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
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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
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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
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Boundless (Formerly known as Axis360)
- Collection of ebooks and audiobooks
- Offered through the eRead Illinois program
- Use your computer or download the app for your mobile device
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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Hoopla
- Instantly borrow free digital movies, ebooks and more, 24/7 with Hoopla
- Use your computer or download the app for your mobile device
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Kanopy
- Stream critically-acclaimed movies, classic cinema, inspiring documentaries, foreign films, and a collection just for kids.
- Stream up to 10 films per month, per cardholder.
- 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
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Libby, by OverDrive
- Collection of ebooks, eaudiobooks, and magazines
- Use your computer or download the app for your mobile device
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Museum Adventure Pass
- Free or discounted admission to Chicagoland museums, zoos, and cultural institutions.
- Available for checkout at the Adult and youth Reference Desks.
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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
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Peterson’s Test & Career Prep
- Formerly known as Testing and Education Reference Center
- College prep practice tests: ACT, SAT, GMAT and more
- Career practice tests: ASVAB, accountant, cosmetology and more
- Scholarship search and resume builder
Use it for: Boosting your ACT score, help with financial aid, preparing for a new career
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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
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