See the location of all branches
Find which branch is open today and when
Find hours and information for Main Library
Find hours and information about North Branch
Find hours and information about Lincoln Branch
Find hours and information about Lakeview Branch
Find hours and information about McClure Branch
Find the current Bookmobile schedule and routes
Everything you need to know about how to get and use your library card
Find out how long you can keep library materials.
From the bookmobile to the home-bound, Outreach has special services to bring the library to the community.
Find resources and records for genealogy and Peoria-area history
Find your next book with lists of award winners, staff picks or help from our staff
Download the forms you need and read information about how to reserve a room.
Get quick answers about everything from renewing books to applying for a library card.
Use this form to have library staff find an answer for you.
View the art owned by Peoria Public Library.
From birth up find resources for youth as well as parents and educators.
Information about how to request books from outside the RAILS library system.
This page highlights resources at Peoria Public Library available for educators
Find information on how to get a pass to Peoria Riverfront Museum from Peoria Public Library.
The history of Peoria Public Library
Find links to verified research students can use to complete assignments and help them study
Find helpful resources to prepare for a job search from resume writing to practice tests and interviews with a coach
Here are links to research helps for those working on family history
Links to all databases Peoria Public Library offers.
These resources will help those in business to create a mailing list, find investment information, learn another language, locate small business assistance and more
Health insurance information and resources
Find library events for all ages.
Download the library newsletter and read library news as well as the complete calendar.
See what book clubs are available, when they meet and what they are reading.
Music in the McKenzie offers a free concert monthly at North Branch. Find out who is playing.
Find out how to participate in our yearly Summer Reading program.
The Mayor's Community Coalition Against Heroin is providing information and discussion about the heroin epidemic in Peoria, Illinois.
This page contains information about the events planned at Peoria Public Library for The Great American Read
Find links to news stories featuring Peoria Public Library
A newspaper created by kids, for kids!
Find animated storybooks, games and more that can be used by children alone or with a teacher or parent.
Tumblebooks Ebooks, read-alongs, graphic novels, educational videos, and audiobooks for ages 8 to 12 and 12 to adult.
Download e-books and audio books for all ages.
Audiobooks for children and adults you can play on your computer or tablet.
Download e-books and audiobooks for all ages.
link to the Freegal streaming and downloadable music service
Here are links to help you download digital books, audiobooks and music.
Listen to our staff experts talk about various topics like genealogy and graphic novels.
This page links to the Kanopy streaming movie service. Use your Peoria Public Library card to watch eight movies a month free.
Buy used books from the Friends at any of these locations. Sales support programming at Peoria Public Library.
Help the Friends support the library through a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Donate your books, music and movies the Friends to receive a tax deduction and help the library.
Join the Friends and support Peoria Public Library.
Contact library staff
This alphabetical list includes all the databases accessible through Peoria Public Library. Use them for finding information on a wide variety of topics.
From Age of Learning, Inc., the award-winning ABCmouse.com curriculum is designed to help young children (ages 2-6+) build a strong foundation for future academic success. ABCmouse.com is 100% educational, with 3,500+ learning activities across all major subject areas—reading, math, science, social studies, art, and music. Best of all, kids love it!
Click here or on the icon above to access this ABCmouse.
This resource is only available from inside the library.
A comprehensive, multidisciplinary reference resource, ABC-CLIO contains over 140,000 primary and secondary source materials covering a variety of subject areas, including ancient to modern world history and geography, current events, pop culture and much more. Users can easily search across any one or all of these areas, uncovering a variety of sources as they do so, from brief “overview articles,” to in-depth essays, multimedia materials, and timelines.
ABC-CLIO's Pop Culture Universe Database was recognized in Library Journal's "Best Databases 2013"
At the library | Remote user |
User Name: peoriapatron Password: peoriapatron |
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out this basic searching tutorial.
Ancestry Library Edition is the premier genealogy resource, containing over 4 billion names, more than 4,000 databases, primary-source documents, and a variety of other specialized features for family history research. Includes U.S. and U.K. census images and indexes, immigration records and passenger lists, and birth/marriage/death records.
