Learn & Research

Business, Jobs, & Investing

Businesses

AtoZdatabases
Search this online database to find millions of consumer and business records, including over 7 million high-paying jobs!

Business Source Elite
Covers business, management, economics, banking, finance, and accounting. Materials indexed include scholarly and peer-reviewed journals.

Small Business Source
Offers exclusive full-text small business reference books, including a large collection of Nolo Business Guides, and tools to address many small business topics. Includes business videos, a help and advice section, and details on how to create business plans.

Regional Business News
Provides full-text regional business publications for the United States and Canadian provinces. Users can search newspapers, magazines, and other resources from trusted news sources.

Jobs

AtoZdatabases
Search this online database to find millions of consumer and business records and over 7 million high-paying jobs!

JobNow
JobNow offers essential job search support with tools like job searching, resume templates, professional resume reviews, and live interview coaching daily from 2 pm to 11 pm.

Legal

Legal Information Source
Navigate legal matters with reliable “how-to” information and thousands of federal, multi-state, and state-specific legal forms. It includes the full text and complete forms from the latest, up-to-date editions of Nolo Press books, written by lawyers for consumers and small businesses.

Financial Tools

Weiss Financial Ratings
Provides valuable financial literacy tools to help you track stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs. Find the right banks, insurance, or financial products for you. Includes Medigap Reports.

Career Prep

Fiero Code
Offers a comprehensive curriculum in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and more. It’s gamified, self-paced, and perfect for all ages—from kids to adults. Now includes front-end web development with React, back-end development with Node.js, version control with Git and Github, full-stack development with React, Node.js, and SQL, and career development.

LearningExpress
Over 700 courses, practice tests, tutorials, eBooks, and flashcards. Practice tests include ACT, SAT, PSAT, and TOEFL, as well as trade certification, civil service, math and reading tests, and U.S. citizenship. Includes a resume builder, job and career center, and basic computer skills.

LinkedIn Learning
Watch thousands of step-by-step online video tutorials on software, apps, media, marketing, business, and technology.

DIY & Crafts

Auto Repair Source
Powered by the automotive experts at MOTOR, contains step-by-step repair information, diagrams, maintenance schedules, parts and labor estimates, service bulletins and recall notices for all makes and models, with some model years going back to the 1970s.

Creativebug
Creativebug offers online video arts and crafts workshops and techniques. Learn how to paint, knit, crochet, sew, screenprint, and more.

Hobbies and Crafts Source
A DIY database of leading full-text hobby and craft magazines, hobby profiles, recipes, and videos to inspire creativity and nurture extra-curricular interests. Subjects include arts and crafts, collecting, cooking and baking, holiday crafts, home and garden, needlecrafts and textiles, and more.

Home Improvement Source

Your source for “how-to” information on various do-it-yourself home improvement and repair projects.

Small Engine Repair Source
Offers assistance in providing routine maintenance and extensive repairs and allows users to search by product type, brand, model/engine type, specific area of model/engine type, and model numbers.

Explore & Learn

General Reference

Britannica Library. Reference Center
An enhanced version of Encyclopedia Britannica with a world atlas, primary source documents, historical highlights, and media updates.

Explora Public Library
Quickly find the reliable information you need to complete homework and research projects, and satisfy your intellectual curiosity. Includes Biography Reference Source, History Reference Source, ERIC, Academic Search Elite, Points of View Reference Source, Science Reference Source, Health Source, and more.

Hiveclass
Sports Training and Physical Education Encyclopedia. Hiveclass offers short, high-quality video lessons in sports, fitness, and wellness for all ages. Learn from pro coaches across sports like soccer, dance, tennis, pickleball, mindfulness, and more—with new content added regularly.

Legal Information Source
Navigate legal matters of all kinds with reliable “how-to” information and thousands of federal, multi-state, and state-specific legal forms. It includes the full text and complete forms from the latest, up-to-date editions of Nolo Press books, written by lawyers for consumers and small businesses.

Classes

Bendable
What do you want to learn? One-stop searching for hundreds of classes, both subscription-based ones you need a library card to access and free online courses. Library card required: HelpNow/Brainfuse, LinkedIn Learning, Mango Languages, LearningExpress. No library card needed: Common Threads, Coursera, DigitalLearn.org, edX, GCF Global, GetSetUp, Khan Academy, SCORE, Sokanu.

HelpNow
HelpNow provides personalized homework help in core subjects for students from kindergarten to college. They can connect with live tutors daily from 2 pm to 11 pm in English or Spanish using a virtual whiteboard. The platform also offers skills-building, test preparation, and assignment feedback services. For independent learners, HelpNow provides collaborative tools like Meet and Brainwave. Additionally, an Adult Learning Center offers various resources for adult learners, including GED prep, citizenship test support, resume assistance, Microsoft Office help, and more.

