Sunday, January 16, 2022

How to Access the National Post on PressReader

"Free" Access to the National Post Cryptic Crossword

You may already have "free" access to the National Post as well as thousands of other publications around the world without having realized it. If your local public library provides PressReader as a service to its members, then all of this is available at your fingertips.

PressReader

PressReader is an online service that provides access to digital facsimile editions of some 7000 newspapers and magazines around the world. A digital facsimile edition (such as the National Post E-Paper) is different than an online edition. It provides an exact replica of the print edition of the newspaper on your screen.

Access to PressReader is a benefit included in membership to many public libraries (both in Canada and internationally).

I believe the National Post E-Paper is a "white-label" edition* of the PressReader edition. As Wikipedia explains, "PressReader operates the digital editions of various newspapers and magazines on their websites and apps through a white-labeled platform called Branded Editions."


* an edition without the PressReader branding

Those without a public library membership or whose local public library does not offer the PressReader service have the option of purchasing a PressReader paid subscription. A 7-day free trial is also available.

Creating a PressReader Account

There are several ways to sign in to PressReader:

Library Card (Library card number and PIN)

The steps to create a PressReader Account with Library Card Access are shown below. You may be prompted to add an email address during the set-up process. If not, or if you choose not to enter one at this time, you can add one later in the Account Settings. Should you wish, at a later time, you can also later link your PressReader account to your social media accounts in the Account Settings. You will access this type of account using your Library card number and PIN.

PressReader Account (Email address and Password)

You can create either a free or paid PressReader account which you will access using an email address and password. You can later link this account to your library card and to your social media accounts in the Account Settings.

Social Media (Facebook, Twitter or Google)

I have not tested this type of access, but I believe you create either a free or paid PressReader account which you access using your social media login credentials. You can later link this account to your library card and add an email address in the Account Settings.

Creating a PressReader Account with Library Card Access

Step 1: Go to the PressReader website at https://www.pressreader.com/ and select Sign In (be sure to select Sign In and NOT Sign Up)


Step 2: Select Library or Group


Step 3: Select your library


Step 4: Enter Library card number and PIN and Log In


4 comments:

  1. I've seen a report from a solver whose local library doesn't support PressReader. But I also noticed on the PR site that they have something called PressReader HotSpots, and they don't have to be libraries. In a hotel, in one case I noticed. I don't know how that works: maybe you have to authenticate via one particular wifi connection.

    I also want to share something that I think is neat, an accidental discovery, probably not for everyone. I recently bought a Kobo Sage e-reader, and a stylus. Normally these are used for marking up text. But I have found a way to view the section of the NP page with the Hex puzzle, and then did a screenshot. That's pretty much how I used to print it out. But now I can convert the screenshot to PDF, load the file to my Kobo reader, and then solve the puzzle on the reader using the stylus. There's even an eraser.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Photo (spoiling Jan 8)
      https://www.dropbox.com/s/t8uovde39squlfg/8jan22_spoiler.jpg?dl=0

      Delete
    2. Hi Danchall,

      Your Kobo experience is interesting.

      As for the hotspots, I believe one has to be physically present at the hotspot to use it. If I understand correctly, it would be the hotspot that is authenticated to PressReader rather than the end device that happens to be accessing the hotspot.

      Delete
  2. Thanks, Falcon. I just found your reply. In the case of the library, we don't know whether the service is available to hotel guests only. I suppose a brief stop to the lobby for a download could be great, if it works.

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