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Online resources

 * Starred resources require a Chicago Ridge Library Card to access outside the library building.

  • Academic Search Elite*

    Comprehensive, multi-disciplinary resource of scholarly research and peer-reviewed full text articles.

  • AgeOptions

    As the Area Agency on Aging of suburban Cook County, Illinois, AgeOptions advocates, plans, coordinates and funds services for older adults. Services include information and assistance, community dining programs and home-delivered meals, housekeeping help, employment services, access to benefits and support for family caregivers.

  • AGRICOLA*

    From the National Agricultural Library. Contains citations about all aspects of agriculture and related fields.

  • Alt HealthWatch*

    Provides information on complementary, holistic, and integrated approaches to healthcare and wellness.*

  • Ancestry Library

    Search billions of genealogy documents—including census, military, immigration, birth, and death records—in the library version of Ancestry.com. Only available inside the library.

  • AtoZdatabases*

    AtoZdatabases is the premier Reference, Research, Marketing, Mailing Lists/Sales Leads, and Job-Search Database. The database includes 30 million business & executive profiles, over 240 million residents with interests, hobbies and lifestyles information, over 7 million real-time job listings, 2 Million new businesses, over 12 million healthcare professionals, over 12 million new movers, 2 million new homeowners, and much more.

  • Auto Repair Source*

    Repair information and schedules, diagrams, parts and labor estimates, service alerts, and recalls. Covers thousands of domestic and imported vehicles.

  • Ballotpedia

    Ballotpedia is the digital encyclopedia of American politics, and the nation’s premier resource for unbiased information on elections, politics, and policy. Find out what's on your ballot with their easy sample ballot lookup tool

  • Biography Reference Center*

    More than 390,000 biographies. Includes complete full text run of Biography Today and Biography Magazine as well as thousands of narrative biographies.

  • Book Collection: Nonfiction*

    Designed for public libraries, thousands of books cover core subject areas as well as information on careers, health, sports, adventure, technology, life skills and more.

  • Business Source Elite*

    Provides full-text coverage of top business, management and economics journals and periodicals.

  • Consumer Reports*

    Find ratings and recommendations on appliances, electronics, cars, and more from the popular magazine and website. Please call the Adult Services desk to get the login information.

  • Cook County Clerk Elections

    Register to vote; check your registration status, polling place and more; get sample ballots and information on candidates; and more.

  • Digital Learn

    Videos to help you understand computers and digital literacy. Topics include: Getting Started on the Computer, Basic Search, Navigating a Website, Intro to Email, Intro to Word, Online Job Searching, Intro to Facebook, and more.

  • eBook Business Collection*

    Access thousands of e-books dedicated to the study of business.

  • eBook Cricket Media Collection*

    Build strong literacy skills in students from pre-K to 8th grade with digital access to award_winning, short-form fiction and nonfiction titles.

  • eBook Diversity & Ethnic Studies Collection*

    This groundbreaking collection includes over 6,000 high-quality e-books on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

  • eBook High School Collection*

    A robust collection includes a selection of classic literary works, important historical documents, and general reference materials for high school students, educators, and administrators.

  • eBook K-8 Collection*

    An e-book collection for K-8 students across all subject areas taught in elementary and middle schools.

  • eBook Public Library Collection*

    High-quality adult and youth e-books covering a wide range of topics such as self-help, fitness, games, hobbies, and cooking.

  • ERIC: Education Resources Information Center*

    Index of journal articles, books, theses, curriculum guides, conference papers, standards, and guidelines on a wide range of education topics.

  • Ethnic Diversity Source*

    This full-text database is a dedicated resource covering the culture, traditions, social treatment and lived experiences of different ethnic groups in America.

  • Explora Public Libraries*

    Access high-quality articles and facts for research papers, class projects and homework. 

  • FamilySearch

    FamilySearch is a free online resource for beginning your genealogy journey. Simply create a account with your email address to get started!

  • Fantastic Fiction

    Search and browse the complete works of over 50,000 bestselling fiction authors, with all the latest books and series listed in order. Sign up to follow authors.

  • GCF Learn Free

    Learn the essential skills you need to live and work in the 21st century. From Microsoft Office and email to reading, math, resume writing, personal finance, graphic design and more, GCFLearnFree.org offers more than 200 topics, including more than 7,000 lessons, more than 1,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely free.

