BEN'S GUIDE TO THE U.S. GOVERNMENT

Kids aged 4-14 years and up can learn about our government, how laws are made and elections work, Ben Franklin’s life, and the importance of historical documents; and play related games.

BIZ KIDS

Biz Kids provides resources that teach the basics of financial literacy.

BRADSHAW FOUNDATION

The Bradshaw Foundation’s website features links to fascinating archaeological and anthropological information on rock art and other ancient discoveries.

BRAINFUSE HELPNOW

Brainfuse HelpNow offers a comprehensive suite of online academic services designed to support many learning needs and styles. Providing live tutoring in our online classroom, the ability to upload assignments for review, and many more tools to help you master your classes.

CATCH THE SCIENCE BUG

Solve science puzzles, do your own scientific investigations, or learn more about what scientists do on the job.

CREATIVEBUG

Creativebug is the number one inspirational resource for DIY, crafters and makers. Creativebug.com has more than 1,000 award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. You’ll find projects for every occasion. Enjoy unlimited access to instructional videos and nourish your creative soul. Log in with your library card number and PIN.

EBSCO EXPLORA

Search Explora for reliable information on a variety of topics: art, music, literature, history, social studies, world cultures and languages, science, technology, health, and more! Log in with your entire 14 digit Ella Johnson Library barcode.

ENERGY KIDS

Learn about energy and try some fun games and activities. Discover what energy is, where it comes from, how to use and save energy, and more! Also includes fabulous content for teachers and classrooms.

FBI CYBER SAFETY

The FBI-SOS website features six islands—one for each grade level—with age appropriate games, videos, and other interactive materials in various portals. The site covers such topics as cell phone safety, the protection of personal information, password strength, instant messaging, social networking, and online gaming safety.

GALE PRESENTS: PETERSON’S TEST PREP

Prepare for standardized tests with Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test Prep. This valuable resource includes full-length practice tests for GED, SAT, ACT, AP, PSAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, TOEFL, U.S. citizenship, and more. It offers information on undergraduate and graduate programs and tuition and scholarship assistance, as well as a resume builder and interviewing advice. Whether you’re a student planning for college or a professional embarking on a new career path, Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test Prep can help you along the way.

GALE VIRTUAL REFERENCE

Gale Virtual Reference Library provides access to a world of reliable information for students, academics, and the general public. This includes titles in areas such as arts, biography, business, history, law, literature, medicine, geography, religion, science, technology, and more. Gale Virtual Reference is available in the library or from any remote location. If asked to enter your password please use your entire 14 digit Ella Johnson Library barcode.

KHAN ACADEMY

Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. We tackle math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, and more. Our math missions guide learners from kindergarten to calculus using state-of-the-art, adaptive technology that identifies strengths and learning gaps. We’ve also partnered with institutions like NASA, The Museum of Modern Art, The California Academy of Sciences, and MIT to offer specialized content.

LearningExpress College Admissions Test Preparation: 

Getting into college is an important step to building a strong future. First, you must do well on your college admission tests and write a personal essay that highlights your special talents. Use this enter to get the resources you need to achieve your college preparation goals. You can register by using your email and creating a password.

LearningExpress College Center: 

The College Center provides valuable resources that help college students strengthen their academic skills, prepare for placement tests, and get ready for graduate school entrance exams. You can register by using your email and creating a password.

LearningExpress High School Equivalency Center: 

Earning a high school equivalency credential can open the door to better income, a more fulfilling job, and a college education. If you are preparing for the GED® test, HiSET® or TASC exams, the High School Equivalency Center’s practice tests, interactive tutorials, and e-books will help you reach your goal. You can register by using your email and creating a password.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS

National Geographic’s site for young readers is one of the best resources for information about the world, its people, and its wildlife. Not only can you read the newest edition of this magazine on-line, you can check out the contests, polls, games and even virtual adventures.

NATIONAL INVENTOR'S HALL OF FAME

Check this site out if you have an inventor’s project for school, or if you’re just curious about some of our greatest minds.

NOVELIST K-8 PLUS

A NoveList just for kids! Use this resource to find another author like your favorite! Have you read the last book in a series and are looking for a similar series? NoveList Plus read-alikes are the perfect solution. With recommendations for fiction, nonfiction, and even audiobooks consider NoveList your one-stop guide to great reading!

OCEAN PORTAL

Discover the sea through a fun-filled blog, media gallery video, or current museum happenings. Explore ocean life and amazing ocean photos. Under the Educator’s Corner, check-out lessons plans for all grades.