The vendor only allows use within the library. If you are a remote user, please use Heritage Quest.
At the library | Heritage Quest |
Please use your Peoria Public Library Card |
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out this short tutorial!
With Homework HelpNow you can:
Receive expert, personalized help from HelpNow tutors in
(Live Tutors are available Mon – Sun 2:00-11:00 PM CST)
Study
Collaborate
Click here to use HelpNow! Please sign in with your library card number if you are using HelpNow from outside of the library.
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out this short tutorial for accessing tutoring and writing help.
JobNow is a truly unique resource. Unlike simple editing services for resumes, or static databases for job-seekers, the JobNow suite provides on-demand access to live, expert coaches for every stage of your job search.
Resume Resources
Live Career Assistance
Click here to use JobNow! Please sign in with your library card number if you are outside the library.
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out this short tutorial!
A powerful, all-in-one reference resource (atlas, news, biographies, statistics, homework help, etc.), Britannica Library offers all of its traditional coverage and a great deal more, including videos and multimedia collections and links to recommended websites, and even audience-specific portals that help connect users with articles and tools appropriate for their reading or general grade level.
At the library | Remote user |
Please use your Peoria Public Library card |
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!
Just like its print counterpart, the Consumer Reports online edition offers full product ratings containing buying advice and key features information. Unlike the print version, this resource is easier to navigate with its simple searching and browsing. It is also continually updated, bringing you the most recent ratings and product information for cars, appliances, electronics, and more.
At the library | Remote user |
Please use your Peoria Public Library card |
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out this short tutorial!
Nervous about your driver's license test? Put your nerves at ease with these FREE official DMV practice tests! This resource includes over a dozen drivers' practice tests, as well as the full text of three different driver's manuals: standard, motorcycle, and CDL.
It also provides links to a wealth of useful information to answer all of your DMV-related questions, like:
And so much more! Just click here to get started!
These are the databases accessed through FirstSearch:
General Databases
Specialized Databases
Please contact the information desk or call the library at
497-2000 for the Authorization Code and Password
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!
Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test Prep is a multi-purpose educational resource, helping students and professionals with:
Please use your Peoria Public Library Card for remote access. This resource is case sensitive, so be sure to capitalize the "D."
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!
A comprehensive, multidisciplinary article database, General OneFile contains citations and/or full-text articles from magazines, reference books, and newspapers covering diverse subject areas, including current events, popular culture, business, history, arts and sciences, sports, hobbies, and more.
Please use your Peoria Public Library Card for remote access. This resource is case sensitive, so be sure to capitalize the "D."
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!
Government Documents contain helpful information on many subjects.
HeritageQuest provides an essential collection of unique material for both genealogical and historical researchers, with coverage dating back to the late 1700s. Search HeritageQuest’s digitized U.S. federal census records, Revolutionary War files, Freedman’s Bank, and other valuable collections to find your ancestors, trace their paths across America, and learn what life was like in the areas where they settled.
At the library | Remote user |
Please use your Peoria Public Library card |
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out this short tutorial!
This is Peoria County’s segment of the Legal Self Help Center. The center is a joint project between the court system and the county Circuit Clerks of the 10th Circuit.
Use the Legal Self Help Center to gain legal assistance and guidance for using available legal resources.
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!
Search or browse Gale’s Literature Criticism Online for articles covering writers, their works, and literary movements, genres, and issues of the 19th century to the present. This is an excellent source for students in English class, or simply for literature lovers!
Please use your Peoria Public Library card for remote access. This resource is case sensitive, so make sure to capitalize the "D."
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!
Mango Languages is an online language-learning system that teaches actual conversational skills for over 60 languages from around the world, including English for ESL learners. Each chapter aligns your learning to a set of conversational and grammar goals, with highly relevant cultural notes sprinkled into every lesson. Intuitive popups help you tune your pronunciation, and you can even record your voice and compare it directly to audio from a native speaker to hear exactly how to tune your accent. Learn a new language today!
