This resource is available to anyone from any location with an internet connection.
This resource is available to anyone in the Library or to AAPLD cardholders at any location.
This resource is only accessible from within an Algonquin Library location.
A valid AAPLD card number is required to use this resource regardless of location.Don’t have an Algonquin Area Public Library card? Click here.
Biography
- Something About the Author
A collection of biographies of authors and illustrators associated with youth literature.
Business/Financial
- AtoZdatabases
The databases are ideal for sales leads, mailing lists, market research, employment opportunities, background searches, finding friends, relatives and a whole lot of other possibilities.
- Mergent Online
Mergent Online provides in-depth profiles and business/financial reports of both US and International companies.
- Nuwav Legal Documents
An online tool that lets you create professional-quality legal documents in three simple steps.
- Record Information Services
Search Illinois public records for new businesses, foreclosures and auctions, real estate transactions, and bankruptcies.
- Reference USA / Data Axle : Reference Solutions
New name, same product! A nationwide business and residential white pages directory. Compile listings by zip code, yellow page headings, business size, etc.
- ValueLine Research Center
Comprehensive stocks and mutual funds information for investors.
- Weiss Financial Rating Series
Useful for finding ratings for stocks, mutual funds, banks, credit unions and insurance companies. Financial literacy and planning tools. Click Sign In and use your AAPLD library card to open all the features.
Consumer Resources
- Consumer Reports Online
Ratings, reviews, recommendations, and buying advice for thousands of products and services from the premier consumer advocate magazine.
- fueleconomy.gov
The official government source for fuel economy information. Find and compare cars, calculate your mpg, explore hybrids, and more.
- People in Need Resource Directory
Created by members of the annual People in Need Forum in McHenry County, this directory connects residents to community resources and important information about the services they provide.
- Weiss Financial Rating Series
Useful for finding ratings for stocks, mutual funds, banks, credit unions and insurance companies. Financial literacy and planning tools. Click Sign In and use your AAPLD library card to open all the features.
Digital Books
- Axis360 | eReadIllinois
Check out and download up to 5 ebook or audiobook titles at a time from Axis 360. Find new and bestselling titles and authors from all the major publishers. Titles circulate for 14 days and may be renewed if no one is waiting.
- Flipster
View, download and read digital magazines. Many popular titles available with back issues you can view on your computer, tablet or mobile device.
- hoopla
E-books. Movies. TV shows. Streaming audiobooks. Music. All for you, and all FREE using your Algonquin Area Public Library District card and a web browser phone or tablet. No hassles. No waiting list.
- Indie Author Illinois
Pick up a book from your local independently published authors in this Indie Illinois Anthology. With top selections highlighted by Library Journal, anyone can find a quality read from a local author.
- Inkie
Written a book? Create a digital and print ready book, share it with Illinois libraries through the Indie Illinois digital collection, and enter it in the Illinois Library Association’s “Soon To Be Famous Illinois Author” contest.
- Overdrive | North Suburban Digital Consortium
Find and enjoy the library's digital books on just about any modern device in seconds. E-books have never been easier!
- PressReader
Offers unlimited, effortless access to over 6,000+ newspapers and magazines from around the world, in 60+ languages, all on your smartphones, tablets and laptops. Click Sign In to get started.
Genealogy
- Algonquin Area Obituaries Index
Search for obituaries appearing in the Algonquin/LITH Countryside and Northwest Herald newspapers.
- America’s Obituaries and Death Notices (HeritageHub)
HeritageHub provides access to hundreds of years of obituaries and death notices from thousands of newspapers across the United States. Click here to learn how to use HeritageHub
- Ancestry: Library Edition
A comprehensive source of information for genealogical and local history research, with access to billions of records in more than 3,000 databases.
- Archive Grid
Search historical collections held by thousands of archives, libraries, museums and historical societies around the world.
- Chicagoland News
Research topics in business, education, politics and more from over 200 Illinois news sources, including Chicago Sun-Times, Crain’s Chicago Business, Daily Herald, Northwest Herald, Algonquin Countryside.
