Get access to subscription-based resources that Google can’t offer
Your Oak Park Public Library card and PIN give you access to the online resources listed here. Have questions? Get answers to FAQs, watch how-to videos, read about your data privacy, and contact us »
Need to search multiple resources at once? Use the catalog's Article Search to find full-text results. Let's get started »
Academic Search Complete
Thousands of full-text journal/magazine articles from across the globe, providing access to critical information.
African-American History
A fresh way to explore the full spectrum of African-American history and culture, covering five centuries.
American Indian History
Fast access to more than 15,000 years of culture and history, covering more than 600 Native American groups.
Ancestry Library Edition (in-library use only)
Genealogical information covering the U.S. and the United Kingdom (only available in the Oak Park Public Library).
Article Search
Search multiple resources at once using the catalog’s Article Search to find full-text results.
To search:
- Follow the Article Search link above.
- Confirm that the search box dropdown selectors are set to by all Text and in Articles & Databases.
- Enter your search terms into the search text box.
- Press the Go search button.
AtoZ World Culture
Information about world history, cultures, languages, foods, religions, and more.
Auto Repair Source
Do-it-yourself repair and maintenance information on most major manufacturers of domestic and imported vehicles.
Biography Reference Bank
Full-text articles, images, and abstracts from today’s leading magazines and journals, including in-depth profiles from Current Biography and World Authors, the periodical coverage of Biography Index, and the specialist content of Junior Authors & Illustrators.
Booklist Reader
A monthly book-browsing magazine for avid readers that makes it fun and easy to discover new books. Browse books, audiobooks, and graphic novels by age, topic, or genre in themed, monthly issues and organized lists. Available digitally from anywhere and in print at the Main Library.
Boston Globe
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (October 2003-present), Sunday edition (October 2003-present)
Search (full-text articles): current (1997-present) & historical (1980-1996)
Brainfuse HelpNow
On-demand, anytime, anywhere learning resources for all ages, including:
- Live online help from tutors (available daily from 2 to 11 pm)
- Practice tests for college entrance exams, live assistance filling out FAFSA applications (select Live Tutoring and then choose FAFSA assistance from the Select Grade dropdown)
- Expert writing assistance
- A test center with customized study plans
- A flashcard creator
- A private virtual study room to share
- And more
Free app for iOS and Android available. Need help getting started with the app? Watch a video tutorial »
Business Source Premier
Full-text content and peer-reviewed business journals covering all disciplines of business.
Catalog
Oak Park’s shared public catalog of more than 8 million items from 90 libraries throughout the suburban Chicago area.
Check Illinois
Background checks with search by name, property address, property PIN, or business name, including foreclosures, mortgage records, real estate transactions, building code violations, DUIs, misdemeanors, felonies, tax liens, and more.
Chicago Sun-Times
As of Monday, November 20: Digital scan print editions of the Chicago Sun-Times will no longer be available in PressReader. You still will be able to search full-text articles via NewsBank. Daily editions of the print newspaper will return to the Main Library in January 2024.
Browse (digital scan of print issue): Current (March 2006-present), Sunday edition (October 2018-present)
Search (full-text articles): current full-text articles (1986-present)
Chicago Tribune
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (last 3 issues) & Sunday edition (July 2018-present)
Search (full-text articles): current (1985-present), online edition (2017-present) & historical (1849-1997)
Christian Science Monitor
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (October 2003-present)
Search (full-text articles): current (1980-present)
Consumer Health Complete
Content covering all key areas of health and wellness, from mainstream medicine to the many perspectives of complementary and holistic medicine.
Consumer Reports
Ratings, reviews, recommendations, and buying advice from the source that buyers trust.
Consumers’ Checkbook
Ratings on Chicago-area service providers, such as auto repair shops, plumbers, dentists, banks, and insurance companies.
Creativebug
An inspirational resource for DIY, crafters, and makers with more than 1,000 award-winning art and craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.
CultureGrams
Cultural information on the countries of the world, includes a States Edition with U.S. state facts.
Daily Mail [U.K.]
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (September 2005-present)
Search (full-text articles): current (1998-present)
Daily Star [U.K.]
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (October 2003-present) & Sunday edition (October 2003-present)
Search (full-text articles): current (2015-present)
Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos
Herramienta de referencia en español para niños. Contiene miles de artículos fáciles de leer y repletos de ilustraciones, videos, mapas interactivos y una amplia variedad de juegos y actividades, diseñado para desarrollar las habilidades claves del lenguaje y de investigación.
