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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

Hispanic Life in America:

The experience and impact of Hispanic Americans as recorded by the news media, 1845 to today.

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.

EBSCO Resources Provided Through the Office of the Secretary of State/Illinois State Library (in alphabetic order)

Academic Search Elite

Designed for academic institutions. 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.

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.

Alt HealthWatch

Provides information on complementary, holistic, and integrated approaches to healthcare and wellness. Sources include journals (some peer-reviewed) and reports.

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.

The Biography Reference eBook Collection

A companion to the Biography Reference Source database, this encompasses a rich selection of biographic titles, covering popular and important figures in business, film, history, music, politics, sports and more.

Book Collection: Nonfiction

Designed for public libraries, thousands of books cover core subject areas as well as information on careers, health, sports, adventure, technology, life skills and more.

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.

EBSCO eBooks Business Subscription Collection

Equip students and faculty with access to thousands of e-books dedicated to the study of business.

EBSCO eBooks Cricket Media Subscription Collection

Build strong literacy skills in students from pre-K to 8th grade by offering digital access to award-winning, short-form fiction and nonfiction titles.

EBSCO eBooks High School Subscription Collection

Give students, educators, and administrators on-the-go access to popular e-books. This robust collection includes a selection of classic literary works, important historical documents, and general reference materials.

EBSCO eBooks K-5 Subscription Collection

This e-book collection supports a quality learning experience for K-5 students across all subject areas taught in elementary and middle schools.

EBSCO eBooks 6-8 Subscription Collection

This e-book collection supports a quality learning experience for 6-8 students across all subject areas taught in elementary and middle schools.

EBSCO eBooks Public Library Subscription 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.

ERIC: Education Resources Information Center

Index of journal articles, books, theses, curriculum guides, conference papers, standards, and guidelines on a wide range of education topics. Sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education.

Ethnic Diversity Source

This full-text database is a dedicated resource covering the culture, traditions, social treatment and lived experiences of di􀆯erent ethnic groups in America.

EBSCO eBooks Diversity & Ethnic Studies Subscription Collection

This groundbreaking collection includes over 6,000 high-quality e-books on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Health Source: Consumer Edition

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.

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.

History Reference eBook Subscription

A companion to the History Reference Source database, this contains a rich selection of historical titles, covering global topics from the ancient world through today.

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.

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. Popular LearningExpress resources include the following:

• LearningExpress Computer Skills Center

Help patrons and students learn the fundamentals of computers, the internet and popular software applications a user-friendly e-learning platform that contains more than 100 selfpaced video tutorials.

• LearningExpress Job and Career Accelerator Center

Gives job seekers the tools they need to explore careers, find open positions, apply for jobs, and get hired. Find information on careers, interest assessments to match individuals with ideal career paths, and tools to create professional resumes and cover letters.

• LearningExpress PrepSTEP Academic

Resources designed to support success in higher education and preparation for today’s workforce. PrepSTEP Academic is packed with tutorials, practice tests, e-books and highstakes test preparation for self-guided skill building, career preparation and workforce readiness.

• LearningExpress PrepSTEP High School

Provides online access to a unique and extensive collection of academic, college preparation and career-related tutorials, practice tests, articles, e-books, and flashcards. It includes tools for academic skill-building, college and career exploration, college admissions test preparation, military exploration and preparation, workplace skills development and more.

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.

Legal Source

A scholarly resource of current issues, studies, and trends of the legal world. For attorneys, educators, businesspeople, law librarians, students, and paralegals.

LGBTQ+ Source

LGBTQ+ Source is the definitive database for LGBTQ+ studies. It 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.

Library & Information Science Source

Journals and periodicals that help librarians and researchers keep pace with the latest trends in the field.

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.

Literary Reference eBook Subscription

Contains a broad range of literary-related subjects with selections including literary criticism, study guides, and classics such as Emma, Dracula, and Frankenstein.

MAS Complete

Designed for high school libraries and offers coverage of popular high school magazines and reference books. 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.

MasterFILE Reference eBook Collection

Contains reference books covering a broad range of general reference subjects, including biography, history, architecture, literature, cooking, health and wellness, science, self-help, religion, current events, sports, travel and more.

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 eBook Subscription

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.

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.

NoveList

Contains information on over 260,000 fiction and readable nonfiction titles. Features lists of award-winning books, book discussion guides, Read-a-Like recommendations, and complete series information. Also includes reader ratings and reviews. Create your own reading wish list.

NoveList K-8

Find just the right book by subject, age, awards won, books made into movies, and much more. Read reviews and learn about the author. Create your own reading wish list. Includes tools for teachers such as Lexile levels and Common Core standards.

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.

Primary Search

For elementary school libraries. 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 eBook Subscription

A range of general reference subject coverage for primary school students, with topics like social studies, history, language arts, geography, culture, math, and science.

Professional Development Collection

Specialized information for librarians, teachers, and education researchers.

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

Covers a broad range of subjects in the fields of psychology, behavioral sciences, and related disciplines. For psychologists, counselors, researchers, and students.

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.

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.

Science Reference eBook Subscription

This encompasses a rich selection of titles covering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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.

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.

Explora by 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.

Wall Street Journal:

Access The Wall Street Journal from anywhere. Simply create your login credentials at the landing page. Your access will be available for the next 3 day. At the conclusion of the 3-day period, simply login on the landing page as an existing user with the credentials you created.

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