- Digital Past
This collection features books and pamphlets, photographs, and maps related to the history of Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, and McHenry County. Each book includes a text transcription and is fully searchable by keyword.
- FamilySearch
One of the largest digital repositories of genealogical records from around the world including census, naturalization, and vital records.
- Findmypast
Discover your global ancestors by searching millions of records across the world. Delve through records from Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Ireland in one place.
- Fold3
Provides convenient access to US military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served.
- HeritageHub (America's Obituaries and Death Notices)
HeritageHub provides access to hundreds of years of obituaries and death notices from thousands of newspapers across the United States. Click here to learn how to use HeritageHub
- HeritageQuest Online
Indexed, full-image census records from 1790-1930 make genealogy research easier than ever before!
- Illinois Digital Archives
Books, pamphlets, photographs, and maps related to the history of Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and McHenry County. All featured titles are held in the possession of the Algonquin Area Public Library.
- Newspapers.com - World Collection
Newspapers.com is the largest online newspaper archive consisting of 300+ million pages of historical newspapers from 8,400+ newspapers from around the United States and beyond.
- U.S. Major Daily News
Search full-text articles, classifieds, obituaries, marriage notices, and more from the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and WSJ Magazine (dates vary).
Health/Medical
- Health & Wellness Resource Center
Provides access to thousands of full-text medical journals, magazines, reference works, and multimedia, covering a full range of health-related issues, from current disease and disorder information to in-depth coverage of alternative medical practices
- MedlinePLUS
A comprehensive, free source for consumer health and medical information.
- People in Need Resource Directory
Created by members of the annual People in Need Forum in McHenry County, this directory connects residents to community resources and important information about the services they provide.
History/Social Studies
- Algonquin Area Obituaries Index
Search for obituaries appearing in the Algonquin/LITH Countryside and Northwest Herald newspapers.
- America’s Obituaries and Death Notices (HeritageHub)
HeritageHub provides access to hundreds of years of obituaries and death notices from thousands of newspapers across the United States. Click here to learn how to use HeritageHub
- Archive Grid
Search historical collections held by thousands of archives, libraries, museums and historical societies around the world.
- Birthday Time Capsule
Type in your birthdate and create a "time capsule" for the day you were born, including headlines, prices, top songs and TV shows, favorite toys, and popular books.
- Digital Past
This collection features books and pamphlets, photographs, and maps related to the history of Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, and McHenry County. Each book includes a text transcription and is fully searchable by keyword.
- EBSCO Explora (Masterfile, History Reference Center, Science Reference Center)
Articles arranged by topic: Arts and Literature, Biography, Current Events, Geography and Culture, Health, History and Social Science, Science and Math. Search for magazine articles, videos and primary documents.
- HeritageHub (America's Obituaries and Death Notices)
HeritageHub provides access to hundreds of years of obituaries and death notices from thousands of newspapers across the United States. Click here to learn how to use HeritageHub
- Illinois Digital Archives
Books, pamphlets, photographs, and maps related to the history of Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and McHenry County. All featured titles are held in the possession of the Algonquin Area Public Library.
- Newspapers.com - World Collection
Newspapers.com is the largest online newspaper archive consisting of 300+ million pages of historical newspapers from 8,400+ newspapers from around the United States and beyond.
- U.S. Major Daily News
Search full-text articles, classifieds, obituaries, marriage notices, and more from the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and WSJ Magazine (dates vary).
- World Factbook
The World Factbook, a website from the CIA, provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and physical and political maps for 267 world entities.
Homework
- Birthday Time Capsule
Type in your birthdate and create a "time capsule" for the day you were born, including headlines, prices, top songs and TV shows, favorite toys, and popular books.
- BrainFuse HelpNow!
Interact with live tutors for homework help, test preparation, writing assistance, and much more! This service is available from 2 to 11pm. New users need to create a free account.
- EBSCO Explora (Masterfile, History Reference Center, Science Reference Center)
Articles arranged by topic: Arts and Literature, Biography, Current Events, Geography and Culture, Health, History and Social Science, Science and Math. Search for magazine articles, videos and primary documents.
