All Resources

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A

ABCmouse.com - use this link at the library

3,500+ interactive books, educational games, puzzles, and other learning activities. For ages 2-7. From Age of Learning, Inc.

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ABCmouse.com - use this link from home

After entering your library card number, you will be asked to create an account with your email address and a password. If you are using a mobile device, you will be prompted to download the app. If you are using a computer, you will be directed to the website after creating an account. Access is free through your library.

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Academic Search Premier

Multidisciplinary research database, providing acclaimed full-text journals, magazines and other valuable resources.

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Access Video on Demand

Find world-class documentaries, independent films, educational and instructional videos & more. Sources include HBO, PBS, BBC, History Channel, A&E, National Geographic & Ken Burns.

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Adult Learning Center from HelpNow

Live one-on-one coaching to improve your computer skills on MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Also includes resume writing assistance and practice tests for the GED and U.S. Citizenship Test.

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African-American History from Infobase

Available through Black History month.

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ALLDATA In-library only

Automotive database covering vehicles from 1982 to the present.

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American Kennel Club Digital Library & Archives

Search the complete run of the AKC Gazette, the official journal of the sport of dogs since 1889, and over 100 years of catalogs from dog shows & events hosted by AKC clubs across the country.

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Ancestry Library Edition In-library only

This is the library version of Ancestry.com. It allows you to search billions of genealogy records from the U.S. and around the world in a single search.

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ArtistWorks

Step-by-step instructional videos for learning to play musical instruments. PLEASE NOTE: ArtistWorks is now accessible in the Libby App. Click here to get the Libby app. Log in with your library card. Click here to get the desktop version. Scroll down & find it in "Extras"

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B

BiblioBoard

Illinois residents have access to thousands of e-resources free of charge & no library card is required. Enjoy ebooks, images & videos – the collection includes classic fiction, children’s fiction, graphic novels, Chicago authors and much more. Download the BiblioBoard app (from the iTunes app store for iOS or from the Google Play Store for Android). Create an account profile and be able to access the collections while outside of Illinois. You will also have the ability to download content for offline reading, and to add bookmarks and notes.

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Biography In Context

Meet someone new with Biography in Context Learn about people from all walks of life including athletes, entertainers, politicians, historical figures, authors and many others.

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Black Americans in Gale in Context Biography

Portraits of 561 prominent Black Americans.

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Black Freedom Struggle in the United States: Challenges and Triumphs in the Pursuit of Equality

3,000 documents focused on six different phases of Black Freedom: Slavery and the Abolitionist Movement (1790-1860); The Civil War and the Reconstruction Era (1861-1877); Jim Crow Era from 1878 to the Great Depression (1878-1932); The New Deal and World War II (1933-1945); The Civil Rights and Black Power Movements (1946-1975); The Contemporary Era (1976-2000)

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BookBrowse

An online magazine for booklovers - including reviews, previews, "behind the book" backstories, author interviews, reading guides, and much more.

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BookFLIX

Explore a variety of classic video storybooks and related nonfiction eBooks in one of nine learning categories. Also includes Spanish titles and educational games. For grades Pre-K – 3.

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Book Index with Reviews

Information on over 5 million book titles from publications including Library Journal, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist and others.

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BookPage

Find expert book recommendations for the best books to read in all genres. Free access to current and prior issues. To sign up to receive reading recommendations in your favorite genres, click here

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Britannica Library

Enhanced version of Encyclopedia Britannica with a world atlas, primary source documents, historical highlights and media updates.

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Britannica Library for Children

Enhanced version of Encyclopedia Britannica geared to primary grades. Includes world atlas, primary source documents, and recommended web sites.

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Britannica Library for Young Adults

Includes primary source documents and historical highlights among search results.

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Business eBooks

A collection of business eBooks, including Business Plans.

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C

Chess Tutoring with Live Tutors from Brainfuse

Learn the basics of chess, strategies, tactics and maneuvers. Click on Expert Help, then Featured Service. Tutors available 3:00pm -9:00 pm

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Chicago Community Coverage

Explore and stay informed on local and state topics, people and events in areas such as business, health, education, jobs and careers, political and social issues and more. Includes the Chicago Sun-Times, Crain's Chicago Business, Daily Herald, Des Plaines Journal and other Illinois newspapers.

