Resources and Recommended Websites
You'll find exactly what you need and more in our collection of digital resources and recommended websites. You'll need your AAPLD Library card to access some resources if you are not using them in our Library. Need help? Contact our Adult Services Department at 847-458-6060, ext 143, during regular business hours.
Online Classes/Learning
Brushing up on career skills? Learning a new language? Preparing for the ACT or SAT? Repairing your own vehicle? Our amazing online learning resources can help.
Homework Resources
The Library has all the homework resources you need to complete your research paper, study for tests, or discover interesting information.
Genealogical Resources
Start here if you want to learn more about your family's past. You can also make an appointment with a librarian for more focused help (847-458-6060). Check our events page for genealogy programs.
All Online Resources by Name
Don’t have an Algonquin Area Public Library card? Click here.
- abcmouse.com
ABCmouse.com offers the most comprehensive online curriculum for children ages 2 – 7+, including reading and language arts, math, beginning science, social studies, art and music.
- Academic Search Elite
Comprehensive, multi-disciplinary resource of scholarly research. Coverage on a wide range of topics. Includes peer-reviewed full text resources for subjects such as adult education, higher education, public health, and more.
- Adult Services Blog
Visit our Adult Services blog for lists of National Book Awards, Library Reads, bestsellers, and more.
- AGRICOLA
From the National Agricultural Library. Contains citations about all aspects of agriculture and related fields. Includes: journal articles, monographs, proceedings, theses, patents, translations, audiovisual materials, computer software, and technical reports.
- Algonquin Area Obituaries Index
Search for obituaries appearing in the Algonquin/LITH Countryside and Northwest Herald newspapers.
- Alt HealthWatch
Provides information on complementary, holistic, and integrated approaches to healthcare and wellness. Sources include journals (some peer-reviewed) and reports.
- America’s News Magazines
Search for timely topics in business, education, the environment, science and technology. Featuring Newsweek, Popular Science, Foreign Affairs, Science News, Smithsonian and more.
- Ancestry: Library Edition
A comprehensive source of information for genealogical and local history research, with access to billions of records in more than 3,000 databases.
- Archive Grid
Search historical collections held by thousands of archives, libraries, museums and historical societies around the world.
- AtoZdatabases
The databases are ideal for sales leads, mailing lists, market research, employment opportunities, background searches, finding friends, relatives and a whole lot of other possibilities.
- Auto Repair Source
Repair information and schedules, diagrams, parts and labor estimates, service alerts, and recalls. Covers thousands of domestic and imported vehicles.
- Biography Reference Source
More than 390,000 biographies. Includes complete full text run of Biography Today and Biography Magazine as well as thousands of narrative biographies.
- Birthday Time Capsule
Type in your birthdate and create a "time capsule" for the day you were born, including headlines, prices, top songs and TV shows, favorite toys, and popular books.
- Book Collection: Nonfiction
Thousands of books cover core subject areas as well as information on careers, health, sports, adventure, technology, life skills and more.
- Book Finder | Book Adventure
Enter grade level, reading level, and what kind of book you'd like to read and you get some great suggestions!
- BookFlix
Designed for PreK-3 literacy development. A wonderful collection of fiction and nonfiction books to read and have fun with online!
- Booklist Online
Gives access to all the latest book reviews as published in the magazine version, plus more!
- Boundless (formerly Axis360)
Check out and download up to 5 ebook or audiobook titles at a time from Boundless. Find new and bestselling titles and authors from all the major publishers. Titles circulate for 14 days and may be renewed if no one is waiting.
- BrainFuse HelpNow!
Interact with live tutors (everyday from 2 to 11PM) for homework help, test preparation and writing assistance. Take college entrance practice exams, create flash cards for study, and collaborate with friends. Sign in with your AAPLD library card number and your account password.
- Brainfuse JobNow
Brainfuse JobNow! is an all-in-one service for job seekers where you can search for jobs, get feedback from live resume experts, prepare for your interview, and more! Sign in with your AAPLD library card number and your account password.
