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"

 Need help using this resource?  Ask a librarian or check out this basic searching tutorial. 

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.

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.

 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 Help – One-on-one assistance for K-College students in a variety of subjects
• Skills Building - Brush up or catch up on specific skills with a live tutor
• Writing Lab - Submit written assignments to receive feedback from tutors
• Question Point - A 24/7 service; submit a question and receive a response from a tutor within 24 hours
• Language Lab - Live help for with your Spanish class. More language choices are on the way, but see Mango Languages for more comprehensive language learning!

(Live Tutors are available Mon – Sun 2:00-11:00 PM CST)

Study

• Test Center – Prepare for state and national exams using official practice tests
• FlashBulb - Create and share study games, from traditional flash cards to more unique study games, like Hangman, Bug Match, Crossword, and more!
• NEW CloudPack - Compile and store notes, links, and other study materials in your own virtual backpack (saved in the cloud with a free Learning Account)

Collaborate

• Meet classmates in Brainfuse chatrooms to study or work on group projects remotely
• Brainwave – Create and share movie-like notes and ideas

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

• Resume Templates - JobNow provides several professionally formatted resume templates that you can use to frame your personal resume content. 
• Resume Lab – Submit your resume to the experts in the resume lab for review.  They will provide feedback within 24 hours.

Live Career Assistance

• One-on-one interview coaching that can help you ace your next interview!
• Specialized tip sheets can also advise you on what to do before, during, and after the interview to help ensure your meeting is successful.

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.

 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.

 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:

• What documents should I have when I go to apply for my license in Illinois?
• How do I renew my Illinois license?
• When can I take my Illinois permit test?

And so much more!  Just click here to get started!

These are the databases accessed through FirstSearch:

General Databases

• WorldCat - Books and other materials in libraries worldwide.
• Article1st - Index of articles from nearly 12,500 journals.

Specialized Databases

• Clase Periodica - Index of Latin American journals in science and humanities.
• Ebooks - Catalog of online electronic books available through libraries worldwide.
• ECO - A collection of scholarly journals.
• ERIC - Journal articles and reports in education.
• GPO - U.S. Government publications.
• MEDLINE - Abstracted articles from medical journals.
• OAIster - A union catalog of more than 19 million digital resources.
• PapersFirst - An index of papers presented at conferences.
• Proceedings - An index of conference publications.
• WorldAlmanac - The World Almanacs.

 
        At the library or Remote user

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!

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.

At the library or Remote user

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.

 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.

At the library or Remote User

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!

 At the library or Remote user

 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!

            At the library or Remote user

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

At the 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.

At the library or Remote user

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!

At the library                     Remote User

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!

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.

	NoveList Plus in the Library NoveList Plus Remote User
	NoveList Plus K-8 in the Library NoveList Plus K-8 Remote User

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.

At the library or remote user

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!

          At the library or Remote user

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.

At the library          Remote user

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.

   At the library

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!

In-Library Access              Remote User

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

Library Catalog

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

Downloadable Media Catalog

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.

 At the library or Remote user

      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!

Gale’s Testing & Education Reference Center (TERC) is a multi-purpose educational resource, helping students and professionals with:

• Test Preparation – TERC offers study guides and practice tests covering a wide variety of standardized student and professional certification tests, like: AP tests, GED, ACT, SAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, ASVAB, NCLEX-RN, Clerical, Postal worker, and TOEFL, U.S. Citizenship, and many others.
• Career Guidance and Preparation – In addition to test prep resources, TERC offers several professional tools, like the Virtual Career Library and Resume Builder.  These resources can help you find the right career path, prepare for interviews, and succeed in your chosen position.

                At the library or Remote User

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!

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.

At the library or remote user

Please use your Peoria Public Library Card number for remote access

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.

Explore this resource NOW!