Wellington City Libraries

Te Matapihi Ki Te Ao Nui

Search options

Āwhina īWhare Pukapuka eLibrary help

Welcome to our eLibrary Help page. Want to get started with one of our eMedia resources? Try our PDF Quickstart Guides below. Need more in-depth help? Have a browse of the topics below, or use this form to Get Support from a librarian.

PDF Quickstart Guides


FAQs

PIN change — what is my PIN?

Your PIN defaults to the last 4 digits of the phone number we have on record for you.

If you're not sure what this is, or are having trouble logging in, you can get help to reset a PIN via the PIN reset form link below, or by calling 801 4040 (between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday).

Get help to reset a PIN

What resources can I access from home?

Just about all our eResources are available from home, with the exception of Ancestry Library, FindMyPast AU/NZ/Ireland, and FindMyPast UK (these are only available on our library computers).

I get a message that I can't access an eResource because my library card is blocked, why is this?

Some eResources may not be accessed if you have over a certain amount owing on your library card, just as you can't borrow physical items if your card is blocked. We recommend getting in touch via email and we will do our best to help - enquiries@wcl.govt.nz

Why is this eResource asking me to make an account?

Some eResouces may ask you to create an account with them for which you may have to create a login and password that are separate from your library account details. An account may be necessary to allow you to:

  • save your progress or scores, for example if you're learning a language
  • create personalised lists of favourites, e.g. newspapers you regularly access

Getting started with eBooks & eAudiobooks - what do I need to know?

We have two main suppliers of eBooks and eAudiobooks - Libby (OverDrive), and BorrowBox.

These two sources have different strengths:

Libby (by OverDrive) is our more popular service, has more content, and is a good option to get started with.

BorrowBox has a lot of Australian content, and is more heavily skewed towards eAudiobooks, but has some eBooks too.

Together, they provide access to a good range of material.

Please note: none of our eBook options work with Kindle eReaders.

We recommend: start with Libby, and then try BorrowBox if you'd like access to more content.


Kanopy

Kanopy is a streaming platform that focuses on thoughtful entertainment, including some of the world's best cinema.  They offer over 30,000 movies, with new titles added every month. It will also give you access to Kanopy Kids, for kids' content, and The Great Courses collection for lectures from top scholars around the world.

Who can access it?

It's available to Wellington City adult residents, ratepayers and workers — access it with your library membership. Not a member? Find about more about joining.

How many movies can I watch?

You'll get 6 movie credits per month, which means you'll be able to watch 6 movies for free, and those credits will reset at the beginning of each month.

Note: A film uses a play credit once you start it. Many films on Kanopy have a 48 or 72 hour viewing period, and you can watch the film as many times as you like during the viewing period without using another play credit.

(Kanopy Kids content and The Great Courses collection are the exception and don't count against your play credits.)

Kanopy's FAQs on Play Credits

How do I use it?

To watch movies:

  • Visit either wcl.kanopy.com, or go through our eLibrary homepage and choose 'Kanopy'
  • You'll be prompted to add a library card — enter and confirm your library card number and then library PIN
  • Once you've completed this step, you'll be prompted to create a Kanopy account with an email address and password (this is what you will use normally to sign in) — then away you go!

Films can be streamed from any internet connected device including computers, phones or tablets and on TV's via Chromecast, AppleTV or HDMI.

For more in-depth information please see Kanopy's FAQs

Is there an app?

Yes, there's also an app for Android and IOS devices.


Beamafilm

Beamafilm is a streaming platform that has a curated collection of international movies and documentaries, with a strong Australasian focus.  They have over 500 movies to choose from and new titles are added regularly.

Access Beamafilm

Who can access it?

It's available to anyone who holds a Wellington City Libraries' adult membership card (any adult membership card type). Just login using your library card details, then create a Beamafilm account to start watching movies.

Not a member? Find about more about joining

How many movies can I watch?

You'll get 10 movie credits per month, which means you'll be able to watch 10 movies for free, and those credits will reset at the beginning of each month.

How do I access it?

  • Visit our eLibrary home page and click on Beamafilm, or visit https://beamafilm.com/loginLib/wellingtoncitylibraries. Enter your library card number to confirm you're a member of Wellington City Libraries
  • Create your Beamafilm account with your email address and password, and start watching! (Once you've completed this process, use this email/password combination to log in on your next visit)

Films can also be streamed from any internet connected device including computers, phones or tablets and on TV's via Chromecast, AppleTV or HDMI.