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Chicago Sun-Times from NewsBank

Explore Chicago history through local news, events and people with the Chicago Sun-Times Collection from 1986-Current. 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.

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Chicago Tribune

Full text from 1985 to the present. Includes obituaries.

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Chicago Tribune 1849–1999 (Proquest Historical Newspapers)

This digitized, full text version of the newspaper includes photographs, ads and obituaries from 1849–1999.

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Chicago Tribune from PressReader

Read today’s Chicago Tribune in full-page format, with photographs and ads.

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Complete Resource Guide for People with Disabilities, 2024

Information resources for people with disabilities, supplemented with statistics.

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Consumer Health Complete

Supports the information needs of patients and fosters an overall understanding of health-related topics & provides content covering all key areas of health and wellness - from mainstream medicine to the many perspectives of complementary and holistic medicine.

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Consumer Reports

We offer free access to ConsumerReports.org to anyone at the library and to Des Plaines residents from home. You'll find ratings and recommendations on appliances, electronics, cars, travel and more.

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Consumers’ Checkbook - in library

This is a good source for local consumer information for the home, cars, health care (including physicians & dentists) personal services and more. It includes Chicago Consumers' Checkbook. You'll be asked to register with Consumers' Checkbook for home use. Watch our video Help With Finding Good Service Providers!

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Contemporary Authors

Entries on thousands of authors with full text articles.

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Creativebug

Stay Crafty with Creativebug More than 1,000 award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.

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D

Daily Herald from NewsBank

Search full-text articles on local news, issues, events, people and more from current and archived issues of the Daily Herald.

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Data Axle Reference Solutions - formerly ReferenceUSA

A directory of information on U.S. and Canadian companies including job listings and new businesses. Also has residential listings and a physician/dentist directory.

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Depression Handbook & Resource Guide

Information for anyone struggling with depression – one of the most common mental health illnesses in the U.S. - including family and friends of individuals who are suffering from depression and related mental health issues. For those providing care and support to individuals with depression, this resource provides easy-to-understand and helpful information and connects readers to many sources of support. From Salem Press - find it under "Health."

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Des Plaines Journal from NewsBank

Search full-text articles on local news, issues, events, people and more from current and archived issues of the Des Plaines Journal 2010 - current.

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Des Plaines Memory

An online collection of photographs, postcards, letters and more all detailing Des Plaines' rich history. A great tool for doing historical and genealogical research.

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DMV Practice Tests - Free

Free DMV permit practice tests: car, motorcycle & CDL.

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E

EBSCOhost

Search multiple EBSCO databases including MasterFILE Premier, Academic Search Premier, Book Index with Reviews, History Reference Center, BIR Entertainment and more at the same time.

Economist in PressReader

Users have unlimited access in the library and 24 hours of access from home (including for downloads.) Issues may be downloaded or read again after 24 hours. 90-day backfile available.

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Encyclopedia of Chicago

The electronic version of the Encyclopedia of Chicago covers Chicago and the surrounding metropolitan area. The encyclopedia is a work of the Newberry Library and the Chicago Historical Society.

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Experiment Central

Detailed information on more than 300 science experiments for upper elementary and older students. Search by key word or by alphabetical list of science topics.

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Explora

Browse topics of interest or search for a topic of your choice to find articles, primary source documents and videos. Search results can be limited to magazines, news, biographies and more.

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Explora Primary Schools

An easy way to find out about everything from animals to current events. Search by keyword or topic. Perfect for research projects!

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Explora Secondary Schools

Articles, videos, images, primary source documents and more. For high school research projects and homework.

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F

FamilySearch.org - DPPL is now an affiliate library! In-library only

As an affiliate library, DPPL is able to offer access to FamilySearch’s two billion digitized records plus about 400 million original records not available to the public outside the library. These digital records include images and names indexes. Users must create an account to use this database. FamilySearch

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Financial Literacy for Teens

Learn about: Making a Budget - Renting an Apartment - Career Advancement Checking Accounts - Managing Debt - Identity Theft Buying a Car-Saving for College -Becoming an Investor

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FirstSearch

13 databases, including ArticleFirst, ERIC, WorldCat, GPO and MEDLINE.

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Fold3

Convenient access to US military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served. Historical documents like the National Archives Holocaust Records are also included. A useful tool for historians, genealogists, researchers, military enthusiasts, veterans and their families and teachers.

