Research & Learn
Our resources can help you write a paper, learn a language, fix a car, plan a vacation, and a whole lot more. Almost all resources are available anytime, anywhere.
A to Z Maps
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data
- Weather, fishing, political and historical maps
- NASA maps
Use it for: Gathering GIS data, preparing for travel, printing educational material and handouts
Resource Type
A to Z USA
- State profiles detailing demographics, crime, cuisine, economy, education, places of interest
- Historical information and photos
Use it for: Preparing for travel, printing photographs, school reports
Resource Type
ABCmouse.com [Now available to use at home!]
- Award winning site designed to help children 2-7 build a strong foundation for academic success
- More than 4,000 interactive books, educational games, puzzles, and other learning activities
- Parents can create profiles for each child using one household account
- A robust assessment center, that can create customized lesson plans for each child
- Access ABCmouse.com from a library computer here
Use it For: A fun and safe place for young children to learn reading, math, science and more
Resource Type
Biography Reference Source
- More than 390,000 unique and reliable full-text biographies
- Search biographies by keyword, occupation, activity, nationality, gender, birthplace, and more
Use it for: School or research projects
Resource Type
Explora
- Topic overviews that provide a starting point for research
- Search full text reference books, journal articles, and primary source documents
- Subjects include Arts & Literature, Biography, Business & Careers, Current Events, Geography & Culture, Health, History, Science, and Math
Use it for: Homework and research projects, developing school curriculum, satisfy curiosity
Resource Type
Explore More Illinois
- A cultural pass program that provides discounts at museums, historical societies, zoos, arts centers, recreational facilities, and more around the stats.
- Locations added often.
Resource Type
Fiero Code
- Geared towards kids 8 -18
- Learn computer programming skills through self-paced tutorials and projects
- Build websites, video games, phone apps, animations, and more
- Offers courses on HTML, Javascript, Python, SQL, and more
Use it for: Learning computer programing and building critical thinking skills
Resource Type
Global Road Warrior
- Country profiles for business or casual travelers
- Guide to local customs, tipping etiquette, places of interests, terms and phrases to know, and cuisine
Use it for: Preparing for a business trip or personal vacation; finding authentic recipes from other countries
Resource Type
Hoopla
- Instantly borrow free digital movies, ebooks and more, 24/7 with Hoopla
- Use your computer or download the app for your mobile device
Resource Type
Kanopy
- Stream critically-acclaimed movies, classic cinema, inspiring documentaries, foreign films, and a collection just for kids.
- Watch unlimited films in the Kanopy Kids collection.
- Stream on your computer, TV, phone, or tablet.
Use it for: Movie night or learning about something new
Resource Type
Learning Express Library
- College prep practice tests: ACT, SAT, GMAT, GRE and more
- Career practice tests: ASVAB, teaching, cosmetology and more
- Career tools: resume builder, prepare for an interview, job and internship finder
- Basic computer and internet lessons
Use it for: Boosting your SAT score, preparing for a new career, brushing up on math and writing
Resource Type
Libby, by OverDrive
- Collection of ebooks, eaudiobooks, and magazines
- Use your computer or download the app for your mobile device
Resource Type
Literary Reference Source
- Comprehensive database of full-text information on thousands of authors and their works
- Contains plot summaries, synopses, overviews, author biographies and interviews, literary criticism and book reviews
Use it for: Book reports, find literary criticisms
Resource Type
Museum Adventure Pass
- Free or discounted admission to Chicagoland museums, zoos, and cultural institutions.
- Available for checkout at the Adult and youth Reference Desks.
Resource Type
NoveList K-8
- Book reviews and suggested reading lists for students Kindergarten through 8th grade
- Lexile scores for books
Use it for: Book reports, finding a book to read
Resource Type
Tutor.com
- No cost, 1-to-1 tutoring for grade school - adult
- Job seekers can connect with a job search coach for help with resumes/cover letters, practice interviewing skills and much more
- Available anytime noon - midnight, no appointments needed
Use it for: Extra help with assignments, proofreading essays, test prep, and applying for a job
Resource Type