  • Health Source: Consumer Edition*

    Find information on fitness, nutrition, diabetes, aging, women's health, children's health and more.

  • Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition *

    Provides researchers, allied health professionals, nurses, and medical educators access to scholarly journals on many medical disciplines.

  • History Reference Center*

    Covering topics in U.S. and world history from the earliest civilizations through the 21st century,
    this database contains full-text journals, magazines, reference books and thousands of primary
    source documents.

  • Hobbies and Crafts Source*

    A DIY database of leading full-text hobby and craft magazines, hobby profiles, recipes and more to inspire creativity and nurture extra-curricular interests.

  • Home Improvement Source*

    Through a collection of comprehensive full-text content, this database provides detailed, user friendly “how-to” information covering a variety of do-it-yourself home improvement and repair projects.

  • Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)

    Find information about unemployment insurance (UI) and file a claim.

  • Illinois DMV Practice Tests

    Information about obtaining a driving permit in Illinois for cars and motorcycles, including the Illinois Rules of the Road and the Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual. Includes 9 free practice tests to prepare for the DMV test for a permit to drive a car and 6 free practice tests to prepare for the motorcycle permit test.

  • Illinois Job Link

    IllinoisJobLink.com provides job seekers with easy-to-use tools that support a wide range of activities including creating/posting resumes, searching for jobs, and determining whether you're eligible for state- or federally funded workforce programs.

  • Illinois Public Records*

    Search key public record data for personal and business use. Databases include: Bankruptcy Records, Business Licenses, Divorce Records, DUI Records, Felony Records, Foreclosures and Auctions, Misdemeanor Records, Mortgage Records, Real Estate Transactions, State and Federal Tax Liens, and Tax Sale Properties. For access inside the library, click here.

  • Immigrants Like Us

    Immigrants Like Us is a non-profit offering low-income immigrants free legal services for preparing DACA and immigration forms. The free online application allows users to easily enter their information and completes necessary immigration forms and documents needed. These forms are then reviewed for free by their in-house legal team.

  • LearningExpress Library*

    Organized into targeted learning centers, LearningExpress Library supports those looking to improve core academic skills, pass the GED, prepare for college, join the military, obtain occupational certification, find a job, change careers, become a U.S. citizen and much more.

  • Legal Information Source*

    Thousands of legal forms by topic including Bankruptcy, Divorce, Name Changes, Wills & Estate Planning and more.

  • Legal Source*

    A scholarly resource of current issues, studies, and trends of the legal world.

  • LGBTQ+ Source*

    LGBTQ+ Source is the definitive database for LGBTQ+ studies. It provides scholarly and popular LGBTQ+ publications in full text, plus historically important primary sources, including monographs, magazines, newspapers, and videos. It also includes a specialized LGBTQ+ thesaurus containing thousands of terms.

  • Library & Information Science Source*

    Journals and periodicals that help librarians and researchers keep pace with the latest trends in the field.

  • Literary Reference Center*

    A rich full-text literary database covering all genres and time periods. It includes thousands of synopses, critical essays, book reviews, literary journals and author biographies, plus full-text classic novels, short stories and poems.

  • MAS Complete*

    A research database that contains full text for hundreds of popular magazines and e-books covering news, politics, science, sports, culture and more. Over 1,000,000 photos, maps, and flags. Full text magazines include Discover, US News & World Report, Scientific American, and more.

  • MAS Reference eBook Collection*

    A companion to MAS databases, containing reference books from top educational publishers and presses. This encompasses a rich selection of titles covering a broad range of general reference subjects, including biography, history, careers, language arts, literature, government, health, math, science, current events and social-emotional health.

  • MasterFILE Complete*

    Broad collection of popular full-text magazines and reference books. Magazines include People, Better Homes and Gardens, TIME, and Newsweek. Covers subjects including business, health, education, fitness, sports and leisure, personal finance, general science, multicultural issues, DIY, and fashion.

  • MasterFILE Reference eBook Collection*

    Contains reference books covering a broad range of general reference subjects, including biography, history, architecture, literature, cooking, health and wellness, science, self-help, religion, current events, sports, travel and more.

  • Medline Plus

    Trusted health information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Search for health topics, drugs, supplements, and read informative health articles.

