Reference shelf

If you haven't found the answer to your question in the Online Reading Room, why not try one of the free websites below.

General information

• CIA World Factbook
• Encyclopedia Britannica
• Virtual Perpetual Calendars
• Symbols
• Official UK Statistics
• Traveline Public Transport Info
• UK Rail Timetables
• UK Weather (BBC)
• Up My Street
• World Flags

The right word

• Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase & Fable
  - an online version of a well known book.
• Quotations Page
  - all sorts of quotes from classic to motivational.
• One Look Dictionary
  - look up words in several languages at once.
• One Across Crossword Puzzle Help
• One Look Reverse Dictionary
• Thesaurus
  - online version of a classic title.
• Word A Day
  - find out about rare or unusual words.

Addresses and telephone numbers

• Royal Mail Postcode/Address Finder.
• Scoot Business Locator.
• Yellow Pages.

Other reference sources

If you haven't found what you are looking for on our reference shelf then try some of these links to other collections and sources:

• Ask Dr Universe
  - ask Dr Universe questions about science.
• Ask Jeeves
  - a useful search engine where you can ask real questions.
• Ask Jeeves for Kids.
• BBC Web Guide
  - links to many useful resources.
• Citizen's Advice Bureau
  - an advice guide on a range of issues.
• The Internet Public Library.
• Directgov
  - UK Government portal providing access to a wide variety of government information both central and local.

Still not found the answer? Why not contact us using our enquiry form and we'll get back to you.

Or if you need an instant response why not try People's Network Enquire - the 24/7 enquiry service that lets you chat to a librarian, somewhere in the world, via your computer at any time.