- Business Source Elite
This database provides full-text coverage of top business, management and economics journals and periodicals. These valuable publications cover topics such as accounting, banking, finance, international business, marketing, sales and more.
- Chicago Sun-Times Read current issues of the Chicago Sun-Times digitally on your device or computer. Simply sign in with your AAPLD library card to begin reading.
- Chicago Sun-Times : 1986 – Current
Read current or past copies of the Chicago Sun-Times digitally on your device or computer. Image or text versions are both available. Simply sign in with your AAPLD library card to begin reading.
- Chicago Tribune 1849 – 1998
This historical newspaper provides genealogists, researchers and scholars with online, easily-searchable first-hand accounts and unparalleled coverage of the politics, society and events of the time.
- Chicago Tribune 1985 – 1996
Search full-text articles, classifieds, obituaries, marriage notices, and more from the Chicago Tribune: 1985 - 1996.
- Chicago Tribune 1996 – Present
Search full-text articles, classifieds, obituaries, marriage notices, and more from the Chicago Tribune: 1996 - present.
- Chicagoland News
Research topics in business, education, politics and more from over 200 Illinois news sources, including Chicago Sun-Times, Crain’s Chicago Business, Daily Herald, Northwest Herald, Algonquin Countryside.
- Citizenship Resource Center
Citizenship preparation and educational tools and information for individuals, educators, and organizations.
- Consumer Health Complete (EBSCO)
A comprehensive database for consumer-oriented health content containing information on mainstream medicine, complementary, holistic and integrated medicine. Includes information from health reference books and encyclopedias, magazines and journals and full-text evidence-based health reports.
- Consumer Reports Online
Ratings, reviews, recommendations, and buying advice for thousands of products and services from the premier consumer advocate magazine.
- creativebug.com
You're more creative than you think! Access to 1000+ award-winning art & craft classes you will actually "attend"!
- Culture Grams
Provides detailed reports for over 200 countries, all 50 states, and the Canadian Provinces for upper elementary students.
- Daily Herald Collection
Explore suburban Chicago 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. Available remotely 24/7 on any device.
- 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.
- Driving-Test.org
Free Illinois DMV permit practice tests, including 11 car practice tests, 9 motorcycle practice tests, 11 CDL practice tests, 3 online driver's manuals (car, motorcycle, CDL), and an FAQ section with detailed answers to 100+ DMV-related questions.
- EBSCO eBooks 6-8 Collection
This e-book collection supports a quality learning experience for K-8 students across all subject areas taught in elementary and middle schools.
- EBSCO eBooks Business Collection
Access to thousands of e-books dedicated to the study of business.
- EBSCO eBooks Diversity & Ethnic Studies Collection
This groundbreaking collection includes over 6,000 high-quality e-books on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- EBSCO eBooks High School Collection
This robust collection includes a selection of classic literary works, important historical documents, and general reference materials.
- EBSCO eBooks K-5 Collection
This e-book collection supports a quality learning experience for K-8 students across all subject areas taught in elementary and middle schools.
- EBSCO eBooks Public Library Collection
Access to high-quality e-books covering a wide range of topics such as self-help, fitness, games, hobbies, and cooking. This general reference e-book collection features titles for both adults and juveniles.
- EBSCO Explora (Masterfile, History Reference Center, Science Reference Center)
Articles arranged by topic: Arts and Literature, Biography, Current Events, Geography and Culture, Health, History and Social Science, Science and Math. Search for magazine articles, videos and primary documents.
- ERIC
An index to journal articles and reports in education.
- Ethnic Diversity Source
This full-text database is a dedicated resource covering the culture, traditions, social treatment and lived experiences of different ethnic groups in America.
- Explore More Illinois
A cultural pass program that provides discounts and other offerings from museums, historical societies, performing and visual arts centers, and other attractions across the state of Illinois. The program is FREE with a library card. Offerings differ by attraction and may include free or reduced admission, free parking, discounts at attraction shops, and more.