  • Middle Search Plus*

    Magazines and reference books for middle school students.

  • Middle Search Reference eBook Collection*

    A broad range of general reference subject coverage for middle school students, with topics
    including social studies, math, history, language arts, technology, geography, culture, and
    science.

  • Moraine Valley ESL

    Information about Moraine Valley's English as a Second Language (ESL) program and Intensive English Language Program (IELP).

  • Newspaper Source Plus*

    Includes millions of articles from newspapers, newswires, and news magazines. Offers television and radio transcripts and ongoing daily updates from popular news sources.

  • NoveList K-8*

    Find just the right book by subject, age, awards won, books made into movies, and much more. Read reviews and learn about the author. Create your own reading wish list. Includes tools for teachers such as Lexile levels and Common Core standards.

  • NoveList*

    Find your next favorite book. Contains information on over 260,000 fiction and readable nonfiction titles. Features lists of award-winning books, book discussion guides, Read-a-Like recommendations, and complete series information.

  • Points of View Reference Center*

    Presents multiple sides of over 500 issues. Helps students assess and develop persuasive arguments and essays, better understand controversial issues, and develop analytical thinking skills.

  • Primary Search Reference eBook Collection*

    A range of general reference subject coverage for primary school students, with topics like
    social studies, history, language arts, geography, culture, math, and science.

  • Primary Search*

    Content from children’s magazines, easy-to-read encyclopedia entries, and images. Students can learn about animals, musicians, fitness, space exploration, and much more.

  • ProCitizen

    ProCitizen is a comprehensive citizen course offering over 100 instructional videos, plus interactive drills and quizzes, providing the civics, vocabulary, plus reading and writing practice that new citizens need to succeed at the US naturalization test.

  • Professional Development Collection*

    Specialized information for librarians, teachers, and education researchers.

  • Property Tax Exemptions - Cook County Assessor's Office

    Find the forms for the Homeowner Exemption, Senior Citizen Exemption, Senior Freeze exemption and more here.

  • Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection*

    Covers a broad range of subjects in the fields of psychology, behavioral sciences, and related disciplines. For psychologists, counselors, researchers, and students.

  • Regional Business News*

    Regional business publications for the United States and Canadian provinces from 1990. Includes newspapers, radio and television news transcripts, trade publications, magazines, and newswires.

  • Religion & Philosophy Collection*

    Hundreds of full-text journals and magazines covering many religious and philosophical topics, including world religions, religious history, political philosophy, and philosophy of language.

  • Science Reference Center*

    Provides full text for hundreds of science magazines, journals, reference books and high-quality videos. The database also contains science experiments, curriculum-aligned lesson plans, and a vast image collection.

  • Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program - Cook County Treasurer

    The Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral program is a tax-relief program that works like a loan. It allows qualified seniors to defer a maximum of $5,000 per tax year (this includes 1st and 2nd installments) on their primary home. The loan from the State of Illinois is paid when the property is sold, or upon the death of the participant.

  • Senior Planet

    Senior Planet from AARP provides courses, programs, and activities to help seniors learn new skills, save money, exercise to get in shape, and make new friends. Resources include Tech Tip Videos and free 1-to-1 Tech Tutoring through Zoom.

  • Small Business Source*

    Covers all aspects of starting and operating a business. Includes information on accounting, human resources, management, marketing, tax, and more. State-specific information included.

  • Small Engine Repair Source*

    Repair guides for small engines and routine maintenance (tune-ups, brake service, etc.). Also includes guides on extensive repairs such as engine and transmission disassembly. Coverage includes lawn mowers, motorcycles, tractors, and snowmobiles.

  • Tax Forms - Federal
  • Tax Forms - Illinois
  • Tax Help - Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers
  • USA Learns

    USA Learns is a free website that helps adults learn English and prepare for U.S. citizenship online. 

    • Academic Search Elite*

      Comprehensive, multi-disciplinary resource of scholarly research and peer-reviewed full text articles.

    • AGRICOLA*

      From the National Agricultural Library. Contains citations about all aspects of agriculture and related fields.

    • eBook Diversity & Ethnic Studies Collection*

      This groundbreaking collection includes over 6,000 high-quality e-books on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

    • ERIC: Education Resources Information Center*

      Index of journal articles, books, theses, curriculum guides, conference papers, standards, and guidelines on a wide range of education topics.