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Freegal Music

Freegal Music is a music service that provides access to 15 million songs and it is free with your library card. This streaming service is available 24 hours a day with no advertising!

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Gale Courses

Online courses on a wide range of topics including technology, computer applications, accounting, law, web design, healthcare and personal enrichment. Foreign language courses for Spanish, French, Italian & Japanese are also offered. New classes begin every month and last for six weeks. To get started, create an account with your Des Plaines library card. Certificates of completion are available for some courses.

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Gale eBooks - formerly Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL)

Thousands of specialized reference sources. Search the entire collection or a particular subject area.

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Gale PowerSearch

Search for articles and book excerpts in Biography in Context, Gale eBooks at the same time using PowerSearch.

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Health Care from Data Axle Reference Solutions (formerly Reference USA)

Information on 650,000 U.S. physicians and dentists.

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Health & Medicine Collection

A collection of eBooks on health & medicine.

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HelpNow

Free online homework help for users of all ages. The site provides study tools such as video lessons, practice tests, and virtual flashcards in reading and math for students in K – 2 grade and all core subjects in higher grades along with access to virtual tutors, an interactive writing lab, assistance in filling out FAFSA applications, and career support. Spanish speaking tutors are available: tutoría en español.

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HelpNow (en español)

AYUDA GRATIS EN LÍNEA para estudiantes, Grados K–12

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Heritage Hub

HeritageHub provides access to hundreds of years of obituaries and death notices from thousands of newspapers across the United States. This one-of-a-kind collection helps patrons and family historians uncover new family members and understand family relationships on a deeper level than ever before.

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Heritage Quest Online

Explore local histories, mine census data and search thousands of other records to find your ancestors and build your family tree.

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History Collection

A collection of history eBooks.

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History Reference Center

Covering both U.S. and world history topics, History Reference Center is a full-text database featuring historical reference books, magazines, journals and thousands of primary source documents.

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Hoopla

Borrow digital movies, music and audiobooks with your Des Plaines library card. No holds, no fees. Stream through your internet.

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I

inkie.org

A suite of resources available to everyone in Illinois at no charge. It offers local authors and creators an outlet to format and publish their books and provides access to self-published materials.

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Investment Newsletters

The library receives several investor newsletters. Many of these may be accessed online, but only while in the library.

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Investopedia

An award-winning site that helps first time investors, experienced investors, business owners, professionals, financial advisors, and executives looking to improve their knowledge and skills. Free website.

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K

Kanopy

This streaming service includes independent, foreign, classic & documentary films. Over 30,000 films are offered, including The Criterion Collection, Media Education Foundation, The Great Courses, New Day Films and more. A Des Plaines Library card number is required to sign up.

Kanopy Kids

Includes Oscar® nominated family films, PBS kids favorites, literary classic adaptations: Where The Wild Things Are, Johnny Appleseed, Little Red Hen & more.

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L

Legal Forms Library

Free forms for divorce, leases, wills, power of attorney, name changes, leases and more.

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LibraryAware Newsletters

Sign up for LibraryAware newsletters on your favorite genre or topic and get new book suggestions delivered directly to your inbox.

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Life Magazine Archive (1936-2000)

More than 2,200 issues. Covers international & American current events.

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Literature Criticism - Gale eBooks

Resources on a variety of topics in literary criticism and individual works.

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Literature - Search Modern Novelists, Poems, Short Stories & more

A collection of eBooks and other resources on literature and literary criticism. From Gale Cengage Learning.

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LOTE4Kids – Storytime in other languages

Digital books in 65+ languages with English translations. Languages include Spanish, Polish, Gujarati, Italian, French & Ukrainian. Listen & read along! Download the LOTE4Kids App

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Mango Languages

Mango offers a variety of fun ways to help you learn another language, including English. A voice comparison feature compares your pronunciation to a native speaker’s. Use it on your computer or tablet or on your cellphone, by downloading the mobile app.

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MasterFILE Premier

Full text for periodicals covering general reference, business, health, education and science. Links to video files including television shows like the Today Show and Meet the Press. Full text from reference books and more.

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Medigap from Weiss Ratings

Build Your Own Customized Medicare Supplement Insurance Planner. Get step-by-step guidance on how to select a Medigap insurance plan, which plans are right for you and which insurance company has the lowest rates. CLICK HERE to watch a video presentation from Weiss ratings.