- ERIC
An index to journal articles and reports in education.
- First Search
This search tool allows access to several databases including World Almanac, ArticleFirst, ERIC (journal articles and reports on education), and MEDLINE (articles on medicine, including dentistry and nursing).
- Gale Virtual Reference Library
A database of encyclopedias, almanacs, and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research. Includes Grzimek's Animals Guide, American Decades, Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Business Plans, and more!
- Health & Wellness Resource Center
Provides access to thousands of full-text medical journals, magazines, reference works, and multimedia, covering a full range of health-related issues, from current disease and disorder information to in-depth coverage of alternative medical practices
- How Products Are Made
Gale Resources brings us a new database with great detailed descriptions and pictures about how things are made. Search by keyword or through an alphabetic list including televisions, DVD players, gum, and more!
- How Stuff Works
If you’re interested in learning how stuff works through words and pictures, check out this site! This site has sections covering Auto, Science, Health, Entertainment, Travel, Computer, Electronics, Home, Money, and People.
- LearningExpress Library
A set of online learning centers including practice for the ACT/SAT, GRE, LSAT, CDL, NCLEX, ASVAB, US Citizenship, and a wide variety of other career and academic tests and courses.
- Mango Languages
Over 70 foreign languages to explore - Over 20 ESL courses taught in patron's native language -Learn anytime and anywhere with remote access and FREE mobile app!
- Newspapers.com - World Collection
Newspapers.com is the largest online newspaper archive consisting of 300+ million pages of historical newspapers from 8,400+ newspapers from around the United States and beyond.
- Scholastic Teachables
Worksheets, lesson plans, learning games, and more! Download printable lesson plans, reading passages, games and puzzles, clip art, bulletin board ideas, and skills sheets for kids in any grade.
- Something About the Author
A collection of biographies of authors and illustrators associated with youth literature.
- World Factbook
The World Factbook, a website from the CIA, provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and physical and political maps for 267 world entities.
Magazine and Newspaper Articles
- America’s News Magazines
Search for timely topics in business, education, the environment, science and technology. Featuring Newsweek, Popular Science, Foreign Affairs, Science News, Smithsonian and more.
- Chicagoland News
Research topics in business, education, politics and more from over 200 Illinois news sources, including Chicago Sun-Times, Crain’s Chicago Business, Daily Herald, Northwest Herald, Algonquin Countryside.
- Daily Herald Collection
Explore suburban Chicago area history through local news, events and people with the Daily Herald Collection. Search current and archived issues with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online. Available remotely 24/7 on any device.
- EBSCO Explora (Masterfile, History Reference Center, Science Reference Center)
Articles arranged by topic: Arts and Literature, Biography, Current Events, Geography and Culture, Health, History and Social Science, Science and Math. Search for magazine articles, videos and primary documents.
- ERIC
An index to journal articles and reports in education.
- Flipster
View, download and read digital magazines. Many popular titles available with back issues you can view on your computer, tablet or mobile device.
- hoopla
E-books. Movies. TV shows. Streaming audiobooks. Music. All for you, and all FREE using your Algonquin Area Public Library District card and a web browser phone or tablet. No hassles. No waiting list.
- New York Times Online
Enjoy complimentary access to NewYorkTimes.com. Click this link, click REDEEM, create an account, and read away. Mobile version available after account is created.
- Newspapers.com - World Collection
Newspapers.com is the largest online newspaper archive consisting of 300+ million pages of historical newspapers from 8,400+ newspapers from around the United States and beyond.
- Northwest Herald (2020 - Current)
Read and search through a scanned, image version of the Northwest Herald newspaper. Newspapers are current to the date.
- Northwest Herald (Search 2005-Current)
Find information including community issues and events, business, education, health, politics, sports and more.
- Overdrive | North Suburban Digital Consortium
Find and enjoy the library's digital books on just about any modern device in seconds. E-books have never been easier!
- PressReader
Offers unlimited, effortless access to over 6,000+ newspapers and magazines from around the world, in 60+ languages, all on your smartphones, tablets and laptops. Click Sign In to get started.