World Book Encyclopedia for Spanish speakers—with thousands of easy-to-read articles packed with illustrations, videos, interactive maps, and a wide variety of games and activities—designed to develop key language and research skills.
Evening Standard [U.K.]
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (March 2006-present)
Search (full-text articles): current (1998-present)
New! Excel Adult High School Diploma
An opportunity for Oak Park Public Library cardholders ages 20+ to earn a high school diploma (not a GED) virtually and for free through the library.
FamilySearch
Genealogical service that includes over a billion individual ancestral entries worldwide. Additional content—including millions of records and images—is available in-library only.
Get step-by-step instructions on how to set up an account (first-time users must create an account; a library card is not needed but name and birthdate are required):
FirstSearch
Access to 14 databases, including both indexes to articles and books and some full text.
Foundation Directory Online (FDO) (access available at the Main Library only)
Candid’s grant-seeking tool, which includes 232,000+ funder profiles, 18.4+ million grants, 900,000+ grant recipient profiles, and 1+ million key grant decision-makers and leaders, along with contacts, maps, charts, federal grants, requests for proposals (RFPs), and more.
As a Funding Information Network partner, the library provides access to Candid’s websites: Foundation Directory Online and Grants to Individuals, both offering information and resources to assist and strengthen nonprofit organizations.
Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia
Images, maps, and full-text articles on a wide variety of subject areas.
Gale in Context: Biography
Authoritative biographical entries covering international figures from all time periods and areas of study.
Global Newsstream
The most recent global news content, as well as archives that stretch back into the 1980s, featuring content from newspapers, newswires, and news sites—including Barron’s, Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago Business, Daily Herald, Financial Times, The Guardian, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and more—in active full-text format.
Grants to Individuals (GTI) (access available at the Main Library only)
Candid’s tool for students, artists, researchers—and other individual grant seekers—with profiles on 10,000 foundations that provide grants, and details on scholarships, fellowships, and other grants available to individuals.
As a Funding Information Network partner, the library provides access to Candid’s websites: Foundation Directory Online and Grants to Individuals, both offering information and resources to assist and strengthen nonprofit organizations.
GreenFILE
Articles from scholarly and general interest titles focused on the environment, with the ability to limit to full-text or peer-reviewed.
HeritageQuest Online
Genealogical and historical records, including images of US federal census documents.
Historical U.S. Major Dailies
Historical newspaper collection (covering 1849-2016)—including Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post—with easily-searchable first-hand accounts and coverage of the politics, society, and events of the time.
History Reference Center
Full-text historical reference books, magazines, journals, and thousands of primary source documents.
Hobbies & Crafts Source
Detailed how-to instructions and creative ideas for hobby enthusiasts of all kinds, with full-text articles from leading hobby and craft magazines.
Illinois Driver’s Education Test Preparation »
Online Illinois DMV permit sample test and Illinois Driver’s Handbook.
La Raza [Chicago]
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (January 2008-present)
Search (full-text articles): current (2007-present)
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
Online learning platform with video tutorials to learn business, software, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals.
- Having trouble logging in? Always use the link provided above to start your LinkedIn Learning session. If you have trouble logging in, try clearing the cache and cookies on your browser. Contact us with questions »
- Get step-by-step instructions on how to set up an account:
- Free app available for iOS () and Android (). After downloading and opening the app on your device, follow the directions below to sign in (view a step-by-step graphic):
- Select the Sign in button.
- Select Sign in with your library card.
- When prompted for your library ID, enter oppl and press the Continue button.
- Enter your Oak Park library card number and PIN. Press the Continue button.
Literary Reference Center
Full-text database containing plot summaries and synopses, literary criticism, author biographies, literary journal articles, poems, and short stories.
Mango Languages
Reach conversational proficiency in more than 70 languages, including English as a Second Language, good for tourists or beginners.
MasterFILE Complete
Popular full-text magazines (including Congressional Digest, The Nation, New Scientist, Scientific American, U.S. News & World Report), reference books, and other highly-regarded sources from the world’s leading publishers, covering virtually every general interest subject area, plus an extensive collection of photos, maps, and flags.
Middle Search Plus (formerly Explora Secondary)
Full-text articles, news, and current events, using grade levels or Lexile ranges, for middle and high school students.
Morningstar Investment Research Center
Comprehensive financial information on the New York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange, and Nasdaq Stock Market, along with investment tools and educational features.
