PressReader gives ORL cardholders access to thousands of newspapers and magazines from around the world — all from the comfort of home. Browse today’s headlines, explore international publications, or settle in with a favourite magazine in either print-style layout or SmartFlow mode, which is optimized for phones and tablets.
Please note: The Globe and Mail is available for in-library use only. If you try to open it from home, you may see a blank page instead. Simply open the menu in the top-left corner to choose another publication.
Read PressReader in Your Browser
Catch up on international headlines, browse magazines from around the world, or enjoy your morning paper without hunting for recycling day. PressReader gives ORL cardholders access to thousands of newspapers and magazines on computers, smartphones, and tablets.
Getting Started
Step 1
Visit PressReader and sign in using your library card barcode and PIN.
Step 2
After signing in, you’ll see a PressReader HotSpot confirmation window.
From here, you can:
- Select Select Publication to browse titles
- Or close the window and start reading right away
Reading Publications
Select any newspaper or magazine to open its information page, browse available back issues, or begin reading. Choose Read to open an issue.
Reading Features
PressReader includes several reading and accessibility options. Right-click an article on desktop — or long press on a touchscreen device — to open additional tools:
- Page View — Read the publication in its original print layout
- Text View — Read articles in an easy-to-read mobile format
- Listen — Hear articles read aloud
- Translate — Read articles in another language
Accessibility Mode
PressReader also includes an Accessibility Mode with:
- Keyboard navigation
- Flexible text sizing
- Screen reader compatibility
- Text-to-speech support
To activate Accessibility Mode:
- Press the Tab key on your keyboard
- Or open the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select Accessibility Mode
Using the PressReader App
You can also read publications using the free PressReader app on smartphones and tablets.
Step 1: Download the App
Download the free PressReader app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. PressReader is available for Apple iPhones and iPads, and Android smartphones and tablets. Important: do not open the app yet.
Step 2: Sign In Through Your Browser First
Open your mobile browser and visit PressReader through the ORL’s library access link. Sign in using your library card barcode and PIN.
Step 3: Create a PressReader Account
Creating a PressReader account is optional, but recommended.
To create an account:
- Select the person icon in the upper-right corner
- Choose Sign In
- Select New User? Sign up now
- Enter:
- Your email address
- A password
- Your first and last name
- Select Create my account
Important: do not choose the orange Library or Group sign-in option. This option is not available for ORL users.
Step 4: Sign In to the App
Open the PressReader app.
- Tap Sign In
- Tap Email
- Enter the email address and password for your PressReader account
- Tap Sign In
If successful, you’ll see the PressReader HotSpot confirmation window. Your ORL-sponsored access lasts for 30 days within the app.
After 30 days:
- Return to the ORL’s PressReader access link in your browser
- Sign in again with your library card and PressReader account
- Your free access will automatically renew
Downloading Publications for Offline Reading
See a download arrow beside a publication? Tap it to download the issue for offline reading. Downloaded newspapers and magazines are stored in the Downloaded section of the app. A Wi-Fi connection is recommended for downloads.
Browsing the Collection
The app opens to the Browse screen. You can:
- Search for specific newspapers or magazines
- Browse by country
- Browse by language
- Explore magazine categories like:
- Automotive
- Entertainment
- Current Affairs
- Lifestyle
- And more
Reading Features in the App
Tap any publication to open its information page or browse older issues. Tap Read to open an issue. Long press an article to access additional features:
- Page View
- Text View
- Listen
- Translate
Why Create a PressReader Account?
You can read publications without creating an account, but a free PressReader account unlocks extra features. With an account, you can:
- Bookmark articles
- Leave comments
- Rate and share content
- Sync reading progress across up to five devices
- Access saved articles through My Collections
Your account also helps transfer your ORL-sponsored access between devices automatically.
PressReader Support
Visit the PressReader Help Centre for additional tutorials and troubleshooting information. Please note: some support articles apply to paid personal subscriptions and may not match ORL access.
Need More Help?
Call us at 1-844-649-8127 or email help@orl.bc.ca. Please include as many details as you can about your question, account, or device. This helps us support you more quickly and accurately.
Library card expired? Reach out to your local branch or contact us online to renew—it’s quick and easy.