    • Ethnic Diversity Source*

      This full-text database is a dedicated resource covering the culture, traditions, social treatment and lived experiences of different ethnic groups in America.

    • Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition *

      Provides researchers, allied health professionals, nurses, and medical educators access to scholarly journals on many medical disciplines.

    • History Reference Center*

      Covering topics in U.S. and world history from the earliest civilizations through the 21st century,
      this database contains full-text journals, magazines, reference books and thousands of primary
      source documents.

    • Legal Source*

      A scholarly resource of current issues, studies, and trends of the legal world.

    • LGBTQ+ Source*

      LGBTQ+ Source is the definitive database for LGBTQ+ studies. It provides scholarly and popular LGBTQ+ publications in full text, plus historically important primary sources, including monographs, magazines, newspapers, and videos. It also includes a specialized LGBTQ+ thesaurus containing thousands of terms.

    • Library & Information Science Source*

      Journals and periodicals that help librarians and researchers keep pace with the latest trends in the field.

    • Literary Reference Center*

      A rich full-text literary database covering all genres and time periods. It includes thousands of synopses, critical essays, book reviews, literary journals and author biographies, plus full-text classic novels, short stories and poems.

    • Professional Development Collection*

      Specialized information for librarians, teachers, and education researchers.

    • Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection*

      Covers a broad range of subjects in the fields of psychology, behavioral sciences, and related disciplines. For psychologists, counselors, researchers, and students.

    • Religion & Philosophy Collection*

      Hundreds of full-text journals and magazines covering many religious and philosophical topics, including world religions, religious history, political philosophy, and philosophy of language.

    • Book Collection: Nonfiction*

      Designed for public libraries, thousands of books cover core subject areas as well as information on careers, health, sports, adventure, technology, life skills and more.

    • eBook Business Collection*

      Access thousands of e-books dedicated to the study of business.

    • eBook Cricket Media Collection*

      Build strong literacy skills in students from pre-K to 8th grade with digital access to award_winning, short-form fiction and nonfiction titles.

    • eBook Diversity & Ethnic Studies Collection*

      This groundbreaking collection includes over 6,000 high-quality e-books on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

    • eBook High School Collection*

      A robust collection includes a selection of classic literary works, important historical documents, and general reference materials for high school students, educators, and administrators.

    • eBook K-8 Collection*

      An e-book collection for K-8 students across all subject areas taught in elementary and middle schools.

    • eBook Public Library Collection*

      High-quality adult and youth e-books covering a wide range of topics such as self-help, fitness, games, hobbies, and cooking.

    • Fantastic Fiction

      Search and browse the complete works of over 50,000 bestselling fiction authors, with all the latest books and series listed in order. Sign up to follow authors.

    • Literary Reference Center*

      A rich full-text literary database covering all genres and time periods. It includes thousands of synopses, critical essays, book reviews, literary journals and author biographies, plus full-text classic novels, short stories and poems.

    • MasterFILE Reference eBook Collection*

      Contains reference books covering a broad range of general reference subjects, including biography, history, architecture, literature, cooking, health and wellness, science, self-help, religion, current events, sports, travel and more.

    • NoveList K-8*

      Find just the right book by subject, age, awards won, books made into movies, and much more. Read reviews and learn about the author. Create your own reading wish list. Includes tools for teachers such as Lexile levels and Common Core standards.

    • NoveList*

      Find your next favorite book. Contains information on over 260,000 fiction and readable nonfiction titles. Features lists of award-winning books, book discussion guides, Read-a-Like recommendations, and complete series information.

    • AtoZdatabases*

      AtoZdatabases is the premier Reference, Research, Marketing, Mailing Lists/Sales Leads, and Job-Search Database. The database includes 30 million business & executive profiles, over 240 million residents with interests, hobbies and lifestyles information, over 7 million real-time job listings, 2 Million new businesses, over 12 million healthcare professionals, over 12 million new movers, 2 million new homeowners, and much more.

    • Business Source Elite*

      Provides full-text coverage of top business, management and economics journals and periodicals.

    • eBook Business Collection*

      Access thousands of e-books dedicated to the study of business.

