Local Library Services 

Local Library Services are more than books.  An amazing range of resources are available to users and all almost free! Please note that local council services vary and constantly being updated.  This was last updated December 2011.  If you note any additional services you would like to bring to the attention of users in your local area, please let us know.

  • Where are your Libraries:            Library members can use any library throughout the area.
  • How to join: Membership is free to anyone who lives, works or studies in the area.  You now have a libary PIN which gives you access to online services.
  • What can I borrow: You can borrow a wide range of material, including books, audiobooks, EBooks, DVDs and CDs.
  • Fees and Charges: It is possible to place reservations for items in our libraries or use our photocopying, fax and printing facilities. Some of these services incur a small charge.
  • Find an item in our Catalogue:   If you can, use the online library catalogue to browse through our collections or to search for a specific item.
  • Renewing Books and Changing Your Details:          To check or renew your loans, update your personal details, or change your library PIN, please login to the My Account area of the website.
  • Use a Computer:    Take advantage of the free computer and Internet access facilities to improve your skills with the help of library staff - available in all libraries.

Book It, Use It, Learn It computer use

Take advantage of the free computer and Internet access facilities to improve your skills with the help of library staff ... available in all libraries.

Free Wi-fi Service

A free Wi-Fi service is available to all Dundee Community Libraries and Central Library. Users of the library can access the Internet on their personal devices simply by logging on and immediately receive a broadband Internet connection to their laptops, mobile phone etc. The connection is secure and confidential, however all users are asked to be aware of the 'Code of Conduct' when using this service.

You may find 'Webwise'', the BBC's guide to using the Internet useful.

The BBC is currently running a campaign called 'First Click' to help people to use computers. The course covers mouse and keyboard skills, and how to use the Internet and email. Everyone who signs up for the free course receives a beginner's guide to use during the course and to keep afterwards.  BBC 'First Click' courses are offered in many of Dundee's libraries.

Guide to Download EBooks and EAudiobooks

Dundee Libraries is proud to offer you best-selling and classic audiobooks, and eBooks available 24/7. You can browse the collection, check out with your library card, and download to PC, Mac® and many mobile devices. To get started, you will need to install some free software. For audiobooks: OverDrive® Media Console™. To read eBooks, you'll need Adobe® Digital Editions. Titles can be enjoyed immediately or transferred to a variety of devices, including iPod®, Sony® Reader™ and many others. Some audio titles can also be burned to CD to listen on-the-go. Titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period, so there are no late fees!   With hundreds of popular fiction and non-fiction titles to choose from, the new collection is guaranteed to have something for everyone. You can download best-selling novels, well-known classics, children's fiction, self-improvement guides, and much more.  This new service, powered by OverDrive, is free with your library card. To get started downloading audiobooks, eBooks and more, visit dundeecity.lib.overdrive.com.  If you are interested in using our ebook service please check the 'supported portable devices' area of our website before purchasing your electronic book reader to ensure compatibility.

An adventure in e-book world (a personal experience)

Is a Kindle better than a Kobo (Sony, BeBook Club)?  Does size matter… 5”, 6” or 8”? Pearl E-Ink screen or colour iPad? 3G internet or WI-FI? How compatible with other formats (Kindle, Mobi, PDF, Doc, Txt)? How good is your memory or battery life?  Is your device pre-setup and ready to go when you open the box?  Why not just use a laptop, netbook or iPad?

Visit:   www.ebookreadersreview.co.uk

Recently I purchased a Kindle for Mary’s Christmas.  It was easily charged and set up and I was quickly online using my own WI-FI to register and buy a couple of e-books at 0.99 and 0.49, just so I could try it out.  I also downloaded the free Kindle for PC on my netbook and registered it for use with the same account.  That meant I could read our purchases on Mary’s Kindle AND/OR on my netbook.  It worked, but even spookier it keeps an eye on where you have read to on either and gets you to the appropriate page.  I had also downloaded The Project Gutenberg EBook of “The Complete Works of Robert Burns” for free and had access to that as well!

My next challenge was to get online to Leisure & Culture Dundee Library service and borrow an e-book.  First job was to go into my local library and get my National Entitlement card reconciled with my Library membership (more complicated than it seemed… but you have to get your e-password).  That done, I toddled off home, went online and borrowed and e-book; really easy to do.  However, when I tried to read it nothing happened.  If in doubt, read the instructions properly.  I had downloaded the audiobook software!  Back online and downloaded the Adobe Digital Solutions software, registered as a user with Adobe and I could read my book.  This is independent of any of the e-readers and can be set up for any laptop or netbook.  The loan period for the e-book is seven days then it dissolves or self-destructs unless I renew it… which I can do online.

However, the most exiting bit was to come.  Through my library membership I have online access to Bloomsbury Public Library, Dorling Kindersley e-book online collections and Usborne e-book online collections (you don’t actually borrow the books, you read them online).  I was able to read the colourful DK guide to Madrid (which I do abroad). Not having to carry it in my luggage leaves more room for presents for Mary.

Leisure & Culture Dundee Library service provide an excellent service.  I'm glad to be retired and to have time to use it!  What about your local area… tell us about it!

Yours in cyber world, George


Bloomsbury Public Library Online

Offering concurrent online user access to a range of fiction and non-fiction from your local library from a range of publishers including Bloomsbury, A&C Black, Wisden, Arden Shakespeare, Faber, Quercus and Canongate with more coming soon. No complicated downloads, DRM or decisions on which device to buy, simply access the books using your existing computer or internet enabled mobile phone in the library and remotely from home or elsewhere.

Dorling Kindersley e-book online collections

Offering online user access to a wide range of non-fiction books for all ages. No complicated downloads or devices required. Simply access the books using your existing computer or internet enabled phone in the library and remotely from home or elsewhere.

Usborne e-book online collections offering

Online user access for children's fiction and picture books. No complicated downloads or devices required. Simply access the books using your existing computer or internet enabled phone in the library and remotely from home or elsewhere.