- U.S. Major Daily News
Search full-text articles, classifieds, obituaries, marriage notices, and more from the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and WSJ Magazine (dates vary).
Movies
- hoopla
E-books. Movies. TV shows. Streaming audiobooks. Music. All for you, and all FREE using your Algonquin Area Public Library District card and a web browser phone or tablet. No hassles. No waiting list.
- Kanopy
Showcases more than 30,000 of the world’s best films, including award-winning documentaries, rare and hard-to-find titles, film festival favorites, indie and classic films, and world cinema.
Music
- Freegal Music
Free music downloads from hundreds of thousands of songs in the Sony Music catalog that are yours to keep! This service is exclusively for Algonquin Area Library cardholders in good standing.
- hoopla
E-books. Movies. TV shows. Streaming audiobooks. Music. All for you, and all FREE using your Algonquin Area Public Library District card and a web browser phone or tablet. No hassles. No waiting list.
Online Learning
- ABCmouse.com
ABCmouse.com offers the most comprehensive online curriculum for children ages 2 – 7+, including reading and language arts, math, beginning science, social studies, art and music.
- BrainFuse HelpNow!
Interact with live tutors for homework help, test preparation, writing assistance, and much more! This service is available from 2 to 11pm. New users need to create a free account.
- Citizenship Resource Center
Citizenship preparation and educational tools and information for individuals, educators, and organizations.
- creativebug.com
You're more creative than you think! Access to 1000+ award-winning art & craft classes you will actually "attend"!
- Driving-Test.org
Free Illinois DMV permit practice tests, including 11 car practice tests, 9 motorcycle practice tests, 11 CDL practice tests, 3 online driver's manuals (car, motorcycle, CDL), and an FAQ section with detailed answers to 100+ DMV-related questions.
- LearningExpress Library
A set of online learning centers including practice for the ACT/SAT, GRE, LSAT, CDL, NCLEX, ASVAB, US Citizenship, and a wide variety of other career and academic tests and courses.
- LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
Improve your technology, creative, and business skills so you can achieve personal and professional goals. Please sign in with your AAPLD card number and account password. *If you have never used your account the password is PATRON. If you forgot your password, please contact the library*
- Mango Languages
Over 70 foreign languages to explore - Over 20 ESL courses taught in patron's native language -Learn anytime and anywhere with remote access and FREE mobile app!
- Scholastic Teachables
Worksheets, lesson plans, learning games, and more! Download printable lesson plans, reading passages, games and puzzles, clip art, bulletin board ideas, and skills sheets for kids in any grade.
Reading Resources
- Adult Services Blog
Visit our Adult Services blog for lists of National Book Awards, Library Reads, bestsellers, and more.
- Booklist Online
Gives access to all the latest book reviews as published in the magazine version, plus more!
- Flipster
View, download and read digital magazines. Many popular titles available with back issues you can view on your computer, tablet or mobile device.
- NoveList Plus Readers Advisor
Find adult and teen fiction and nonfiction by matching similar authors, titles, and subjects. Includes plot summaries.
- What's Next? Books in Series
Kent County District Library provides What's Next™: Books in Series database to help you search series fiction. A series is two or more books linked by character(s), settings, or other common traits.
Reference
- Chilton Library
Step-by-step repair procedures with exclusive photographs and diagnostics designed by instructors for automobiles and light trucks from the 1940's to present day.
- EBSCO Explora (Masterfile, History Reference Center, Science Reference Center)
Articles arranged by topic: Arts and Literature, Biography, Current Events, Geography and Culture, Health, History and Social Science, Science and Math. Search for magazine articles, videos and primary documents.
- ERIC
An index to journal articles and reports in education.
- Gale Virtual Reference Library
A database of encyclopedias, almanacs, and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research. Includes Grzimek's Animals Guide, American Decades, Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Business Plans, and more!
- NoveList Plus Readers Advisor
Find adult and teen fiction and nonfiction by matching similar authors, titles, and subjects. Includes plot summaries.
- Record Information Services
Search Illinois public records for new businesses, foreclosures and auctions, real estate transactions, and bankruptcies.