    • Illinois Public Records*

      Search key public record data for personal and business use. Databases include: Bankruptcy Records, Business Licenses, Divorce Records, DUI Records, Felony Records, Foreclosures and Auctions, Misdemeanor Records, Mortgage Records, Real Estate Transactions, State and Federal Tax Liens, and Tax Sale Properties. For access inside the library, click here.

    • Regional Business News*

      Regional business publications for the United States and Canadian provinces from 1990. Includes newspapers, radio and television news transcripts, trade publications, magazines, and newswires.

    • Small Business Source*

      Covers all aspects of starting and operating a business. Includes information on accounting, human resources, management, marketing, tax, and more. State-specific information included.

    • Immigrants Like Us

      Immigrants Like Us is a non-profit offering low-income immigrants free legal services for preparing DACA and immigration forms. The free online application allows users to easily enter their information and completes necessary immigration forms and documents needed. These forms are then reviewed for free by their in-house legal team.

    • LearningExpress Library*

      Organized into targeted learning centers, LearningExpress Library supports those looking to improve core academic skills, pass the GED, prepare for college, join the military, obtain occupational certification, find a job, change careers, become a U.S. citizen and much more.

    • ProCitizen

      ProCitizen is a comprehensive citizen course offering over 100 instructional videos, plus interactive drills and quizzes, providing the civics, vocabulary, plus reading and writing practice that new citizens need to succeed at the US naturalization test.

    • USA Learns

      USA Learns is a free website that helps adults learn English and prepare for U.S. citizenship online. 

    • Digital Learn

      Videos to help you understand computers and digital literacy. Topics include: Getting Started on the Computer, Basic Search, Navigating a Website, Intro to Email, Intro to Word, Online Job Searching, Intro to Facebook, and more.

    • GCF Learn Free

      Learn the essential skills you need to live and work in the 21st century. From Microsoft Office and email to reading, math, resume writing, personal finance, graphic design and more, GCFLearnFree.org offers more than 200 topics, including more than 7,000 lessons, more than 1,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely free.

    • LearningExpress Library*

      Organized into targeted learning centers, LearningExpress Library supports those looking to improve core academic skills, pass the GED, prepare for college, join the military, obtain occupational certification, find a job, change careers, become a U.S. citizen and much more.

    • Consumer Reports*

      Find ratings and recommendations on appliances, electronics, cars, and more from the popular magazine and website. Please call the Adult Services desk to get the login information.

    • Illinois Public Records*

      Search key public record data for personal and business use. Databases include: Bankruptcy Records, Business Licenses, Divorce Records, DUI Records, Felony Records, Foreclosures and Auctions, Misdemeanor Records, Mortgage Records, Real Estate Transactions, State and Federal Tax Liens, and Tax Sale Properties. For access inside the library, click here.

    • Auto Repair Source*

      Repair information and schedules, diagrams, parts and labor estimates, service alerts, and recalls. Covers thousands of domestic and imported vehicles.

    • Hobbies and Crafts Source*

      A DIY database of leading full-text hobby and craft magazines, hobby profiles, recipes and more to inspire creativity and nurture extra-curricular interests.

    • Home Improvement Source*

      Through a collection of comprehensive full-text content, this database provides detailed, user friendly “how-to” information covering a variety of do-it-yourself home improvement and repair projects.

    • Small Engine Repair Source*

      Repair guides for small engines and routine maintenance (tune-ups, brake service, etc.). Also includes guides on extensive repairs such as engine and transmission disassembly. Coverage includes lawn mowers, motorcycles, tractors, and snowmobiles.

    • LearningExpress Library*

      Organized into targeted learning centers, LearningExpress Library supports those looking to improve core academic skills, pass the GED, prepare for college, join the military, obtain occupational certification, find a job, change careers, become a U.S. citizen and much more.

    • Moraine Valley ESL

      Information about Moraine Valley's English as a Second Language (ESL) program and Intensive English Language Program (IELP).

    • USA Learns

      USA Learns is a free website that helps adults learn English and prepare for U.S. citizenship online. 

    • Ancestry Library

      Search billions of genealogy documents—including census, military, immigration, birth, and death records—in the library version of Ancestry.com. Only available inside the library.

    • FamilySearch

      FamilySearch is a free online resource for beginning your genealogy journey. Simply create a account with your email address to get started!