Kuzko History
A history learning resource, created in collaboration with the popular podcast Bedtime History for Kids. Designed for early elementary students, Kuzko offers engaging video lessons, interactive questions, and hands-on activities that can be led by teachers, librarians, or parents—making history easy to teach and fun to learn.

LinkedIn Learning
Watch thousands of online courses to learn in-demand skills from real-world industry experts.

Pronunciator
Pronunciator is a fun and comprehensive web-based language learning platform offering courses in 160+ languages (and ESL for speakers of 50+ languages). Learn at your own pace with self-directed lessons, personalized courses, quizzes, and voice analysis tools to improve your pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills.

Help

CollegeNow
Online counselors assist students with college admissions, aiding in school selection, personal statement writing, interview preparation, and financial aid advice. Live support is offered daily from 2 pm to 11 pm.

HelpNow
HelpNow provides personalized homework help in core subjects for students from kindergarten to college. You can connect with live tutors daily from 2 pm to 11 pm in English or Spanish using a virtual whiteboard. The platform also offers skills building, test preparation, and assignment feedback services. For independent learners, HelpNow provides collaborative tools like Meet and Brainwave. Additionally, an Adult Learning Center offers various resources for adult learners, including GED prep, citizenship test support, resume assistance, Microsoft Office help, and more.

VetNow
VetNow is dedicated to aiding veterans and their families in navigating the complex VA bureaucracy, offering academic tutoring, and facilitating a smooth transition to employment. You can access live assistance from 2 pm to 11 pm daily.

Consumer Information

Consumer Reports
Provides unbiased product reviews that help you make an informed purchase.

Wirecutter from The New York Times
Choose products confidently with reviews and real-world testing.

Health Information

Alt-HealthWatch
Alt Healthwatch is a full-text alternative health research database focused on complementary, holistic, and integrated approaches to health care and wellness. It offers the latest information about the evolving practice of holistic medicine and therapies

Health Source – Consumer Edition
This rich collection of consumer health information provides access to full-text consumer health magazines. It also includes searchable full text for current health pamphlets.

Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition
Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition is a trusted full-text database covering nursing and allied health topics, including pediatric nursing, critical care, mental health, nursing management, medical law and more.

Teaching/Homeschool

Educate Station
Offers a full curriculum for Pre-K – 5th Grade, presented in a recommended learning sequence of printable packets. The primary subjects are English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Social-Emotional Learning. Leave the planning to Educate Station with our Weekly and Monthly Learning Plans!

Scholastic Teachables
An online tool with thousands of searchable and printable, ready-to-use educational materials for educators and parents. Resources include worksheets, lesson plans, games and puzzles, skill sheets, and more for grades K-8.

Genealogy

Ancestry.com
For In-library use only! Access thousands of databases and billions of images from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Chicago Daily News Historical Archive
Research Chicago history with coverage from 1875-1978. Primary source of information to examine events, issues, and daily life, featuring archived full newspaper pages.

Fold3
Provides access to US military records, from the Revolutionary War onward, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served. In-house link.

HeritageHub
Explore your family history with the premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices for in-depth genealogical research from 1704 – today. Includes in-depth coverage from all 50 states, hard-to-find content from the mid-1900s, and original obituary images.

HeritageQuest Online
Find census data, family records, and local histories.

Newspapers.com
An extensive database that provides online access to historical newspapers from nearly 60 locations in the U.S. and worldwide. In-house link.

Homework Help

Grades 3-8

Britannica Library. Children
An encyclopedia for primary grades, includes a world atlas, primary source documents, images and videos, and biographies.

Explora Primary Schools
Primary Search is a full-text database of carefully curated content for elementary students. It includes full text for the most popular children’s magazines, e-books, and easy-to-read encyclopedic entries written specifically for kids.

PebbleGo Next
An online database for grades 3–5 with curriculum-aligned articles on topics like Indigenous Peoples’ History, U.S. States, Science, Social Studies, and Biographies. It offers read-aloud audio, text highlighting, videos, games, and interactive activities to support digital literacy, deeper learning, and engagement.

Teachables
An online database of thousands of searchable and printable, ready-to-use educational materials for educators and parents. Resources include worksheets, lesson plans, games and puzzles, skill sheets, and more for all grades K-8. Only Grayslake Library cardholders can access.

Grades 6-12

Britannica Library. Young Adults
For middle and high schoolers, provides primary source documents and historical highlights among search results.