- FamilySearch
One of the largest digital repositories of genealogical records from around the world including census, naturalization, and vital records.
- First Search
This search tool allows access to several databases including World Almanac, ArticleFirst, ERIC (journal articles and reports on education), and MEDLINE (articles on medicine, including dentistry and nursing).
- Flipster
View, download and read digital magazines. Many popular titles available with back issues you can view on your computer, tablet or mobile device.
- Fold3
Provides convenient access to US military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served.
- Freegal Music
Download the app or use your computer to start streaming or downloading your music today. Access over 18 million songs, including today’s top music and yesterday’s hits. Build your own playlists, listen to curated playlists, or simply enjoy an album. All ad-free! You can also download and keep up to 5 songs per week for FREE!
- fueleconomy.gov
The official government source for fuel economy information. Find and compare cars, calculate your mpg, explore hybrids, and 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!
- Health Source
Subjects include fitness, nutrition, diabetes, aging, women's health, children's health, and more. Information comes from magazines, books, Clinical Reference System reports, and pamphlets.
- Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition
Provides researchers, allied health professionals, nurses, and medical educators access to scholarly journals on many medical disciplines. Provides indexing, abstracts, and full text for hundreds of nursing and allied health journals, many of which are peer reviewed.
- HeritageQuest Online
Indexed, full-image census records from 1790-1930 make genealogy research easier than ever before!
- History Reference Source
Covering topics in U.S. and world history from the earliest civilizations through the 21st century, this database contains full-text journals, magazines, reference books and thousands of primary source documents.
- Hobbies & Crafts Source
Subject areas include arts & crafts; games & electronics; models; needlework; outdoors & nature; and scrapbooking & paper craft.
- Home Improvement Source
Includes maintenance, remodeling, electrical work, plumbing, wood projects, outdoor improvements, decorating, home & garden, etc. Includes more than 130 reference books.
- hoopla
E-books. Movies. TV shows. Streaming audiobooks. Music. All for you, and all FREE using your Algonquin Area Public Library District card and a web browser phone or tablet. No hassles. No waiting list.
- How Products Are Made
Gale Resources brings us a new database with great detailed descriptions and pictures about how things are made. Search by keyword or through an alphabetic list including televisions, DVD players, gum, and more!
- How Stuff Works
If you’re interested in learning how stuff works through words and pictures, check out this site! This site has sections covering Auto, Science, Health, Entertainment, Travel, Computer, Electronics, Home, Money, and People.
- Illinois Digital Archives
Books, pamphlets, photographs, and maps related to the history of Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and McHenry County. All featured titles are held in the possession of the Algonquin Area Public Library.
- Indie Author Illinois
Pick up a book from your local independently published authors in this Indie Illinois Anthology. With top selections highlighted by Library Journal, anyone can find a quality read from a local author.
- Inkie
Written a book? Create a digital and print ready book, share it with Illinois libraries through the Indie Illinois digital collection, and enter it in the Illinois Library Association’s “Soon To Be Famous Illinois Author” contest.
- Kanopy
Showcases more than 30,000 of the world’s best films, including award-winning documentaries, rare and hard-to-find titles, film festival favorites, indie and classic films, and world cinema.
- LearningExpress Library Complete
Supports those looking to improve core academic skills, pass a high school equivalency test, prepare for college, explore careers, join the military, study for occupational certification tests, become a U.S. citizen and much more. Contains practice tests, interactive tutorials, e-books, articles, and flashcards.
- Legal Information Source
Thousands of legal forms by topic including Bankruptcy, Divorce, Name Changes, Wills & Estate Planning and more. Most of the full text legal reference books provided through NOLO.
- Lexile Framework for Reading | Find a Book
If you are looking for a book at a certain Lexile level or want to know the Lexile level of a book you want to read, search this site or ask a librarian for help.
