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.
Gale, a leading publisher of online resources, now offers AccessMyLibrary, an iPhone app that uses your global position to locate libraries within a 10-mile radius, then provides access to resources such as Biography In Context and the Literature Resource Center.
Choose Subject Category
Newspaper Articles | Magazine Articles | Homework/Research | Business/Financial | Genealogy | Health/Medical | Special Interests
(or select the A-Z Listing of Databases)
Newspaper Articles
Search Chicagoland and other newspapers including obituaries.
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Chicago Area/Illinois Newspapers
Search the the Chicago Sun-Times (1986-), the Northwest Herald (2005-), the Daily Herald (1995-), the Algonquin Countryside (1995-2008), and over 200 other Illinois newspapers.
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Chicago Tribune 1849-Current
Search full-text articles, classifieds, obituaries, marriage notices, and much more from the entire history of the Trib! Great for all kinds of research needs.
- Electric Library
Includes national newspapers as well as magazine and broadcast sources.
Magazine Articles
Includes hundreds of popular magazines and academic journals.
- Electric Library
A collection of full text articles from magazines, newspapers, and broadcast sources. To search academic journals, check the "peer reviewed" option.
- First Search
A collection of periodical databases including ERIC, Article First, MEDLINE, ECO, and many more. Search up to 3 selected databases at the same time!
Homework/Research
Great for biographies, social issues, current controversies, news.
- Biography In Context
This database combines award-winning biographies from respected reference sources, including full-text articles from hundreds of periodicals.
- BrainFuse HelpNow!
Interact with live tutors for homework help, test preparation, resume writing, group study, and much more! New users need to create a free login account. Available 1:00pm-10:00pm CST.
- Chicago Tribune 1849-Current
Search full-text articles, classifieds, obituaries, marriage notices, and much more from the entire history of the Trib! Great for all kinds of research needs.
- Electric Library
A collection of full text articles from magazines, newspapers, and broadcast sources.
- First Search
A collection of periodical databases including ERIC, Article First, MEDLINE, ECO, and many more. Search up to 3 selected databases at the same time!
- 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.
- Opposing Viewpoints In Context
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.
- PebbleGo
Designed especially for young emerging readers! Discover the fascinating world of Animals and explore Earth and Space in a fun multimedia environment.
- 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!
Business/Financial
Company reports, stocks, mutual funds, phone directories.
- 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.
- 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!
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Illinois Public Records
Find new homeowners and businesses, foreclosures and sales, bankruptcies.
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Reference USA
A nationwide business and residential white pages directory. Compile listings by zip code, yellow page headings, business size, etc
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ValueLine Research Center
Comprehensive stocks and mutual funds information for investors.
Genealogy
Search census and other vital records, passenger lists.
- 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.
- Chicago Area/Illinois Newspapers
Search the the Chicago Sun-Times (1986-), the Northwest Herald (2005-), the Daily Herald (1995-), the Algonquin Countryside (1995-2008), and over 200 other Illinois newspapers.
- Chicago Tribune 1849-Current
Search full-text articles, classifieds, obituaries, marriage notices, and much more from the entire history of the Trib! Great for all kinds of research needs.
- 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
- Geni

Start your own extended family tree and find your relationship pathways to historical figures and celebrities!.
- HeritageQuest Online
Indexed, full-image census records from 1790-1930 make genealogy research easier than ever before!
- New York Times Archive
Search articles, birth announcements, and more, back to 1851! Use the search window at the top of the initial page.
Health/Medical
Information on diseases, treatments, prescription drugs.
- MedlinePLUS
A comprehensive, free source for consumer health and medical information.
Special Interests
Auto repair guides, national phone listings, consumer information, etc.
- BrainFuse HelpNow!
Interact with live tutors for homework help, test preparation, resume writing, group study, and much more! New users need to create a free login account. Available 2:00pm-11:00pm CST.
- CAMIO
Search a catalog of art museum images from around the world.
- Consumer Reports Online
Ratings, reviews, recommendations, and buying advice for thousands of products and services from the premier consumer advocate magazine.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Music Online
Listen to free streaming audio of thousands of complete music tracks from the world's best Classical, Jazz, Popular, and Folk/World music labels! Sends to iPhone and Adroid OS.
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Powerspeak Languages
Take online courses in Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, German, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and ESL for both Spanish and Mandarin speakers! Requires Adobe Flash Player, which is a free download if not already installed.
- Reference USA
A nationwide business and residential white pages directory. Compile listings by zip code, yellow page headings, business size, etc.
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