POTUS- PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

This comprehensive site on the American presidency includes biographies, speeches and writings, election results, odd facts and presidency highlights.

SCHOLASTIC TEACHABLES

Scholastic Teachables offers worksheets, lesson plans, learning games, and more! Find printable activities for any subject: math, science, reading comprehension, STEM, writing, and beyond. Download printable lesson plans, reading passages, games and puzzles, clip art, bulletin board ideas, and skills sheets for kids in any grade.

TRANSPARENT LANGUAGE ONLINE

Transparent Language Online offers unlimited access to more than 100 online language courses, packed with pronunciation, speech, grammar, writing and vocabulary-building lessons. Patrons have the ability to write or speak their answers, practice pronunciation by slowing down the on-screen examples, and converse with native speakers though interactive videos. Patrons can learn on their own time, at their own pace in the library, in the comfort of their own home, or on the go with the Transparent Language app.

TUMBLEBOOKS

Check out Tumblebooks, an online ebook library just for kids!

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS

Created by the BBC, this site features individual pages with interesting facts, images and statistics on particular dinosaurs. Videos from the show are also available.

WORLD BOOK

World Book Online allows students the chance to access coursework and other educational materials anytime, anywhere. With three different levels: kids, student, and advanced, World Book offers age appropriate information and facts. The timelines resource offers in depth history information on countries, people, and more! Log in with your 14-digit library card number.

Ancestry Library Edition:

This is the worldwide edition of Ancestry.com (in library use only).

AtoZdatabases: 

AtoZdatabases is a reference and marketing database including 30 million business profiles & 220 million residents.  Ideal for sales leads, mailing lists, market research, employment opportunities, finding friends and relatives, and much more! If asked to enter your password please use your entire 14 digit Ella Johnson Library barcode.

Black Life in America:

The experience and impact of African Americans as recorded by the news media, 1704 to today.

Chicago Community Coverage Newspapers:

Explore current and archived issues of newspapers including the Northwest Herald, Elgin Courier, Chicago Sun-Times, and more with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online!

Creativebug: 

Creativebug is the number one inspirational resource for DIY, crafters and makers. Creativebug.com has more than 1,000 award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. You’ll find projects for every occasion. Enjoy unlimited access to instructional videos and nourish your creative soul. Log in with your library card number and PIN.

EBSCO Small Business Reference Center: 

Small Business Reference Center contains hundreds of full-text reference books and full-text magazines. This database provides the everyday user with the necessary tools and detailed “how-to” instructions to independently address a wide range of small business topics including buying/selling a business, managing employees, writing a business plan, understanding legal information, marketing a business, and much more! Log in with your entire 14 digit Ella Johnson Library barcode.

Gale Legal Forms: 

Access to thousands of legal forms available with more forms being added daily. The database includes Official, State Specific, Federal, Business, Personal, Real Estate and General forms covering hundreds of legal subjects and issues. If asked to enter your password please use your entire 14 digit Ella Johnson Library barcode.

HeritageHub:

 Explore genealogical records from 1824 – today, including hard-to-find obituary content from the mid 1900’s, coverage from all 50 states, and original obituary images from historical newspapers. Access is available 24/7.

HeritageQuest:

This resource provides access to census, schedules, Freedman’s bank records and various other records. If accessing at home, the database may ask you to enter your library barcode to use it.

Illinois Public Records: 

Access Illinois public records through online databases. Look up real estate transactions, copies of mortgages, business licenses, and foreclosure records. These databases are great for getting an extra copy of mortgage or deed information, tracking down the status of a property in foreclosure, or looking up specific business information. Public records are provided by Record Information Services. If asked to enter your password please use your entire 14 digit Ella Johnson Library barcode.

• Click here to use Illinois Public Records from home and enter the barcode found on your library card for 24/7 access.

Illinois Legal Aid Online: 

Learn about Illinois law and take action with free legal forms, referrals and clear information on issues dealing with family, housing, debt, work, and more.

LearningExpress Adult Core Skills: 

The Adult Core Skills center helps adults achieve their personal, education and career goals by offering resources to help them improve their basic skills in reading, writing, and math, and prepare for the U.S. citizenship exam. You can register by using your email and creating a password.

LearningExpress Career Preparation Center: 

Are you preparing for a professional exam? Are you curious about a particular occupation or looking to improve your workplace skills? Choose the Career Preparation Center and begin your path to a bright future. You can register by using your email and creating a password.

LearningExpress Job & Career Accelerator:

 Whether you’re looking to find a new job in your current field or pursue a career in an exciting new industry, get detailed information on more than 1,100 occupations. Find careers that match your skills and interests. Access millions of current job and internship postings.  Create professional resumes and cover letters, master interviewing and networking techniques, and more. You can register by using your email and creating a password.