- Reference USA / Data Axle : Reference Solutions
New name, same product! A nationwide business and residential white pages directory. Compile listings by zip code, yellow page headings, business size, etc.
- ValueLine Research Center
Comprehensive stocks and mutual funds information for investors.
- Weiss Financial Rating Series
Useful for finding ratings for stocks, mutual funds, banks, credit unions and insurance companies. Financial literacy and planning tools. Click Sign In and use your AAPLD library card to open all the features.
- World Factbook
The World Factbook, a website from the CIA, provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and physical and political maps for 267 world entities.
Research
- America’s News Magazines
Search for timely topics in business, education, the environment, science and technology. Featuring Newsweek, Popular Science, Foreign Affairs, Science News, Smithsonian and more.
- Archive Grid
Search historical collections held by thousands of archives, libraries, museums and historical societies around the world.
- AtoZdatabases
The databases are ideal for sales leads, mailing lists, market research, employment opportunities, background searches, finding friends, relatives and a whole lot of other possibilities.
- Consumer Reports Online
Ratings, reviews, recommendations, and buying advice for thousands of products and services from the premier consumer advocate magazine.
- Digital Past
This collection features books and pamphlets, photographs, and maps related to the history of Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, and McHenry County. Each book includes a text transcription and is fully searchable by keyword.
- EBSCO Explora (Masterfile, History Reference Center, Science Reference Center)
Articles arranged by topic: Arts and Literature, Biography, Current Events, Geography and Culture, Health, History and Social Science, Science and Math. Search for magazine articles, videos and primary documents.
- ERIC
An index to journal articles and reports in education.
- First Search
This search tool allows access to several databases including World Almanac, ArticleFirst, ERIC (journal articles and reports on education), and MEDLINE (articles on medicine, including dentistry and nursing).
- fueleconomy.gov
The official government source for fuel economy information. Find and compare cars, calculate your mpg, explore hybrids, and more.
- Gale Virtual Reference Library
A database of encyclopedias, almanacs, and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research. Includes Grzimek's Animals Guide, American Decades, Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Business Plans, and more!
- Health & Wellness Resource Center
Provides access to thousands of full-text medical journals, magazines, reference works, and multimedia, covering a full range of health-related issues, from current disease and disorder information to in-depth coverage of alternative medical practices
- How Products Are Made
Gale Resources brings us a new database with great detailed descriptions and pictures about how things are made. Search by keyword or through an alphabetic list including televisions, DVD players, gum, and more!
- How Stuff Works
If you’re interested in learning how stuff works through words and pictures, check out this site! This site has sections covering Auto, Science, Health, Entertainment, Travel, Computer, Electronics, Home, Money, and People.
- New York Times Online
Enjoy complimentary access to NewYorkTimes.com. Click this link, click REDEEM, create an account, and read away. Mobile version available after account is created.
- Newspapers.com - World Collection
Newspapers.com is the largest online newspaper archive consisting of 300+ million pages of historical newspapers from 8,400+ newspapers from around the United States and beyond.
- Record Information Services
Search Illinois public records for new businesses, foreclosures and auctions, real estate transactions, and bankruptcies.
- Reference USA / Data Axle : Reference Solutions
New name, same product! A nationwide business and residential white pages directory. Compile listings by zip code, yellow page headings, business size, etc.
- Something About the Author
A collection of biographies of authors and illustrators associated with youth literature.
- U.S. Major Daily News
Search full-text articles, classifieds, obituaries, marriage notices, and more from the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and WSJ Magazine (dates vary).
- ValueLine Research Center
Comprehensive stocks and mutual funds information for investors.
- Weiss Financial Rating Series
Useful for finding ratings for stocks, mutual funds, banks, credit unions and insurance companies. Financial literacy and planning tools. Click Sign In and use your AAPLD library card to open all the features.
- World Factbook
The World Factbook, a website from the CIA, provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and physical and political maps for 267 world entities.
Science
- EBSCO Explora (Masterfile, History Reference Center, Science Reference Center)
Articles arranged by topic: Arts and Literature, Biography, Current Events, Geography and Culture, Health, History and Social Science, Science and Math. Search for magazine articles, videos and primary documents.