    • Alt HealthWatch*

      Provides information on complementary, holistic, and integrated approaches to healthcare and wellness.*

    • Book Collection: Nonfiction*

      Designed for public libraries, thousands of books cover core subject areas as well as information on careers, health, sports, adventure, technology, life skills and more.

    • Health Source: Consumer Edition*

      Find information on fitness, nutrition, diabetes, aging, women's health, children's health and more.

    • Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition *

      Provides researchers, allied health professionals, nurses, and medical educators access to scholarly journals on many medical disciplines.

    • Medline Plus

      Trusted health information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Search for health topics, drugs, supplements, and read informative health articles.

    • Biography Reference Center*

      More than 390,000 biographies. Includes complete full text run of Biography Today and Biography Magazine as well as thousands of narrative biographies.

    • Book Collection: Nonfiction*

      Designed for public libraries, thousands of books cover core subject areas as well as information on careers, health, sports, adventure, technology, life skills and more.

    • eBook Cricket Media Collection*

      Build strong literacy skills in students from pre-K to 8th grade with digital access to award_winning, short-form fiction and nonfiction titles.

    • eBook High School Collection*

      A robust collection includes a selection of classic literary works, important historical documents, and general reference materials for high school students, educators, and administrators.

    • eBook K-8 Collection*

      An e-book collection for K-8 students across all subject areas taught in elementary and middle schools.

    • eBook Public Library Collection*

      High-quality adult and youth e-books covering a wide range of topics such as self-help, fitness, games, hobbies, and cooking.

    • Ethnic Diversity Source*

      This full-text database is a dedicated resource covering the culture, traditions, social treatment and lived experiences of different ethnic groups in America.

    • Explora Public Libraries*

      Access high-quality articles and facts for research papers, class projects and homework. 

    • GCF Learn Free

      Learn the essential skills you need to live and work in the 21st century. From Microsoft Office and email to reading, math, resume writing, personal finance, graphic design and more, GCFLearnFree.org offers more than 200 topics, including more than 7,000 lessons, more than 1,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely free.

    • History Reference Center*

      Covering topics in U.S. and world history from the earliest civilizations through the 21st century,
      this database contains full-text journals, magazines, reference books and thousands of primary
      source documents.

    • LearningExpress Library*

      Organized into targeted learning centers, LearningExpress Library supports those looking to improve core academic skills, pass the GED, prepare for college, join the military, obtain occupational certification, find a job, change careers, become a U.S. citizen and much more.

    • Literary Reference Center*

      A rich full-text literary database covering all genres and time periods. It includes thousands of synopses, critical essays, book reviews, literary journals and author biographies, plus full-text classic novels, short stories and poems.

    • MAS Complete*

      A research database that contains full text for hundreds of popular magazines and e-books covering news, politics, science, sports, culture and more. Over 1,000,000 photos, maps, and flags. Full text magazines include Discover, US News & World Report, Scientific American, and more.

    • MAS Reference eBook Collection*

      A companion to MAS databases, containing reference books from top educational publishers and presses. This encompasses a rich selection of titles covering a broad range of general reference subjects, including biography, history, careers, language arts, literature, government, health, math, science, current events and social-emotional health.

    • Middle Search Plus*

      Magazines and reference books for middle school students.

    • Middle Search Reference eBook Collection*

      A broad range of general reference subject coverage for middle school students, with topics
      including social studies, math, history, language arts, technology, geography, culture, and
      science.

    • Newspaper Source Plus*

      Includes millions of articles from newspapers, newswires, and news magazines. Offers television and radio transcripts and ongoing daily updates from popular news sources.

    • NoveList K-8*

      Find just the right book by subject, age, awards won, books made into movies, and much more. Read reviews and learn about the author. Create your own reading wish list. Includes tools for teachers such as Lexile levels and Common Core standards.

    • Points of View Reference Center*

      Presents multiple sides of over 500 issues. Helps students assess and develop persuasive arguments and essays, better understand controversial issues, and develop analytical thinking skills.

    • Primary Search Reference eBook Collection*

      A range of general reference subject coverage for primary school students, with topics like
      social studies, history, language arts, geography, culture, math, and science.