Please log in or create a profile to use this resource (all free with library card). Call (309) 497-2000 if you have any questions!
Please use your Peoria Public Library card number for access
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!
Illinois Digital Sanborn Maps
Delivers detailed property and land-use records that depict the grid of everyday life in Illinois towns and cities across a century of change. This database is only available at Peoria Public Library
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!
Historic Map Works
This resource contains over 1.4 million high resolution maps spanning centuries. Find the maps you need for your local history or genealogy research with the diverse search and browse options, such as the new Points of Interest tool and the Address Search.
Please use your Peoria Public Library Card
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!
Morning Star Investment Research Center was designed to help both new and experienced investors make more informed investing decisions. This comprehensive investing resource provides a wealth of valuable, reliable information, including detailed analyses of thousands of stocks, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds, as well as market information and portfolio tools. Get started today!
Please enter "61602" followed by your library card number for remote access (61602D14#######)
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out this short tutorial!
Explore Peoria history through local news, events and people with the Peoria Journal Star 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. Please use your Peoria Public Library Card number for remote access Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out this short tutorial! |
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Click here to search America's News. Search current and archived coverage of issues, events, people, government, sports and more with the largest collection of full-text U.S. newspapers. Find titles from across the US and Illinois. Includes staff-written articles, obituaries, editorials, announcements, real estate and other sections. Please use your Peoria Public Library Card number for remote access Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out this short tutorial! |
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NewsStand Includes full text of 300+ major U.S. and international news sources, including the Chicago Tribune, the New York Times, and the Times of London. Content is updated daily, so coverage is exceptionally current! Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out this resource guide! |
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State Journal-Register Collection Explore Springfield history through local news, events and people with the State Journal-Register 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. Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian |
NoveList Plus and NoveList Plus K-8 are unique tools designed to help you choose the best titles for your reading list! Search for “read-alikes” based on the authors and titles you like now, or browse the diverse recommended reading lists covering all genres, tastes, and reading levels. NoveList also offers a variety of professional resources for educators! See the Teacher’s Page for more specific information.
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NoveList Plus K-8 in the Library |
Please use your Peoria Public Library Card for access
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out one of these short tutorials!
Black Freedom Struggle in the U.S.
A selection of freely available primary source documents
Visitors will find historical newspaper articles, pamphlets, diaries, correspondence and more from specific time periods in U.S. history marked by the opposition African Americans have faced on the road to freedom.
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!
From finding old friends and planning vacations to conducting market research and choosing a health care provider, this extensive database offers the information you need - in a fast, convenient format. Search for U.S. and Canadian businesses and residents, U.S. healthcare providers, and more. Take advantage of the unique result display options, such as the mapping function. NEW search over 2.5 million U.S. jobs and internships!
Remote users, please use a Peoria Public Library Card
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check back soon for a short tutorial!
This resource is a comprehensive database, containing a wealth of essential material for learning and research across the disciplines. Full-text articles are available from approximately 2,700 publications, many of which are peer-reviewed. This resource is an invaluable support for research within and across all core subjects.
Subject coverage includes art, agriculture, applied science, business, current events, education, general science, humanities, law, library sciences, social sciences, technology, and many other fields.
Please use your Peoria Public Library Card
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!
Access full repair manual schematics for TVs, VCRs, radios, and more.
This database contains most schematics in online PDF format, but some are only available in the print archive located in the Main Library. In this case, just bring the SAMS # to the 2nd floor Information Desk for assistance.
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!
A general reference database containing thousands of full-text articles exploring the different sides of controversial social, scientific, health, historic, business, economic, political and global issues.
This resource also includes unique tools designed for students and teachers, like the MyAnalysis and iThink interactive research guide or Common Core Writing Guide. See the Teacher Page for more information.
Access SIRS now by clicking on one of the links below or the icon above!
Remote users: When using SIRS Issues Researcher from outside of the Peoria Public Library, you'll need to log in with your library barcode number.