- LGBTQ+ Source
Provides scholarly and popular LGBTQ+ publications in full text, plus historically important primary sources, including monographs, magazines, newspapers, and videos. It also includes a specialized LGBTQ+ thesaurus containing thousands of terms.
- Libby
Here, you can check out ebooks, eaudiobooks, digital magazines, and also watch concerts through Qello concerts. If you already have an Overdrive account, it works here as well!
- Libby | Children’s Titles
Here, you'll find ebooks, eaudiobooks and digital magazines that are suitable for kids of all ages! If you already have an Overdrive account, it works here too!
- Libby | Magazines
Here, you can check out digital magazines. Both current and past issues are available.
- LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
Improve your technology, creative, and business skills so you can achieve personal and professional goals. Please sign in with your AAPLD card number and account password. *If you have never used your account the password is PATRON. If you forgot your password, please contact the library* When using the app, your Library ID is AAPLD.
- Literary Reference Source
Full-text literary database covering all genres and time periods. It includes thousands of synopses, critical essays, book reviews, literary journals, and author biographies, plus full-text classic novels, short stories, and poems.
- LOTE4Kids
LOTE4Kids is our new database of digital books in World Languages, created for children to enjoy books and learn language through storytelling. The platform provides over 4500+ digital books in 70+ languages together with English translations. New books and languages are released each month, so stay tuned!
- Mango Languages
Over 70 foreign languages to explore - Over 20 ESL courses taught in patron's native language -Learn anytime and anywhere with remote access and FREE mobile app!
- MAS Complete
Wide range of subjects offered including art, history, sports, and music. Over 1,000,000 photos, maps, and flags. Full text magazines include Discover, US News & World Report, Scientific American, and more.
- MAS Reference eBook Subscription
This encompasses a rich selection of titles covering a broad range of general reference subjects, including biography, careers, language arts, literature, government, math, science, current events, and social-emotional health.
- MasterFILE Complete
Broad collection of popular full-text magazines and reference books. Magazines include People, Better Homes and Gardens, TIME, and Newsweek. Covers subjects including business, health, education, fitness, sports and leisure, personal finance, general science, multicultural issues, DIY, and fashion. Also includes photos, maps, and flags.
- MedlinePLUS
A comprehensive, free source for consumer health and medical information.
- Middle Search
Magazines and reference books for middle school students. Includes thousands of biographies and primary source documents. Subjects include history, current events, science, sports, and biographies. Also includes photos, maps, and flags.
- Middle Search Reference eBooks
A broad range of general reference subject coverage for middle school students, with topics including social studies, math, history, language arts, technology, geography, culture, and science.
- Museum Pass
One of our most popular non-traditional services! Visit popular local attractions (like Brookfield Zoo) and museums (like the Illinois Holocaust Museum) for FREE. See a full list of attractions here.
- New York Times : PressReader
Unlimited access to current and past issues now available to read through Pressreader . Click "Sign In" at the top and choose "Library or Group" search Algonquin and log in with your library card number and PIN (account password) to begin enjoying the New York Times along with other newspapers.
- New York Times Online
To read New York Times online or by using the NYT app, Click this link to redeem 72 hour access, click REDEEM, create an account, and read away. Access also includes over 150 years of archives through the TimesMachine. Mobile version available after account is created.
- NewsBank: America’s News Magazines
Search for timely topics in business, education, the environment, science and technology. Featuring Newsweek, Popular Science, Foreign Affairs, Science News, Smithsonian and more.
- Newspaper Source Plus
Includes millions of articles from newspapers, newswires, and news magazines. Offers television and radio transcripts and ongoing daily updates from popular news sources. Newspapers include St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The Washington Post, USA Today, and more.
- Newspapers.com – World Collection
Newspapers.com is the largest online newspaper archive consisting of 300+ million pages of historical newspapers from 8,400+ newspapers from around the United States and beyond.
- Northwest Herald (2020 – Current)
Read and search through a scanned, image version of the Northwest Herald newspaper. Newspapers are current to the date.