    • Primary Search*

      Content from children’s magazines, easy-to-read encyclopedia entries, and images. Students can learn about animals, musicians, fitness, space exploration, and much more.

    • Science Reference Center*

      Provides full text for hundreds of science magazines, journals, reference books and high-quality videos. The database also contains science experiments, curriculum-aligned lesson plans, and a vast image collection.

    • AtoZdatabases*

      AtoZdatabases is the premier Reference, Research, Marketing, Mailing Lists/Sales Leads, and Job-Search Database. The database includes 30 million business & executive profiles, over 240 million residents with interests, hobbies and lifestyles information, over 7 million real-time job listings, 2 Million new businesses, over 12 million healthcare professionals, over 12 million new movers, 2 million new homeowners, and much more.

    • Book Collection: Nonfiction*

      Designed for public libraries, thousands of books cover core subject areas as well as information on careers, health, sports, adventure, technology, life skills and more.

    • Digital Learn

      Videos to help you understand computers and digital literacy. Topics include: Getting Started on the Computer, Basic Search, Navigating a Website, Intro to Email, Intro to Word, Online Job Searching, Intro to Facebook, and more.

    • GCF Learn Free

      Learn the essential skills you need to live and work in the 21st century. From Microsoft Office and email to reading, math, resume writing, personal finance, graphic design and more, GCFLearnFree.org offers more than 200 topics, including more than 7,000 lessons, more than 1,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely free.

    • Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)

      Find information about unemployment insurance (UI) and file a claim.

    • Illinois Job Link

      IllinoisJobLink.com provides job seekers with easy-to-use tools that support a wide range of activities including creating/posting resumes, searching for jobs, and determining whether you're eligible for state- or federally funded workforce programs.

    • LearningExpress Library*

      Organized into targeted learning centers, LearningExpress Library supports those looking to improve core academic skills, pass the GED, prepare for college, join the military, obtain occupational certification, find a job, change careers, become a U.S. citizen and much more.

    • Legal Information Source*

      Thousands of legal forms by topic including Bankruptcy, Divorce, Name Changes, Wills & Estate Planning and more.

    • Legal Source*

      A scholarly resource of current issues, studies, and trends of the legal world.

    • AgeOptions

      As the Area Agency on Aging of suburban Cook County, Illinois, AgeOptions advocates, plans, coordinates and funds services for older adults. Services include information and assistance, community dining programs and home-delivered meals, housekeeping help, employment services, access to benefits and support for family caregivers.

    • Senior Planet

      Senior Planet from AARP provides courses, programs, and activities to help seniors learn new skills, save money, exercise to get in shape, and make new friends. Resources include Tech Tip Videos and free 1-to-1 Tech Tutoring through Zoom.

    • GCF Learn Free

      Learn the essential skills you need to live and work in the 21st century. From Microsoft Office and email to reading, math, resume writing, personal finance, graphic design and more, GCFLearnFree.org offers more than 200 topics, including more than 7,000 lessons, more than 1,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely free.

    • Illinois DMV Practice Tests

      Information about obtaining a driving permit in Illinois for cars and motorcycles, including the Illinois Rules of the Road and the Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual. Includes 9 free practice tests to prepare for the DMV test for a permit to drive a car and 6 free practice tests to prepare for the motorcycle permit test.

    • LearningExpress Library*

      Organized into targeted learning centers, LearningExpress Library supports those looking to improve core academic skills, pass the GED, prepare for college, join the military, obtain occupational certification, find a job, change careers, become a U.S. citizen and much more.

    • Illinois Public Records*

      Search key public record data for personal and business use. Databases include: Bankruptcy Records, Business Licenses, Divorce Records, DUI Records, Felony Records, Foreclosures and Auctions, Misdemeanor Records, Mortgage Records, Real Estate Transactions, State and Federal Tax Liens, and Tax Sale Properties. For access inside the library, click here.

    • Ballotpedia

      Ballotpedia is the digital encyclopedia of American politics, and the nation’s premier resource for unbiased information on elections, politics, and policy. Find out what's on your ballot with their easy sample ballot lookup tool

    • Cook County Clerk Elections

      Register to vote; check your registration status, polling place and more; get sample ballots and information on candidates; and more.

Ready Reference

Need to look something up quickly? Here are some great reference websites for you to get started.