Having trouble logging in? Call 309-497-2000 or Ask-a-Librarian for the login information.
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian or check out this short tutorial!
Starting a Business
These resources will help you plan, start and market a small business
Starting Your Business in Illinois handbook from the Illinois Department of Commerce
Steps to Starting a Business U.S. Small Business Administration
Illinois WorkNet with links to starting and funding a business
Starting a Small Business 45-minute video, including Introduction, Sole Proprietorship, General Partnership, etc., presented by Illinois Legal Aid
How Do I Start My Own Small Business? Illinois Legal Aid
Creating a Business Plan
How to Write a Business Plan U.S. Small Business Administration
Business Startup and Management Publications from the Illinois Small Business Development Center
Library Resources (library card required when using outside the library)
Databases Suggested databases include:
Consumer Reports
First Search
Legal Self Help Center
ReferenceUSA
Value Line
To find small business books, select “Search by Category”, click “Business & Industry”, and click “Small Business”. If we don’t have the specific title that you are looking for, remember that we can Inter-Library Loan most items with your Peoria Public Library card. Suggested search terms include:
Small business
Sales
Marketing
Business finance
Business law
Project management
To find business ebooks, click “Advanced Search”, click the “Subject” dropdown menu, then select “Business”.
Forms
Employer Identification Number online application from the IRS
Federal tax information from the IRS
Illinois tax information from the Illinois Department of Revenue
Forms for Illinois Businesses
Professional Licensing in Illinois
Licenses regulated by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation and the Department of Labor
Local and Area Business Resources
SCORE Peoria
Turner Center for Small Business Bradley University
Peoria Chamber of Commerce
Illinois Business Financial Services Peoria office
Heart of Illinois Better Business Bureau
Economic Development Council for Central Illinois
More Business Resources
Small Business Majority advocacy group founded and run by small business owners
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Illinois Secretary of State Business Services
SCORE free small business advice
U.S. Small Business Administration
OSHA's small business page
Wall Street Journal small business centerhttp://www.entrepreneur.com/
Entrepreneur magazine
This online version of the critically acclaimed biographical series covers more than 12,000 authors and illustrators of works for children and young adults, ranging from established award winners to those who are just beginning their careers.
Please use your Peoria Public Library Card for remote access. This resource is case sensitive, so be sure to capitalize the "D."
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!
What's the story behind your name? What games did you play as a child? What's your grandmother's secret recipe, the neighborhood's ghost story, or the joke that gets told at every family gathering?
Folklore permeates the everyday lives of people around the world. We inherit a rich tradition of holidays, festivals, language, stories and fairy tales, proverbs, foodways, and folk remedies that define our society and our place within it. World Folklore and Folklife provides an exciting and accessible way to explore this vast and growing treasury of knowledge.
Subjects include:
•Celebrations and Rituals
•Food and Drink
•Holidays and Festivals
•Music and Dance
•Religion and Belief
•Tales, Myths, and Urban Legends
•Traditional Arts and Crafts
All content is fully-indexed and cross-searchable, and the user-friendly interface makes searching or browsing quick and effective.
Please sign in if you are accessing this resource from outside of the library. |
Username: peoriapatron Password: peoriapatron |
The Value Line Research Center includes all of the same content as its traditional print Investment and Small & Midcap Surveys, including detailed reports and analyst commentaries on approximately 1,700 stocks. These commentaries include rankings on timeliness and safety.
In addition to traditional content, however, the Value Line Research Center also offers features unique to the online version, such as a custom reports tool, customizable stock screening, and portfolio tracking features.
Please use your Peoria Public Library Card number for remote access
Need help using this resource? Ask a librarian!
You can call (309) 497-2000 between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday to get help from Peoria Public Library Reference staff.
You can also email questions to Peoria Public Library staff anytime using our Ask a Librarian form. Library staff will respond as soon as possible (generally within one business day).
Or stop in and talk to a REAL person at any one of our library locations!
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