Online Articles & Databases: A 24-Hour Information Resource

The Algonquin Area Public Library District subscribes to a collection of special online databases containing a wealth of information unavailable elsewhere on the web. This service is free 24/7 for Algonquin Area Library card holders only!

To connect from home, have your Algonquin library card barcode number ready to login. If you encounter problems with home access, please follow our tips for remote access users.

Search many of these databases simultaneously!

A-Z Listing of Databases: (or arrange by subject)

• Algonquin Area Obituaries Index
  This database indexes obituaries appearing in the Algonquin/LITH Countryside and Northwest Herald newspapers from Jan. 1, 2005 - present.

• Ancestry: Library Edition
  With over 2 billion records in over 3,000 databases, Ancestry Library is a comprehensive online source of information for genealogical and local history research.

• ArchiveGrid  
  Search historical archive collections held by thousands of institutions around the world.

• Auto Repair Reference Center  
  Access to a wealth of repair information, including wiring diagrams, from 1954 models to the present!

• Biography Resource Center
  This database combines award-winning biographies from respected Gale Group sources. Biography Resource Center also includes full-text articles from hundreds of periodicals.

• Business and Company Resource Center
  Business and Company Resource Center is a fully integrated resource bringing together company profiles, brand information, rankings, investment reports, company histories, chronologies and periodicals.

• CAMIO
  Search a catalog of art museum images from around the world.

• Chicago Area Newspapers
  Search the Chicago Tribune (1985-), the Chicago Sun-Times (1986-), the Northwest Herald (2005-), the Daily Herald (1995-), and the Algonquin Countryside (1995-2008)! Includes articles, columns, and obituaries.

• Chicago Tribune Historical Archive
  Search full-image articles, classifieds, marriage notices, and much more from 1849-1985! Great for all kinds of research needs.

• Computer Program Tutorials
  Take online courses in programs like Excel, Word, Access, and Powerpoint!

• Consumer Reports Online
  Search current and back issues.  Ask at Reference Desk for login information.

• 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. All featured titles are held in the possession of the Algonquin Area Public Library.

• Electric Library
  A collection of full text articles from magazines, newspapers, and broadcast sources.

• First Search
  A collection of databases including Medline, ERIC, Article First, ECO, and many 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!

• General Reference Center Gold
  A one-stop source for information focusing on business, current events, popular culture, sports and entertainment. Access hundreds of full text periodicals, newspapers, and major reference books.

• Grolier Online Reference Center
  Great for homework! Choose from Lands and Peoples, or Amazing Animals!

• HeritageQuest Online
  Indexed, full-image census records from 1790-1930 make genealogy research easier than ever before!

• Illinois Public Records
  Find new homeowners and businesses, foreclosures and sales, bankruptcies.

• LearningExpress Library
  A set of online learning centers including ACT/SAT practice, LSAT, CDL, US Citizenship, and a wide variety of other career and academic tests and courses.

• Literature Resource Center
  Literary criticism and analysis, author biographies, and much more!

• MedlinePLUS
  A comprehensive, free source for consumer health and medical information.

• NoveList Plus Adult Readers Advisor
  Find adult and teen fiction and nonfiction by matching similar authors, titles, and subjects. Includes plot summaries.

• NoveList Plus for Children K-8
  Find children's fiction and nonfiction by matching similar authors, titles, and subjects. Includes plot summaries.

• Opposing Viewpoints Research Center
  A complete one-stop source for information on social issues. Access viewpoint articles, topic overviews, statistics, primary documents, links to websites, and full-text magazine and newspaper articles.

• Powerspeak Languages
  Take online courses in Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, and German!

• Reference USA
  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 young people's literature.

• ValueLine Research Center
  Comprehensive stocks and mutual funds information for investors.

• Wilson Select Plus
  Full-text articles in science, humanities, education, and business.

• Worldbook Reference Center 
  Complete text with images from the famous encyclopedia, along with information from many other sources. Includes a Spanish language encyclopedia. Great for homework help!