Reference books and online databases
Most libraries stock a range of directories, encyclopedias, and specialist books such as 'Who’s Who'. Some are available in print and online.
You can borrow or buy some older reference books.
Online reference databases – in library and at home
Anyone can use our library computers free of charge. Library members can use your library card and PIN to search databases from home.
Available in library and at home
Find out how to get a PIN for online services.
If you have any problems accessing the databases from home, see our help page on how to use the E-library databases.
Available in library only
Online reference resources
Addresses and telephone directories – UK
Telephone directories – international
Dictionaries and thesaurus
Crossword help
Biographies
Quotations
General reference information
- Bartleby – reference books, poetry, and full-text fiction and non-fiction
- Internet Public Library – dictionaries, calenders, and encyclopedia
- Ref Desk – links to reference sources including dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps and atlases, quotations, population figures, science facts, time and dates, weights and measures and world religions
- World Wide Web Virtual Library – encyclopedias, dictionaries, biographies, statistics, almanacs and yearbooks and directories
