Get Started with NoveList Plus
Not sure what to read next? Whether you're in the mood for a gripping mystery, a feel-good romance, or something completely different, NoveList Plus online resource for adult readers is a great place to start your search.
You can access this free database of over 250,000 recommended reads remotely with your Burlington Public Library card number or without a card when inside a branch. NoveList Plus interfaces with BPL’s online catalogue, so you can instantly see if the library owns a copy of any titles that interest you.
At first glance, NoveList Plus might seem like a lot to take in—it’s packed with reading suggestions, reviews, and tools to help you explore. But thanks to its clear and easy-to-use menu system, finding your next great read is easy and fun. Take your time and play—we guarantee you’ll find the results rewarding!
NoveList Plus Step-by-Step
There are so many ways to explore this massive information storehouse—you'll find the way that works best for you the more you use it. So, let’s get started—sign in with your BPL card number from the library website.
The simplest search is by keyword, which is the default way to search in the main menu. You can also search by title, author, series, and narrator (for audiobooks), but for this article, we’ll focus on a basic keyword search, where you can describe what you’d like to read, like a historical murder mystery.
In this example, the keyword search 'historical murder mystery' generated 6,470 books published between 1841 and 2025!
To find the newest historical murder mysteries, use 'Sort by' to organize your search. 'Sort by Date Newest' will display the most recently published (forthcoming) novels first.
Looking down the list, if a title catches your eye, select 'Check Availability' to see if BPL owns a copy.
In the above example, 'No Copies Available – Print (0 of 3)' means we have purchased three copies of this title, and they are currently On Order. You will be able to check BPL’s catalogue and place a hold on it in your MyBPL online account.
Intrigued to know more? There are three more options to investigate in every NoveList Plus book record. Select 'Title Read-alikes,' 'Author Read-alikes,' and 'Series Read-alikes' to dig deeper and discover similar reads to the titles you find most interesting.
Tip! Increase your chances of finding a book to read right now by refining your search (left side menu) by the publication date, setting the range from 2020 to 2024, and selecting 'Update Results.' As before, 'Check Availability' of titles in the resulting list to see what BPL owns.
After refining our original keyword search by reducing the publication date range, in the trimmed-down list of 1,115 titles, we discovered Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen by Sarah James (2023), an atmospheric and fast-paced historical murder mystery—
Ready to borrow from Burlington Public Library!
Endless Possibilities
Now that you've mastered the basics of keyword searching in NoveList Plus, try a few more options. If you're a fan of audiobooks, you can search by your favourite narrator. If you've read every Chief Inspector Gamache mystery written by Louise Penny, check out read-alike recommendations for similar authors or series. You'll never be left wondering what to read next!
NoveList Plus makes searching for new titles feel like a book lover’s adventure. You'll find literally volumes of hidden gems to add to your To-Read list, just waiting for you on our shelves.
NoveList for Younger Readers
Along with NoveList Plus, BPL cardholders can access NoveList K-8 Plus. Organized exactly like the adult edition, NoveList K-8 Plus helps kids in Kindergarten to Grade 8 find books that are just right for their reading level and interests.
Where to Find NoveList Plus
Select RESOURCES on BPL’s website main menu to find NoveList Plus under eBooks & eAudiobooks. Connect directly to the online resource or select 'More Info' to read how to access NoveList Plus. This resource is best viewed on a desktop, laptop, or tablet. NoveList Plus does not have a standalone app to use with a mobile phone.
