Kids

*NEW! Blackstone Unlimited

Tired of waiting for your eAudiobook holds? Try Blackstone Unlimited!

Blackstone Unlimited offers 6500 unlimited-use electronic audiobook titles for all ages, no holds and no waits!

Customers can download up to 10 titles at a time to the mobile app, or stream in their web browser.

Please note that access to Blackstone Unlimited requires library customers to provide first and last name and email address to authenticate use. For more information, contact info@virl.bc.ca or review Blackstone Unlimited’s Privacy Policy here.

Click here to create an account.

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.

Creativebug

Creativebug is an art and craft education resource. There are thousands of online video classes taught by leading instructors. Categories include:

Access online or via mobile app. Have a look at this introductory video by Creativebug to learn more.

Please note that access to Creativebug requires library customers to provide first and last name and email address to authenticate use. For more information, contact info@virl.bc.ca or review Creativebug’s Privacy Policy here.
Access: VIRL cardholders from anywhere

Encyclopedia of British Columbia

Historical and contemporary information about BC. The Encyclopedia of British Columbia is the definitive reference work on British Columbia. With more than 4,000 entries and 1,500 accompanying photographs, maps, charts and tables, as well as sound and video clips, the EBC is the source of readable and authoritative information on significant British Columbian people, places and things.
Access: VIRL resident cardholders from anywhere; non-cardholders in branch only

KnowBC

KnowBC is the online portal for Harbour Publishing, an independent publisher based on the Sunshine Coast that focuses on British Columbian coastal history and culture. KnowBC features the Encyclopedia of British Columbia, along with essential publications and natural history field guides for the Pacific Northwest Coast, including

• The Encyclopedia of Raincoast Place Names
• Far West: The Story of British Columbia, a provincial history for younger readers
• A Field Guide to Birds of the Pacific Northwest
• A Field Guide to Medicinal Wild Plants of Canada
• A Field Guide to Shells and Shellfish of the Pacific Northwest
• Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest: A Photographic Encyclopedia of Invertebrates, Seaweeds and Selected Fishes
• Raincoast Chronicles 20: Lilies and Fireweed: Frontier Women of British Columbia

Access: VIRL resident cardholders from anywhere; non-cardholders in branch only

Knowledge Network

Knowledge Network, is a Canadian publicly funded educational cable television network serving the province of British Columbia. The station supports lifelong learning for children and adults by providing quality, commercial-free programming through its broadcast channel, websites and apps. Knowledge Network also invests in documentaries and children’s programs produced by independent filmmakers with more than 40% of their programming budget supporting original stories told by BC and Canadian filmmakers. Download their app and stream their content for free!
Access: Available to anyone anywhere

National Geographic Kids

Reputable, authoritative, and appropriate content that brings children aged 6-14 the world in a way they’ve never seen it before. Fun and substantive, National Geographic Kids will take them on amazing adventures in science, nature, culture, archaeology, and space.
Access: VIRL resident cardholders from anywhere

NoveList

Discover your next favorite book! Finish a great book and looking for more? NoveList’s librarian-created read-alike suggestions and appeal mixer can help. Search from home. Link to the library’s catalogue. Then borrow and read.
Access: VIRL cardholders from anywhere; non-cardholders in branch only

OverDrive and Libby for Kids

Note: For over 6500 audiobooks with no holds or waits, please see our Blackstone Unlimited service. VIRL no longer offers the Blackstone unlimited use package in OverDrive/Libby.

OverDrive is our most popular eBook and eAudiobook platform and we have a space just for kids! All you need to get started is your library card and an internet connection. Download the Libby App for a simple and easy experience downloading eBooks and eAudiobooks for free. The Libby app is available for Android 7.1.1+ and iOS 10+.
OverDrive is not compatible with Android 7.1.0 or older.

Cap:

Each library member receives 10 check outs and 10 holds at any one time.

• Try the online Libby app at libbyapp.com

Access: VIRL resident cardholders from anywhere

PebbleGo

PebbleGo is a digital information and research tool for K-3 students. Two modules are available: Animals (includes Dinosaurs) and Science. Each module features articles, activities, games, maps, videos and engaging read-aloud audio.

Find trustworthy, factual information and foster independent learning with PebbleGo. Explore resources for families here: https://pebblego.com/parent-resources
Access: VIRL cardholders from anywhere

TumbleBookLibrary

Update: TumbleBooks is providing free access, no card required. Click on the Launch button to open.

An online collection of animated picture books, audiobooks, graphic novels, children’s classics, early reader chapter books, and National Geographic videos. A great resource to teach kids the joy of reading in a format they’ll love!
Access: VIRL cardholders from anywhere, use in schools is prohibited

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