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Medline

You'll find article citations for all areas of medicine, mainly for the medical profession. Produced by the National Library of Medicine.

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Morningstar.com Library Edition

Stock and mutual fund research database for the individual investor.

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MyHeritage Library Edition

Includes birth, death and marriage records; the complete U.S. and U.K. censuses; immigration, military and tombstone records; and nearly 5 billion family tree profiles. More than 14 billion historical ​records from all over the world.

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National Geographic

This searchable archive of over 100 years of National Geographic magazine (1888–present) includes every page and every photograph from the iconic, award winning magazine.

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National Geographic Kids

Explore amazing adventures in science, nature, culture, archaeology, and space. Best for children aged 6–14.

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NewspaperArchive

Find historical newspaper articles from 1607 - present, births, deaths, and more. Search billions of records by location or newspaper title to help you find exactly who or what you are looking for. Includes a large collection of Illinois newspapers, including the Daily Herald.

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Newspapers.com - Library Edition

Historical newspapers archive from the 1700's - 2000's - 4,000+ news titles from the U.S. and around the world. For researchers, historians, genealogists, teachers and students.

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Newspaper Source

Full text from hundreds of U.S. and international newspapers.

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New York Times

Full text from 1980 to the present.

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New York Times All Access - free, unlimited access to NYT.com AT THE LIBRARY. This includes News, Games, Cooking, Wirecutter & The Athletic. In-library only

Unlimited access to the NYTimes.com on any device during your visit. This includes News, Games, Cooking, Wirecutter & The Athletic. To activate your "subscription," you’ll need to log in or register first.

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New York Times All Access - free, unlimited access to NYT.com OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY. This includes News, Games, Cooking, Wirecutter & The Athletic.

To activate your access, click on "Redeem," then log in or register. You'll have 24 hours of unlimited access to News, Games, Cooking, Wirecutter & The Athletic before you will need to reactivate your "subscription."

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Niche Academy Tutorials

Tutorials on how to use several library databases, how to get a library card and more.

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NoveList Plus

Helps you find new fiction and nonfiction books to read by searching favorite authors, titles, subjects, and genres.

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NoveList Plus K–8

Helps you find new fiction books to read by searching favorite authors, titles, subjects, and genres. For children in grades K-8.

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O

Overdrive/Digital Library of Illinois

Downloadable audiobooks, ebooks and videos. Available with your DPPL card. Play/view items on your computer or see the list of compatible devices. mp3 audiobooks will play on Apple iPods. Quick reference guide.

Overdrive Magazines

Read full digital copies of your favorite magazines with the Overdrive service. Download the Overdrive Libby App or read on your computer.

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PressReader

You'll find current newspapers and magazines in several languages, presented in full-page format with photographs, advertisements, crossword puzzles and cartoons. This is a great way to read international news or develop your skills with another language. To create an account, click on Sign in, then Library or Group & select DP Public Library.

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ProCitizen | Preparación para obtener la ciudadanía estadounidense

Si ya tienes un nombre de estudiante y contraseña de Pronunciator, puedes iniciar sesión a continuación. De lo contrario, regístrate donde dice "¿Es tu primera vez aquí?" y recibirás un nombre de estudiante y contraseña que funcionán tanto para Pronunciator como ProCitizen.

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ProCitizen | Preparing you for U.S. Citizenship

If you already have a Pronunciator student name and password, you can log in below. If you don't, register under "First time here?" and you'll receive a student name and password that will work for both Pronunciator and ProCitizen!

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Pronunciator

Pronunciator is a fun way to learn any of 80 languages with self-directed lessons, live teachers, movies, music, and more. ESL courses are available for speakers of several languages. For adults and children. For children's courses, select a language & click on Learners Guides. Our subscription also includes free access to the Bluebird app!

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Pronunciator Español

Pronunciator es una forma divertida de aprender cualquiera de los 87 idiomas con lecciones autodirigidas, profesores en vivo, películas, música y mucho más. Los cursos de inglés como segunda lengua están disponibles para hablantes de varios idiomas. Para adultos y niños. (Haga clic aquí para obtener más información.)

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Public Records from Record Information Services

Contains public record data for new businesses, real estate transactions, home foreclosures, bankruptcies and more in Illinois.

