Research & Learning Tools
Common Research and Learning Tools
Discover a selection of essential tools that support research, study, and learning, including academic databases, citation managers, digital libraries, and interactive learning platforms.
Ancestry Library Edition (in-house use only)
Ancestry Library Edition, distributed exclusively by ProQuest and powered by Ancestry.com, delivers billions of records in census data, vital records, directories, photos, and more, making it an ideal resource for genealogical research. (Ancestry Library Edition is for in-house use only.)
Chicago Tribune Online Edition
Library patrons now have free online access to the Chicago Tribune, available anywhere with their library card. Click above for the online edition.
Chicago Tribune Digital Replica Edition
Click above for a digital replica of the daily print edition.
EBSCO Explora is an easy-to-use online research tool designed for students and the general public. It provides access to a wide range of reliable sources, including magazines, newspapers, academic journals, and reference books. With its simple search interface and helpful categories, Explora makes it easy to find trustworthy information for school projects, research, or personal interest.
Hoopla digital media service allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics, and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone. With no wait time, materials can be streamed immediately or downloaded to your device for offline viewing later!
Northstar is a free online resource that helps individuals build and assess essential digital skills needed for work, education, and everyday life. Through self-guided assessments and learning modules, users can strengthen skills in basic computer use, internet navigation, email, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, cybersecurity, job searching, and more. Participants can take assessments for free online, and those who test at an approved Northstar location may earn a Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate to demonstrate their skills to employers and educational institutions.
Every Illinois resident can get free and easy access to valuable information and resources. Find thousands of journals, magazines, e-books, and online databases on various topics, from education and health to business and personal growth. You can search or browse databases alphabetically, by subject, or in a special collection just for K-12 students.
Did you know your local library has thousands of eBooks and audiobooks? You can borrow them, instantly, for free, using just the device in your hand. Download the Libby (Overdrive) app on your smartphone or tablet!
Introducing your newest e-reader, the Palace app! Palace allows you to access more of your library’s ebooks and audiobooks in one place. Additionally, enjoy thousands of free titles on the Palace Bookshelf which are yours to keep for as long as you’d like. Download the Palace app for Android or Apple iOS today!
Playgarden is a premier provider of early education programs for children ages 12 months to 7 years. With enrichment centers and preschools in New York City and online programs around the world, it has helped thousands of families to raise healthy, happy children over the last 15 years.
WorldCat searches all libraries across the United States. Use it to discover print, audiovisual, and electronic resources beyond those available locally. Please Contact Us to request materials found here.
Complete List A-Z
Explore all the resources available to support your research and learning needs. Click here to see the full list.