Explora Secondary Schools
Learn about a variety of subjects for Middle School and High School students. Perfect for Homework Help.

Kids' Resources

Access child-friendly learning resources in these databases. (Ages 0-12)

ABCmouse Home Access
You can now access ABCMouse from home with your library card and PIN. When you log in, you will create an account for your household to share. Access an award-winning online curriculum, containing thousands of interactive books and learning activities. (Ages 2-8) In-library access link (no card required).

Britannica Library. Children
An encyclopedia for primary grades. Includes a world atlas, primary source documents, images and videos, and biographies

Britannica Library. Young Adults
For middle and high schoolers. Includes primary source documents and historical highlights among search results.

Explora Secondary Schools
Learn about a variety of subjects for Middle School and High School students. Perfect for Homework Help.

Fiero Code
A self-paced learn-to-code software for kids ages 8-18. And check our program listings for our own Code Club.

NoveList K-8 Plus
Find your next favorite book with this useful database for younger readers.

PebbleGo
An online encyclopedia for preK–2 students with kid-friendly articles including animals, biographies, health, science, and social studies. It includes read-aloud audio, text highlighting, and activities to support young learners.

eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more for kids

LOTE4Kids
Offers animated picture books and audiobooks in 65+ languages with English translations, helping young kids learn new languages through native narration and interactive features.

BookFlix
An online resource pairing animated storybooks with nonfiction eBooks for early readers (PreK–3), featuring read-aloud narration, vocabulary help, and interactive games.

Tumblebook Library
An online collection of animated, talking picture books, read-alongs, graphic novels, games, and more—perfect for kids learning to read. Some titles are also available in Spanish and French.

Comics Plus
Enjoy unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; on your computer, tablet, or phone. No holds. No wait lists. No limits.

Libby
App available. Download and enjoy ebooks and eaudiobooks on your computer, tablet or mobile device. Check out fiction and non-fiction ebooks, audiobooks, and comics for all ages.

Hoopla
App available. Stream or temporarily download TV episodes, movies, ebooks, audiobooks, and comics for all ages.

Kanopy
App available. Includes children’s shows and movies in its “Kids” section. Stream on your computer, tablet or mobile device.

Newspapers

Local News, State, and U.S. News

The Chicago Community Collection
Offers 24/7 online access to current and archived news from over 270 Chicago-area sources, including the Chicago Sun-Times, Daily Herald, Lake County News-Sun, and Northwest Herald. Stay informed on local people, events, and issues—anytime, anywhere

Chicago Tribune, Digital Edition
Read current and recent issues of the Chicago Tribune in full-page color format (includes Lake County News-Sun). Create a free Chicago Tribune account to receive 72-hour access or browse the news anonymously for 24 hours. Use your Grayslake Library Barcode and Pin for the Username and Password for home access.

Chicago Tribune, Online Edition
Full website access to today’s Chicago Tribune. Includes news, opinion, sports, and suburban news (including the Lake County News-Sun). Create a free Chicago Tribune account to receive 72-hour access or browse the news anonymously for 24 hours. Use your Grayslake Library Barcode and Pin for the Username and Password for home access.

Daily Herald Collection
Explore news and events of Grayslake with the Daily Herald Collection. Access current and past issues, full-color newspaper pages, and full-text articles online anytime, anywhere. Available remotely 24/7 on any device

Lake County News-Sun Collection
Explore Grayslake through local news and events with the Lake Country New-Sun Collection. Access current and past issues, featuring full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles, and content exclusive to online publication. Available remotely 24/7 on any device.

The New York Times
Unlimited 24-hour access to the full world of The New York Times, including news, Games, Cooking, Wirecutter, and The Athletic. Once your 24-hour access code expires, simply repeat the process from Step 1 to redeem another 24-hour code.

1. Click on the link and your 24-hour access code will auto-populate.
2. Click redeem.
3. Register for a free account or log in to your existing account.

Using the NYT app is recommended. In the library, use this link for News. All other apps will need to use the link above for an access code.

The Northwest Herald Collection
Explore Crystal Lake and McHenry County through local news and events with the Northwest Herald Collection. Search current and archived issues with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online. Available remotely 24/7 on any device.

U.S. Major Dailies
Provides full-text access to the five most respected U.S. national and regional newspapers: The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and the Wall Street Journal.

Historical News

Chicago Sun-Times Historical Collection
Research Chicago history: finding trends, issues, events, advertisements, companies, and more through historical newspaper pages, full-text articles, and content only published online.

Newspapers.com
An extensive database that provides online access to historical newspapers from nearly 60 locations in the U.S. and worldwide. In-house link.