Research and Learning

Let the Brantford Public Library help you reach your goals with these research, learning and personal enrichment tools.

Online Learning

G1.ca

G1.ca is a free driver education program where you can access G1 practice tests for cars, M1 practice tests for motorcycles as well as car and motorcycle test simulators. Also get access to a FAQ section with detailed answers to over 100 MTO related questions.

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)

LinkedIn Learning offers more than 16,000 on-demand video tutorials in seven different languages. These videos can be accessed on a computer or through the LinkedIn Learning app on your smartphone or tablet. You will log in to the service using your library card number and four-digit PIN. 

If you want to use the LinkedIn Learning app, it's best to log in first on a desktop or laptop.
Then, when using the app for the first time, you will be required to enter the Library ID. This Library ID is brantfordlibrary (all one word and lower case). So, the entire Library ID will appear as "www.linkedin.com/learning-login/go/brantfordlibrary." Then, log in with your library card number and PIN.

Transparent Language

Transparent Language is one of the world's leading language programs with more than 100 languages and clear learning paths. The program is also available as an app, so you can learn on the go.

Transparent Language app for iPhones and iPads
Transparent Language app for Android devices

Watch a Transparent Language tutorial video.

Universal Class

Universal Class offers over 500 online continuing education training courses for those interested in professional or personal growth. Learn on your own time at your own pace with expert instructors giving continual feedback.

Watch a Universal Class tutorial video.


 Online Research

Ancestry.com

Ancestry.com is the world's largest online family history resource - including historical records, photos, stories, family trees and a collaborative community of millions.
Ancestry.com is available at the Main and St. Paul branches on library computers. If you bring your own laptop or tablet, you can also access Ancestry.com by logging into the wireless service at either branch.

Watch an Ancestry tutorial video.

Visit our Your History page for more online genealogy and local history resources.

Canadian Encyclopedia

This digital version of the well-known Canadian Encyclopedia has more than 19,500 entries. This resource is available to all public and you do not need a Library card to access.

Community Information Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk

Community Information Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk is a community information database that includes information regarding social and human services available in the Brantford/Brant area.

Grant Connect

Grant Connect is an all-in-one solution for fundraising research. It includes searchable details on thousands of funders along, with relationship management tools to track your data.

Access to Grant Connect is available while in the Library - either through the Library's WiFi or through a public computer at any Library branch. Simply click "log in" to begin using the database. 

EBSCOhost Research Databases

EBSCOhost offers a wide variety of full text general research and subject databases geared to adults, teens and children, including:

  • Explora and Explora Primary
  • Canadian Points of View
  • MasterFile Premier & Canadian Reference Centre
  • Consumer Health Complete & Healthwatch
  • Home Improvement Reference Center
  • Novelist & Novelist K-8  - for reading recommendations

Note: Your valid Library Card number is your Patron ID to access the resources.

Watch an EBSCOhost tutorial video.

GaleCengage Learning Research Databases

GaleCengage Learning collection of general research tools offer a broad range of information on topics such as the arts, science, history, business, health and technology.

ProQuest Historical Newspaper Database

ProQuest is a database that has historic issues of both the Toronto Star (1894 - 2019) and Globe and Mail (1844 - 2018). The service also provides access to scholarly journals, books, historical newspapers and more.

Watch a ProQuest tutorial video.