LearningExpress Recursos en Español: 

Herramientas de aprendizaje, carrera y ciudadanía en español. Este centro ofrece a los adultos que están muy ocupados los recursos para mejorar sus habilidades básicas, ganar sus credenciales de GED® o ser ciudadano estadounidense. Puede registrarse usando su correo electrónico y creando una contraseña.

Transparent Language Online: 

Transparent Language Online offers unlimited access to more than 100 online language courses, packed with pronunciation, speech, grammar, writing and vocabulary-building lessons. Patrons have the ability to write or speak their answers, practice pronunciation by slowing down the on-screen examples, and converse with native speakers though interactive videos. Patrons can learn on their own time, at their own pace in the library, in the comfort of their own home, or on the go with the Transparent Language app.

The Beacon News Collection

Explore Aurora history through local news, events and people with the Kane County Chronicle Collection. Search current and archived issues with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online. Remote access is available 24/7 on any device.

Chicago Sun Times Collection

Explore Chicago history through local news, events and people with the Chicago Sun-Times Collection. Search current and archived issues with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online. Remote access is available 24/7 on any device.

The Daily Herald Collection 

Explore Chicago suburban 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. Also available remotely 24/7 on any device.

Hispanic Life in America

Explore and gain a deeper understanding of the Hispanic American experience as recorded by the news media, 1704 through today. Remote access is available 24/7

Kane County Chronicle Collection

Explore Kane County history through local news, events and people with the Kane County Chronicle Collection. Search current and archived issues with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online. Also available remotely 24/7 on any device.

Northwest Herald Collection

Explore Crystal Lake history through local news, events and people with the Northwest Herald Collection. Search current and archived issues with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online. Also available remotely 24/7 on any device.

Oaklee's Family Guide

Looking for something fun to do with the family? Check out Oaklee’s Family Guide available on-line.  Subscribe to their newsletter and receive information on family-friendly events delivered directly to your inbox.

REFERENCE RESOURCES

Chicago Community Coverage Newspapers: 

Explore current and archived issues of newspapers including the Northwest Herald, Elgin Courier, Chicago Sun-Times, and more with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online!

Gale Virtual Reference: 

Gale Virtual Reference Library provides access to a world of reliable information for students, academics, and the general public. This includes titles in areas such as arts, biography, business, history, law, literature, medicine, geography, religion, science, technology, and more. Gale Virtual Reference is available in the library or from any remote location. If asked to enter your password please use your entire 14 digit Ella Johnson Library barcode.

EBSCO: 

Search Explora for reliable information on a variety of topics: art, music, literature, history, social studies, world cultures and languages, science, technology, health, and more! Log in with your entire 14 digit Ella Johnson Library barcode.

WorldCat Catalog: 

WorldCat is an online library catalog that searches for books, movies, audiobooks, music, eresources, and more available in libraries worldwide. Ella Johnson library cardholders can request that items found in WorldCat be borrowed through interlibrary loan. Requests can be made using an online form, in person, by telephone, or by e-mail.

CONSUMER GUIDES

Consumer Reports: 

ConsumerReports.org enables consumers to make better purchasing decisions on the products they are shopping for. In addition to product ratings and reviews, users will find in-depth advice, tips and trends written by Consumer Reports experts. Frequently updated articles, blogs and video content allow consumers to peruse the latest consumer news. If asked to enter your Patron ID please use your entire 14 digit Ella Johnson Library barcode.

READER’S REFERENCE

Novelist Plus: 

Looking for another author like your favorite? Have you read the last book in a series and are looking for a similar series? NoveList Plus read-alikes are the perfect solution. With recommendations for all ages in fiction, nonfiction, and even audiobooks consider NoveList your one-stop guide to great reading!

New York Times Books:

 Reviews, features, author interviews and book excerpts from the national daily and the Sunday bookreview.

NPR Books

 NPR brings you news about books and authors along with our picks for great reads. Interviews, reviews, the NPR Bestseller Lists, New in Paperback and much more.

BookPage

Online companion to monthly book review publication. Contains interviews, reviews and features from the print edition, along with web-exclusive content and more.

BookBrowse 

BookBrowse is an online magazine for booklovers – including reviews, previews, “behind the book” backstories, author interviews, reading guides, and much more.

Good Reads

 Find new and interesting books by browsing personalized recommendations based on books you’ve read and your favorite genres

AWARDS AND BEST SELLER LISTS

• New York Times Best Seller