Logging in from Home
Logging in from Home?
Some databases are marked with a 
symbol.
If you are connecting to these databases from home, you can click on that symbol or the "Access from Home" link below. For more assistance, see our Help Accessing Databases page.
Logging In to E-Resources
What Do I Need to Use e-Library Resources?
- You will need a Huntington Beach Public Library card to access our e-resources.
- Most resources will require you to log in with your library card number and 4-digit PIN.
- Your library card number is 14 digits, no spaces (normally begins with 2111900xxxxxxx).
- Your PIN# is the last four numbers of your phone number when you registered for your library card.
Don't have a library card yet?
Email library@hbpl.org to get started.
What Should I Read Next?
What Should I Read Next?
Find your new favorite book with NoveList!
Check out this comprehensive book guide that includes expert recommendations, reviews, articles, lists and more.
Document Holder
Digital Library Resources
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CloudLibrary
CloudLibrary allows you to borrow and read the latest and most popular eBooks and eAudiobooks on your devices and computer, for free with your library card. Have a book you want to read or listen to, but don't see it in the CloudLibrary catalog? Request it from your librarians here!
Accessible from: Android, iOS, Mac, Windows PC, Kindle Fire, or Nook -
Hoopla Digital
Instantly borrow free digital movies, music, graphic novels, ebooks, and more, 24/7, with your library card. You can currently borrow up to 7 items per month!
Access online with your PC or Mac, or download the app for: Android, iOS, Kindle Fire -
Kanopy
Stream independent, foreign, or classic films and documentaries free with your library card. There are no holds and users can stream up to 5 movies / month!
Access Kanopy with a Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, PC, Mac, Andriod, iPhone or iPad -
New York Times
The California State Library is pleased to offer the New York Times online for California Public Libraries. This link features direct access to world class journalism from 1851 to right now, including all articles, multimedia, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese translations, mobile apps and much more.
Click the 'home' icon for off site access.
Research Databases
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Coursera
Coursera is a global online learning platform that offers anyone, anywhere, access to online courses and degrees from more than 200 leading universities and companies. As part of the American Rescue Plan Act to aid in recovery from the pandemic, Coursera has been made available to all public libraries in California via the California State Library. Sign up below or click here to activate your free, six-month subscription. Make sure to select "HUNTINGTON BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY" as your library and provide a current email address.
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Data Axle
Formerly Reference USA. Search for people or businesses throughout the USA. -
Explora
Search newspapers, such as the Orange County Business Journal, magazines, and journal articles. Great for school and personal research. View a list of publications and newspapers.
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GetSetUp
GetSetUp has been made available to all public libraries in California via the California State Library as part of the American Rescue Plan Act to aid in recovery from the pandemic. It contains a catalog of over 500 classes exclusively for older adults. During the week, GetSetUp offers more than 40 live classes every day as well as 25 on weekends. GetSetUp offers classes for older adults just learning technology, as well as classes in the following categories: Physical Health (exercise, healthy cooking), Mental Health (stress, meditation, dementia), Social Health (book club, gardening, pets), and Vocational Health (resume writing, interviewing). -
HelpNow
Get help from live tutors 1-10 PM Monday through Sunday. Tutors will help with homework, resumes, writing, Microsoft Office, and more. You can also access test prep, virtual meeting spaces, and videos any time. -
HeritageQuest Genealogy
Census data, family, banking and military records, genealogies, local histories. -
JobNow / VetNow
This versatile online service supports job seekers, veterans, and their
families with all stages of job searching, employment transition assistance, navigating the VA bureaucracy, preparing for standardized tests, and building marketable academic skills. Interact with live online navigators, and take advantage of free job and learning tools.
Learn to use and . -
LearningExpress
LearningExpress has been made available to all public libraries in California via the California State Library as part of the American Rescue Plan Act to aid in recovery from the pandemic. It contains interactive tutorials, practice tests, e-books, flashcards and articles for academic skill-building, standardized test preparation, career development resources aimed at helping students and professionals achieve their educational and career goals. Students, who create a free account, will have access to academic skill-building, test prep and career-related resources. Professionals and job seekers, who create a free account, will have access to tools and resources needed for exploring careers, finding open positions, applying for jobs and getting hired. -
LinkedIn Learning
Learn in-demand skills with over 16,000+ online courses taught by real-world professionals. As part of the American Rescue Plan Act to aid in recovery from the pandemic, LinkedIn Learning has been made available to all public libraries in California via the California State Library. -
Salem History
Full-text biographical articles from Salem Press reference books; Great Lives from History and The 1980s in America.
Presents information on authors and literature, including biographies, book reviews, book overviews, literary criticism, primary sources, and literary works.
Selected reference and encyclopedias are available including: Novels for Students, Encyclopedia of Medicine, Encyclopedia of World Biography, Encyclopedia of Film, Encyclopedia of Religion and more! To access the Gale Online ebooks use your library card number for the password
Browse and search complete issues of Consumer Reports magazines and articles for reviews and recommendations before you make a purchase. (See "How Do I Access Consumer Reports from Home?")
Explore easy-to-understand encyclopedia articles, as well as links to related websites and magazine articles. An atlas is also included. Entries incorporate sounds, pictures, videos, and animations to make the information come alive. This resource is great for students of all ages.
What are Research Databases?
Research Databases Q&A
What are research databases?
Research databases are electronic resources that contain an organized body of related information from a wide range of well-known, authoritative sources. Although they are distributed via the Web, traditional search engines such as Google or Yahoo cannot easily retrieve the content (magazine and newspaper articles, reference books, television and radio broadcast transcripts, maps, photographs, pamphlets, etc.) in these resources. The scope of coverage varies—some databases such as EbscoHost are very broad, others such as Heritage Quest are more specialized.
What is the difference between using a database and doing a search on Google?
The information in databases has been reviewed and edited and comes from reliable, authoritative sources. Google returns results from public websites. Although there is an enormous volume of information on the Web, no oversight exists to guarantee the information retrieved is accurate, objective, and current.
Is there any charge for using them?
No. The Library has purchased subscriptions to these databases, so they can be provided free of charge to our patrons. Anyone can use them for free in the library and Library cardholders can also access the majority of the databases from home.
