General Research & Consumer Guides
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