Is there an app?

Yes, there's also an app for Android and IOS devices.


Libby, by OverDrive

Libby, by OverDrive is our most popular source of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines, and offers options for getting started with Android and iOS, eReaders and on desktop.

Video Tutorial

Apps for Android and iOS

Install the Libby App from your device’s app store or via the link below:

Download Libby apps (Android or iOS)

In Libby, follow the prompts to find and add our library: Wellington City Libraries.

When prompted, enter your Library card number and PIN. Your Library card number can be found on the back of your library card. Need help with your PIN?

Once your card is set up, you can find more information about using the app at the links below:

Desktop and eReaders

If you have a Windows computer, Mac computer, or a Chromebook, you can use Libby in your web browser. We suggest using the latest version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge.

You can read and listen in your web browser, or download Adobe DRM files to transfer to an eReader:

Transferring to an eReader from Libby (requires Adobe Digital Editions)

Accessibility

Many Libby updates in 2021 were focused on improving Libby’s screen reader experience. OverDrive partnered with Fable—an accessibility platform powered by people with disabilities—to interview blind and low vision users directly and hear their feedback on Libby’s user experience.

Improvements included:

  • Better support for screen readers and low vision users
  • Voice control improvements
  • Labelled navigation bar option
  • Keyboard focus indicators, and much more

Read more about Libby and accessibility at the links below:


BorrowBox

BorrowBox is our second eAudiobook/eBook platform. BorrowBox content is mainly focused on eAudiobooks, but is still a great content source.

How many items on BorrowBox can I borrow at one time?

You can borrow 25 eBooks and 25 eAudiobooks at any one time. Items that are checked out have a three week loan period.

Please note that holds count towards your limit, e.g. For example you may have five eBook holds which means you can only borrow twenty further eBooks.

You can see how many titles you have checked out and your reserves in the right hand side of the page when you are logged in. Further details such as dates for return are available beneath Active Loans/Reserves in your My Account page.

Apps for Android and iOS

BorrowBox offers apps for Android and iOS devices:

How do I reset my BorrowBox App?

iOS

Navigate to the Settings tab, go to the Account Details section and press the Reset button. Please note that all current downloads will be lost. You will then be asked to sign in again.

Android

Press the Menu button at the top right of the screen or on some devices below the screen and select Account Details. On the following screen select the Reset App option.

Downloading eAudiobook files in parts

If you are on mobile data or have selected a large eAudiobook to download, you may want to use the option of downloading in parts, and just download the initial few parts you plan to listen to on the go.

Windows/Mac Desktop options

eAudiobook files can also be directly downloaded and transferred to MP3 players via a desktop computer. To download an eAudiobook to your desktop you only require a media manager or media device that is MP3 compatible. Most computers already have these installed. For example most Windows computers have Windows Media Player or VLC player and Mac computers will have iTunes.

To download eBooks to a desktop computer (PC/Mac), you will require Adobe Digital Editions.

For eAudiobooks - What is a .zip file and how to I unzip it?

A .zip file is a file that has been compressed to reduce its size making it quicker to download. To unzip your downloaded audiobook depends on what system you are using: PC - Locate your downloaded eAudiobook folder, right click and select "Extract All" then follow the prompts to finish unzipping. MAC- Locate your eAudiobook folder, then double click to unzip. For MAC users we reccomend using Safari as your internet browser as unzipping occurs automatically. For those running the latest MAC OS, depending on your settings the eAudiobook may automatically populate into iTunes.

Remember your eAudiobook folder will be located where you have set up your internet browser to download to (Downloads, Desktop etc).

How do I play my BorrowBox eAudioBook on a desktop computer?

In order to listen to your eAudiobook in a Media Manager, you need to ensure that you have extracted (unzipped - see the instructions above) the files. For Windows Media Player: open Windows Media Player then drag and drop extracted folder into the main window of Windows Media Player.

To find your eAudiobook, make sure you are in the Music Library of Windows Media Player, then click on Album and scroll down to the corresponding first letter of the title.