- Northwest Herald (Search 2005-Current)
Find information including community issues and events, business, education, health, politics, sports and more.
- Novelist Plus for Children K-8
Find children's fiction and nonfiction by matching similar authors, titles, and subjects. Includes plot summaries.
- NoveList Plus Readers Advisor
Find adult and teen fiction and nonfiction by matching similar authors, titles, and subjects. Includes plot summaries.
- Overdrive | Children’s Titles
Check out digital books and digital audio books for your home computer, Nook, iPad, Kindle, or other portable device. Is the title you want checked out? Put it on hold and you will be notified when it becomes available!
- Overdrive | North Suburban Digital Consortium
Find and enjoy the library's digital books on just about any modern device in seconds. E-books have never been easier!
- People in Need Resource Directory
Created by members of the annual People in Need Forum in McHenry County, this directory connects residents to community resources and important information about the services they provide.
- Points of View Reference Source
Presents multiple sides of over 500 issues. Helps students assess and develop persuasive arguments and essays, better understand controversial issues, and develop analytical thinking skills.
- PressReader
Offers unlimited access to newspapers from around the world, in 60+ languages, all on your device. Local papers include Chicago Tribune, Super Express Chicago (Polish), and LaRaza (Spanish). Click Sign In to get started. For magazines try Libby.
- Primary Search
Content from children’s magazines, easy-to-read encyclopedia entries, and images. Students can learn about animals, musicians, fitness, space exploration, and much more.
- Primary Search Reference eBooks
A range of general reference subject coverage for primary school students, with topics like social studies, history, language arts, geography, culture, math, and science.
- Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Covers a broad range of subjects in the fields of psychology, behavioral sciences, and related disciplines.
- Record Information Services
Search Illinois public records for new businesses, foreclosures and auctions, real estate transactions, and bankruptcies.
- Regional Business News
Regional business publications for the United States and Canadian provinces from 1990. Includes newspapers, radio and television news transcripts, trade publications, magazines, and newswires.
- Religion & Philosophy Collection
Hundreds of full-text journals and magazines covering many religious and philosophical topics, including world religions, religious history, political philosophy, and philosophy of language.
- Scholastic Teachables
Worksheets, lesson plans, learning games, and more! Download printable lesson plans, reading passages, games and puzzles, clip art, bulletin board ideas, and skills sheets for kids in any grade.
- Science Reference Source
Provides full text for hundreds of science magazines, journals, reference books and high-quality videos. The database also contains science experiments, curriculum-aligned lesson plans, and a vast image collection.
- Small Business Source
Covers all aspects of starting and operating a business. Includes information on accounting, human resources, management, marketing, tax, and more. State-specific information included.
- Small Engine Repair Source
Repair guides for small engines and routine maintenance (tune-ups, brake service, etc.). Also includes guides on extensive repairs such as engine and transmission disassembly. Coverage includes lawn mowers, motorcycles, tractors, and snowmobiles. Information on more than 25 years of engine models, with new and updated content added regularly.
- Something About the Author
A collection of biographies of authors and illustrators associated with youth literature.
- TumbleBooks Library
Enjoy storytime on your own time! The TumbleBooks Library is an online collection of animated, talking picture books. Books are available in English as well as in Spanish and Russian. Puzzles and games associated with many of the books are also available!
- U.S. Major Daily News
Search full-text articles, classifieds, obituaries, marriage notices, and more from the Chicago Tribune, & Wall Street Journal.
- ValueLine Research Center
Comprehensive stocks and mutual funds information for investors.
- Wall Street Journal
Read full-text articles from the most current printing back to printings from 1984.
- What’s Next? Books in Series
Kent County District Library provides What's Next™: Books in Series database to help you search series fiction. A series is two or more books linked by character(s), settings, or other common traits.
- World Factbook
The World Factbook, a website from the CIA, provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and physical and political maps for 267 world entities.