- How Products Are Made
Gale Resources brings us a new database with great detailed descriptions and pictures about how things are made. Search by keyword or through an alphabetic list including televisions, DVD players, gum, and more!
- How Stuff Works
If you’re interested in learning how stuff works through words and pictures, check out this site! This site has sections covering Auto, Science, Health, Entertainment, Travel, Computer, Electronics, Home, Money, and People.
Special Interests/Miscellaneous
- Birthday Time Capsule
Type in your birthdate and create a "time capsule" for the day you were born, including headlines, prices, top songs and TV shows, favorite toys, and popular books.
- Chilton Library
Step-by-step repair procedures with exclusive photographs and diagnostics designed by instructors for automobiles and light trucks from the 1940's to present day.
- Citizenship Resource Center
Citizenship preparation and educational tools and information for individuals, educators, and organizations.
- creativebug.com
You're more creative than you think! Access to 1000+ award-winning art & craft classes you will actually "attend"!
- Kanopy
Showcases more than 30,000 of the world’s best films, including award-winning documentaries, rare and hard-to-find titles, film festival favorites, indie and classic films, and world cinema.
- Mango Languages
Over 70 foreign languages to explore - Over 20 ESL courses taught in patron's native language -Learn anytime and anywhere with remote access and FREE mobile app!
- NoveList Plus Readers Advisor
Find adult and teen fiction and nonfiction by matching similar authors, titles, and subjects. Includes plot summaries.
- Nuwav Legal Documents
An online tool that lets you create professional-quality legal documents in three simple steps.
- People in Need Resource Directory
Created by members of the annual People in Need Forum in McHenry County, this directory connects residents to community resources and important information about the services they provide.
Youth Digital Books
- Axis360 | eReadIllinois
Check out and download up to 5 ebook or audiobook titles at a time from Axis 360. Find new and bestselling titles and authors from all the major publishers. Titles circulate for 14 days and may be renewed if no one is waiting.
- BookFlix
Designed for PreK-3 literacy development. A wonderful collection of fiction and nonfiction books to read and have fun with online!
- hoopla
E-books. Movies. TV shows. Streaming audiobooks. Music. All for you, and all FREE using your Algonquin Area Public Library District card and a web browser phone or tablet. No hassles. No waiting list.
- Indie Author Illinois
Pick up a book from your local independently published authors in this Indie Illinois Anthology. With top selections highlighted by Library Journal, anyone can find a quality read from a local author.
- Inkie
Written a book? Create a digital and print ready book, share it with Illinois libraries through the Indie Illinois digital collection, and enter it in the Illinois Library Association’s “Soon To Be Famous Illinois Author” contest.
- Overdrive | Children's Titles
Check out digital books and digital audio books for your home computer, Nook, iPad, Kindle, or other portable device. Is the title you want checked out? Put it on hold and you will be notified when it becomes available!
- TumbleBooks Library
Enjoy storytime on your own time! The TumbleBooks Library is an online collection of animated, talking picture books. Books are available in English as well as in Spanish and Russian. Puzzles and games associated with many of the books are also available!
Youth Reading Resources
- Book Finder | Book Adventure
Enter grade level, reading level, and what kind of book you'd like to read and you get some great suggestions!
- BookFlix
Designed for PreK-3 literacy development. A wonderful collection of fiction and nonfiction books to read and have fun with online!
- Juvenile Series and Sequels
Are you looking for a certain book in a series? Check out this website maintained by the Mid-Continent Public Library.
- Lexile Framework for Reading | Find a Book
If you are looking for a book at a certain Lexile level or want to know the Lexile level of a book you want to read, search this site or ask a librarian for help.
- Novelist Plus for Children K-8
Find children's fiction and nonfiction by matching similar authors, titles, and subjects. Includes plot summaries.
- TumbleBooks Library
Enjoy storytime on your own time! The TumbleBooks Library is an online collection of animated, talking picture books. Books are available in English as well as in Spanish and Russian. Puzzles and games associated with many of the books are also available!