A-Z Resources
The library has databases and online resources that can be accessed at the library, or offsite by using your library card number. Databases and resources tools are listed below. Our reference librarians can assist you in navigating these databases and can be reached at [email protected] or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.
Academic resources are available to all local residents by obtaining a free courtesy library card and using the online databases available on-site at NIU Founders Memorial Library. Please view NIU’s list of available resources.
Obtain your courtesy card by requesting an application at Founders Memorial Library or by filling out the online application. All applications must be turned in to the Circulation Desk at Founders Memorial Library. For more information, contact Founders Memorial Library at (815) 753-1995.
ABC Mouse is an effective learning tool that will guide your little ones through ten levels of learning, from Pre-K through 2nd grade.
Ancestry Library Edition provides in-depth genealogical research tools.
ArchiveGrid includes over 7 million records describing archival materials, bringing together information about historical documents, personal papers, family histories, and more.
Search for a variety of federal benefits, including grants, loans, and financial assistance.
Biblioboard offers a wide variety of eBooks, from the hard-to-find historical works to classics to independently published works.
BillionGraves is the world′s largest resource for searchable GPS cemetery data and is growing bigger every day.
Look up spelling and definition of words, as well as translating to a variety of different languages. A grammar guide and thesaurus are included.
View in-depth census data on a federal and state level.
View census statistics at the federal, state, and local levels (for cities and towns with a population of 5000 or more). Maps and charts of data are available.
Explore and stay informed on Chicago area topics, people and events in areas such as business, health, education, jobs and careers, political and social issues and more.
The city’s website has a variety of resources for residents, visitors, and those interested in moving to the area. Learn more about city government, community services and events, and local resources.
Access the Global Climate Dashboard for up-to-date statistics on the climate in the United States. Also available are news and maps related to our climate.
Learn more about federal bills, view legislative activities via streaming video, and find contact information for your federal legislators.
Congressional bills are legislative proposals from the House of Representatives and Senate within the United States Congress.
Enable thorough product comparisons with Consumer Reports’ comprehensive archive of expert, unbiased product reviews.
Learn how to better manage your money, how to get and maintain a good credit score, and stay away from scams and identity theft.
The Daily Chronicle Collection includes full-text editions of the Daily Chronicle from 2000 to present. Issues from April 2022 forward are available as full-color PDF pages.
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce provides businesses in the Greater DeKalb Region with valuable resources, serves as an advocate for business needs, and offers avenues to build business networking.
Access county records, view property data and maps, pay property taxes, and learn more about DeKalb County government.
Arts in Action is an initial step in the DeKalb County History Center and Ellwood House Museum’s commitment to shifting the local history narrative from a predominantly white experience to a more inclusive and accurate account.
Since 1993, the DeKalb County Community Foundation has successfully partnered with philanthropists to benefit organizations and communities throughout DeKalb County.
The DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership (DCNP) exists to help strengthen nonprofit organizations in DeKalb County.
DPLA connects people to the riches held within America’s libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions.
Search publications for information on education at every level. Full-text is available for some publications.
The world’s largest collection of free family trees, genealogy records, and resources.
Find a Grave is a free resource for finding the final resting places of famous folks, friends, and family members. With millions of names, it is an invaluable tool for genealogist and history buffs.
FirstSearch is a group of thirteen databases, some of which are available in full-text with images.
Fold3® features premier collections of original military records. These records include the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served in the military.
Search for academic articles on a wide variety of topics. Full text is available for some publications.
Grey House databases are filled with business, consumer health and education information that provide comprehensive, accurate and in-depth data quickly and easily.
Learn more about food and nutrition, physical activity, health literacy, and health care quality.
Records include: city directories from 1821-1989; U.S. censuses; Freedman Bank records; Revolutionary War records; the U.S. Congressional Serial Set with all House and Senate reports and documents published since 1817; and PERSI, a comprehensive index of local history and genealogy periodicals articles.
Explore your family history with the premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices for in-depth genealogical research from 1704 – today.
View digitized historical maps of Illinois counties.