Please note if the title has a prefix like "The", it will be sorted by the second word of the title. For iTunes: open iTunes then drag and drop the extracted folder into your Music library

To download an ebook to PC/Mac

Make sure that you have installed Adobe Digital Editions. If you haven't installed this software yet, please visit the Adobe Digital Editions download page and follow the installation instructions provided. On first launch of Adobe Digital Editions click on Help > Authorize Computer. In the following screen choose Adobe ID from the dropdown menu and enter your Adobe ID and password. If you don't have an Adobe ID yet please click on the Create an Adobe ID link on the right hand side or visit the Adobe login website and click on Get an Adobe ID.

On the download page press the Download eBook button. When you get a pop-up dialogue box asking you whether you would like to Open, Run or Save, make sure that you select Open With and choose Adobe Digital Editions. Adobe Digital Editions will then import the eBook file and you can find it in the Borrowed section on the left side.

To transfer an eBook to an eReader device

Attach your eReader device to your computer. It should appear in Adobe Digital Editions in the list on the left side. Now just drag the eBook onto the device.


Story Box Library

Streaming storytimes — preschool & primary school age stories read aloud on video by amazing authors & storytellers. Access Story Box Library either in the browser, or via the apps below.

Apps

  1. Download the app from your respective store (links above)
  2. Click 'Log in with Library Access'
  3. Select 'Wellington City Libraries' from the drop-down box and enter your library card number and PIN — make sure to tick the boxes for the different terms and conditions
  4. Now you can create and save personal playlists to share with your child on the go. Please note that the StoryBox app requires data or an Internet connection to play the videos

PressReader

Same day access to full-page replicas of newspapers & magazines from NZ and around the world in 60+ languages.

How do I access PressReader?

To read PressReader content, you will need your library barcode number and your PIN.

Apps for Android and iOS:

You can download the app for Android and iOS devices below:

How do I add my library login to the app?

Once you've installed the app, open it up and follow these steps:

  1. Click the sign in button in the top left corner
  2. Select the 'Library Card' option
  3. Search for 'Wellington City Libraries' > Click to select us as your library
  4. Enter your Library card number, and your 'PIN', and click the 'Sign in' button (also tick the 'Stay signed in' checkbox to save your login)

In the browser:

  1. Open your browser and visit the PressReader website
  2. You'll need to log in with your library card details so it can create your PressReader account:
    1. Click 'Sign in' in the top right-hand corner
    2. Click on the 'Library and Group' button
    3. In the 'Select Library' box that pops up, search for 'Wellington City Libraries' > Click on our Library logo to select this as your library
    4. Enter your Library card number, and your 'PIN', and click the 'Sign in' button
    5. When prompted to set up an account, enter your details so that you can save favourite newspapers and magazines. Alternatively you can choose "No Thanks" and not set up an account.

Stuff Ltd NZ papers — in-library only

Please note that in 2019, Stuff Ltd made a change to their New Zealand papers on PressReader so that they are now only available to view on library computers or by using a phone or device connected to library wifi – they can no longer be accessed remotely outside of a Wellington City Libraries branch.

Stuff Ltd papers include The Post and The Press. For a full list of the Stuff titles that are affected by this change:

More information about this change to Stuff NZ titles on PressReader


LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning for Libraries

Unlimited access to over 12,000 online video courses. Topics include IT, business, design & more.

How to set up the Mobile App for LinkedIn Learning

  1. On your device search for 'LinkedIn Learning' and download, or use the links below:
  2. Open the app and click 'Sign in with your library card' (underneath the form)
  3. In the 'Library ID' field, enter our library ID — wellingtoncitylibraries and continue
  4. Enter your library card number and PIN — you should be all set up

If you find you need to re-enter the entire Library ID URL, not just the 'wellingtoncitylibraries', you can copy/paste here:
www.linkedin.com/learning-login/go/wellingtoncitylibraries

Download for offline viewing

Please note: inside of individual course videos in the app, you also have the option to download courses for offline viewing. Enjoy!


Naxos Music Library

Naxos Music Library

Streaming music — over 276,000 tracks from 19,000 CDs. Classical, jazz, blues, world music & more. Access Naxos Music Library either in the browser, or via the apps below.

Apps

  1. Download the app from your respective store (links above).
  2. If you have a Member Playlist account, your email address and password will also act as your login credentials for the NML mobile apps.
  3. If you do not have a Member Playlist account yet, sign up on the library playlist page, when you're logged into the desktop site (look for 'Playlists' in the navigation).
  4. Complete the registration process by clicking the activation link in your email.
  5. The email address and password you register with will act as your login credentials for the NML mobile apps. Now you can create and save personal playlists, and enjoy NML everywhere through the mobile apps.

