook Station)

Bibliothèque Numérique is a province-wide French eBook collection. This collection includes French Language eBooks and Audiobooks in a variety of genres for all age groups.

Please note that customers are required to provide an email address for notifications the first time a book is checked out.

VIRL recognizes the financial support of the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Agreement on French-language Services.
VIRL reconnait le soutien financier de la province de la Colombie-Britannique et du gouvernement du Canada par le biais de l’Entente Canada-Colombie-Britannique relative aux services en francais.
We are grateful to VPL for donating their sizable French language collection.

Encyclopædia Universalis

An extensive collection of French-language reference resources. Encyclopedia Universalis provides a wealth of reliable Britannica information en français.

Includes a world atlas, timelines, an integrated dictionary, bibliographies, news and current events, original source documents, and a guide to select Web sites. A science center explains 11 scientific topics and uses more than 60 multimedia elements to demonstrate important topics.
Access: VIRL cardholders from anywhere

International Newsstream

International Newsstream provides the most recent news content outside of the US and Canada, with archives which stretch back decades featuring newspapers, newswires, and news sites in active full-text format.

ProQuest International Newsstream provides information from more than 660 of the world’s top newspapers, including The Times (London), The Bangkok Post, El Norte, Financial Times, The Guardian, Jerusalem Post, South China Morning Post, The Daily Telegraph, Asian Wall Street Journal, and the BBC Monitoring series of publications.

Kanopy

Kanopy is a video streaming platform for libraries with one of the largest and most unique collections in the world. It features more than 26,000 movies, documentaries, and indie and foreign films from hundreds of producers, including The Criterion Collection, The Great Courses, Kino Lorber, PBS and thousands of independent filmmakers. Browse by subjects to explore and expand your interests.
Kanopy is not compatible with Android OS 7.1.0 or older.

Cap:

Each library member receives ten checkouts (play credits) and two Great Courses per month. Kanopy Kids requires no play credits. VIRL also offers four PLUS Packs that do not use monthly credits: British Cinema and TV, Episodic Content, Favourites, Documentaries
Access: VIRL cardholders from anywhere

Tip: 

You can also stream direct to your Smart TV. Sign up through the library first and then follow these instructions.

Mango Languages

Language learning database designed to equip you with conversational abilities. Mango immerses you in real, everyday conversations in 45 different language courses. Some of the languages include: Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
Access: VIRL cardholders from anywhere; non-cardholders in branch only

Naxos Music Library – World

Stream a wide range of world music, from legendary historical musical performances to contemporary world music. Almost 10,000 albums available, representing over 32,000 artists, 1500 cultural groups and 150 countries. Includes the complete Smithsonian Folkways catalogue. To login to Naxos mobile apps, create an account on the web platform (sign-up under the Playlist tab) and use your credentials to login on the mobile app.
Access: VIRL cardholders from anywhere

Universalis Junior

Un outil de référence en français pour les 7 ans et plus!

A French-language reference tool for ages 7 and up. The perfect companion for homework, projects, and satisfying natural curiosity, Universalis Junior is an easy-to-use and engaging tool that teaches research skills and makes learning fun.

Includes includes access to more than 4,000 encyclopedia articles and 1,700 English-language articles for bilingual education.
Access: VIRL cardholders from anywhere