The Historical Maps Online collection contains images of maps charting the last 400 years of historical development in Illinois and the Northwest Territory, including historic topographic maps of Illinois.
Hoopla is a groundbreaking digital media service offered by your local public library that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV!
Browse or search the Illinois Authors Directory for information about published authors, poets, photographers, and illustrators who have lived in Illinois or created content about Illinois.
The Illinois Digital Archives is a repository for the digital collections of the Illinois State Library as well as other libraries and cultural institutions in the State of Illinois.
Those who need legal help can use this directory to search for a lawyer as well as to set up a 30-minute consultation by a lawyer who is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.
Illinois Legal Aid Online is for Illinois residents who need help in solving their legal problems. The site offers forms, videos, and all sorts of different resources to help residents with their legal questions.
The Illinois Newspaper Project (INP) identifies, preserves, and digitizes historical Illinois newspapers. They also help patrons locate the Illinois newspapers they need. Some papers are available in digital form.
The Illinois Report Card is an annual report released by the Illinois State Board of Education that shows how the state, and each school and district are progressing on a wide range of educational goals.
The ISGS website has been created to enhance your passion for genealogy.
Discover state parks throughout Illinois and learn more about state park recreational activities and programs.
View all current Illinois statutes.
The website for the state of Illinois contains information and resources about all state agencies, and services managed by the state. Apply for unemployment, renew your driver’s license, register a business, and much more.
Inkie.org is a suite of resources, available to everyone in Illinois at no charge, that supports local authors with online creation and publishing tools. Write your own e-book and make it available to all Illinois residents!
Kanopy is an award-winning video streaming service providing access to more than 30,000 independent and documentary films ─ titles of unique social and cultural value from The Criterion Collection, The Great Courses, Media Education Foundation, and thousands of independent filmmakers.
A large selection of popular fiction and nonfiction eBooks and eAudiobooks. Check out up to five items at a time and read them on your computer, cell phone, tablet, or Kindle (some restrictions apply).
View digital documents, art, audio recordings, videos, and maps collected on a wide variety of topics.
Search for lawyers with a wide variety of legal specialties throughout the United States. Many lawyer listings include reviews by their peers as well as by their former clients.
Free information and publications about thousands of topics in the medical field. Features photos, videos, animations, and more.
Newspapers.com is the largest online newspaper archive consisting of 514 million+ pages of historical newspapers from 12,100+ newspapers from around the United States and beyond.
NoveList K-8 gives intuitive book suggestions specifically for readers in the elementary and middle grades.
NoveList Plus is the premiere database of reading recommendations, available through libraries around the world presenting fiction, nonfiction and audiobooks and includes expert recommendations, reviews, articles, lists and more.
Nutrition.gov is a USDA-sponsored website that offers credible information to help you make healthful eating choices. It serves as a gateway to reliable information on nutrition, healthy eating, physical activity, and food safety for consumers.
Research any occupation. Discover the most recent median pay, what kind of education is necessary, the path towards landing a job in that occupation, and the outlook for the occupation in the future.
This site is unlike anything you have ever experienced before… a site where kids can safely explore a world that is sometime bizarre, absolutely adorable, and always interesting and enriching.
Prairie State Legal Services offers free legal services for low-income persons and those age 60 and over who have serious civil legal problems and need legal help to solve them.
PressReader provides full text, full color access to over 4000 newspapers and magazines from 100 countries in 60 languages.
Reference USA is an online database that provides data for 24 million U.S. businesses searched by company name or custom searched by specific criteria.
Science.gov searches over 60 databases and over 2,200 scientific websites to provide users with access to more than 200 million pages of authoritative federal science information including research and development results.
TumbleBook Library is a curated database of children’s e-books, available by subscription to Elementary Schools and Public Libraries around the world.
eBooks and educator resources for middle schoolers and high schoolers.
A one-stop-shop for U.S. government services and information.
The USGenWeb Project is a group of volunteers working together to provide free online genealogy help and information for every U.S. state and county.
Value Line specializes in financial data for over 6,000 stocks, 18,000 mutual funds, 200,000 options and other securities.
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