Under certain rare circumstances, it can take up to 15 minutes for your Member Playlist account registration to be completed. Further, you can also access the web version with the same email address and password.

Please note — access expires

Periodically your access to the app will expire. To log back in, you first need to:

  1. Open your browser and log into Naxos via the library website, with your library card details
  2. Once inside Naxos and authenticated as a Wellington City Libraries borrower, click on 'Playlists' in the navigation and sign in to your member playlist (as above)
  3. Your Naxos member playlist account should now be reactivated and ready to access the app — you can now open the app and sign in

Naxos Jazz Library

Naxos Jazz Library

Streaming music — over 210,500 tracks of jazz from more than 17,930 CDs. Includes over 32,000 jazz artists. Access Naxos Jazz Library either in the browser, or via the apps below.

Naxos Jazz Library

Apps

Please note: If you already have a Member Playlist account for Naxos Music Library (above) — this will also work for Naxos Jazz Library.

  1. Download the app from your respective store (links above).
  2. If you have a Member Playlist account, your email address and password will also act as your login credentials for the Naxos Jazz Library mobile apps.
  3. If you do not have a Member Playlist account yet, sign up on the library playlist page, when you're logged into the desktop site (look for 'Playlists' in the navigation).
  4. Complete the registration process by clicking the activation link in your email.
  5. The email address and password you register with will act as your login credentials for the Naxos Jazz Library mobile apps. Now you can create and save personal playlists, and enjoy NJL everywhere through the mobile apps.

Under certain rare circumstances, it can take up to 15 minutes for your Member Playlist account registration to be completed. Further, you can also access the web version with the same email address and password.

Please note — access expires

Periodically your access to the app will expire. To log back in, you first need to:

  1. Open your browser and log into Naxos via the library website, with your library card details
  2. Once inside Naxos and authenticated as a Wellington City Libraries borrower, click on 'Playlists' in the navigation and sign in to your member playlist (as above)
  3. Your Naxos member playlist account should now be reactivated and ready to access the app — you can now open the app and sign in

New York Times

Log into the New York Times

The New York Times is an American daily newspaper with a worldwide readership. Wellington City Libraries subscribes to the online edition, which gives our library patrons free online access, both in the library and remotely from home.

Log in with your library card details and claim a "group pass" which gives 24 hours' access to The New York Times' website & smartphone app.

Claim your New York Times Group Pass

To get started:

  1. Log in with your library card number and PIN to claim your New York Times Group Pass
  2. Once you've authenticated your library card, create an email/password account with The New York Times
  3. Choose your reading preferences, and you're all set!

Once you've activated your Group Pass, it is valid for 24 hours. Please note: the expiry time for your 24 hours access is given in US Eastern Time. To renew your pass another day, repeat the process above.

Included in the pass as well is access to the searchable archive from 1851-1922 and 1981-present.

Please note: the New York Times Cooking section is not included in the Group Pass access.

New York Times apps

Once you've activated your New York Times' Group Pass, you can use the email/password account you subsequently create to log in and use the New York Times' apps while your Group Pass is active:


Mango Languages

Mango Languages

An online language-learning system with access to 60 foreign languages and 17 English language courses.

Learn a language from basic right through to advanced levels (grammar and cultural notes). You can create your own free profile account to track your progress or go straight in to languages without creating a profile account (you won't be able to save your progress this way).

Can I use the Mango app?

Yes! To use the Mango app, create a Mango profile first through the Mango desktop site. Once you've downloaded the relevant app to your device, you can use this profile to log in and get started.


Generosity — GivME and GivUS

Generosity logo

Generosity NZ is the largest digital search facility for funding information in Aotearoa, and offers two funding information sources - GivME, and GivUS.

Which service should I use?

  • GivME — offers access to more than 4,000 scholarships and awards for individuals
  • GivUS — provides access to more than 1,200 grants and schemes for communities, volunteer organisations, schools, groups, sport clubs and iwi

Getting started

To get started:

  1. Log in with your library card number and PIN to either givME or givUS
  2. Once you've authenticated your library card, create an email/password account with the Generosity online service — once you've done this, you can come back directly to Generosity and log in with your email/password combination in future
  3. Choose your search and funding preferences, and begin looking for funding sources

Contact us

If you're still having problems using our eLibrary resources, please fill out our Technical support form and we will do our best to help.

Get help