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ReferenceUSA/Data Axle Reference Solutions

A directory of information on U.S. and Canadian companies including job listings and new businesses. Also has residential listings and a physician/dentist directory.

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Reflejos - LA VOZ SUBURBANA DE LOS HISPANOS

Hay copias impresas gratuitas disponibles en el cuarto piso de la biblioteca. Free print copies are available on the 4th floor of the library.

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S

Salem Press (Greyhouse) - Resources for History & Literature

Masterplots, Magill's Literary Annual, Current Events in History, Decades and more.

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Shelf (The) en español - miles de películas y series en español

Disfruta del mejor contenido premium en streaming. La primera vez que acceda a The Shelf, cree una nueva cuenta antes de ingresar su número de tarjeta de la biblioteca.

Shelf (The) - Kids

Enjoy unlimited viewing of the best children's series, podcasts, audiobooks, and video games, all with high educational content.

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Shelf (The) - Streaming Service with content in Spanish & English

Movies & series in Spanish with English subtitles. Also includes English language movies. The first time you access The Shelf, please create a new account before you enter your library card number.

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Shelf (The) - ZONA KIDS

Disfruta visualización ilimitada de las mejores series infantiles, podcasts, audiolibros, y videojuegos, de alto contenido educativo.

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Teachables from Scholastic

Printables, lessons, mini-books & more. Teaching resources for every subject K-8. Search by grade level, subject, state standards, theme and/or genre. Includes classroom management tools and clip art.

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Teacher Reference Center

Indexing and abstracts for 280 of the most popular teacher and administrator journals and magazines to assist professional educators.

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Time Magazine Archive (1923-2000)

Over 4,000 issues of the popular magazine.

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TumbleBook Library

A collection of animated, talking picture books, puzzles and games. Includes books in Spanish and French. For best results, use Chrome on desktop computers.

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U

Udemy: presented by Gale - On-Demand Learning for In-Demand Skills

Thousands of online video courses covering business, technology (Office, Windows, coding, etc.,) Test Prep (GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, IT Certifications & more) as well as personal development & foreign language instruction. Courses are available in several languages including Spanish & Polish. You will need a Google or Microsoft account to create an account & sign in to Udemy. Watch Video To learn how to use the "Udemy for Business" app for iOS or Android click here

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Universal Class

Access to over 500 video-based courses - everything from ABC's of Algebra to Yoga 101. First time users need to create an account. Once you're logged in you will have access to the course catalog and be able to start a class. CEU (Continuing Education Units) Certificates are available. Please note: Universal Class is also accessible on the Libby App - Get the Libby app or use it in your browser. Find Universal Class in "Extras."

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U.S. Major Dailies

Access to major U.S. newspapers including The New York Times, Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. The content is available by 8am each day and provides archives stretching as far back as 1985.

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Value Line Dividend Select: Income & Growth

Monthly recommendations for companies with a high-quality dividend paying growth stock.

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Value Line Research Center

The latest information on stocks, mutual funds, special situation stocks, options and convertible securities. Research reports from the various Value Line Survey publications may be viewed, printed and downloaded.

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Wall Street Journal

Full text from 1984 to the present.

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Wall Street Journal - Paywall-free access to WSJ.com

From home, enter your DPPL card number and click ‘Login’ to begin your free access. Create a wsj.com account, or log in to an existing account. Please note: Your access will be available for the next 3 days. After 3 days, simply come back and click the above link again and login as an existing user with the same username and password you originally created. Four year backfile. This service does not include WSJ mobile app access nor WSJ+ content.

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Washington Post

Full-text from 1987 to the present.

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Washington Post - paywall free access at the library In-library only

Unlimited free access to The Washington Post website while you're in the library.

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Washington Post - paywall-free access to The Washington Post outside the library

Create a free account with an email address & password, or log in to your existing account. This process must be repeated every 7 days for continued access to the Washington Post website.

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Weiss/Financial Ratings Series

Find out how your bank or credit union is doing by checking its financial strength rating. You can also find ratings for mutual funds and stocks. Consumer guides for auto, health, homeowner's and long-term care insurance are also included.

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WorldCat

Millions of library records in over 400 languages. Use for interlibrary loans – Des Plaines cardholders only.

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WorldCat.org

Instant access to the WorldCat catalog, which searches libraries across the country & beyond. Find books, music, videos and more and then locate them in a library nearby.

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