National Geographic Kids
Go on amazing adventures in science, nature, culture, archaeology, and space. NatGeo Kids offers a complete run of the magazine from 2009 to the present, as well as books, videos, and images. High-quality informational texts are available for primary, upper elementary, and middle school students.
Available in browser on laptop/desktop.
Checkout periods & lending limits
- No holds, no waiting, no limits
- Borrow as many titles as you want
Special features
- Point-and-click access to pictures, books, and magazines
- Easy access to subject indexing and related terms
- Authoritative nonfiction digital content in support of Common Core State Standards
NewsBank Chicago
Search multiple Chicagoland newspapers at the same time, including the Chicago Sun-Times, Oak Leaves, and Wednesday Journal.
Newspaper Source Plus
Full-text collection of major news content, including newspapers, magazines, newswires, and news transcripts of television and radio.
NewspaperARCHIVE
Access to historical issues of hundreds of Illinois newspapers, including Oak Leaves (1902-1977), with searchable articles, advertisements, editorials, classified ads, and obituaries.
NoveList K-8 Plus
Fiction and nonfiction book lists for children, award-winning titles, and books by grade-level or Lexile score.
NoveList Plus
Book reviews, annotations, readalikes, discussion guides, and book lists for fiction and nonfiction readers.
Oxford English Dictionary
Online dictionary and thesaurus, featuring British, American, and global English use in formal and slang contexts.
PebbleGo & PebbleGo Next
Content hub packed with informational articles featuring engaging multimedia, interactive lessons and games, and literacy supports for students of all abilities.
- For preschool-grade 3: PebbleGo subjects include animals, biographies, health, science, and social studies.
- For grades 3-5: PebbleGo Next subjects include American Indian history, biographies, science, social studies, and states.
Philadelphia Daily News
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (November 2010-present)
Search (full-text articles): current (1983-present)
Philadelphia Inquirer
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (October 2003-present)
Search (full-text articles): current (1983-present)
Points of View Reference Center
Essays on hundreds of topics, presenting multiple sides of an issue, each with an overview, point, counterpoint, and critical thinking guide, plus guides to debate, develop arguments, and write position papers.
Pressbooks (from inkie.org)
Easy-to-use book writing software that creates a book in all the formats needed to publish, in print and digitally, through inkie.org. Delivers print-ready files for CreateSpace, IngramSpark and Lightning Source, as well as ebook files optimized for Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Nook, Kobo, Google Play, and more.
How to access
- First-time users must create an account through the inkie.org Pressbooks page »
- Choose to connect via your local library and then create a new profile.
- You will be asked to fill in your email address (optional) and create a username and password.
- You will need to select or search for the Oak Park Public Library.
- Enter your Oak Park Public Library card number when prompted.
- After you have created an account, you can log in with your username and password.
- Questions? Email collections@oppl.org »
PressReader
Access more than 7,000 publications from around the world, in their original language and format. Available on iOS, Android, and Kindle HD/HDX, and in browser on laptop/desktop. Need help? View the Quick Start Guide and explore the help center.
Checkout periods & lending limits
- Unlimited checkouts—simultaneous access, no waiting!
- Lending period: None. Keep titles for as long as you choose!
Special features
- Save stories to read and share later
- New issues of the titles you choose automatically delivered to your device
- Original page and mobile-optimized text views available
- Listening mode
- One-touch translation
How to access
- From pressreader.com or the PressReader app, select Sign in.
- Choose Libraries & Groups.
- Search for and select Oak Park Public Library from the dropdown menu (use the search bar provided to type in Oak Park Public Library).
- Select the option to sign in using OpenAthens.
- Enter your Oak Park library card number and PIN and press Sign in.
- Questions? Contact us »
Primary Search (formerly Explora Primary)
Full-text articles, news, and current events, using grade levels or Lexile ranges, for primary students.
Read It!
Research tool for English language learners—middle and high school students and adults—with nonfiction articles and reference texts about a variety of topics, vocabulary practice, reading comprehension quizzes, research guides, articles read aloud, and more.
Record Information Services
Provides data on new homeowners, new businesses, foreclosures, and bankruptcy for market research purposes.
Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA)
Search millions of businesses by name, location, industry, and size, and search consumers by location, estimated income, interests, and shopping habits.
Regional Business News
Incorporates 50 business journals, newspapers, and newswires, covering all metropolitan and rural areas within the United States.
ScienceFlix
Explores science concepts and ideas through hands-on projects, videos, multiple text types, interactive features, and more for elementary and middle school students.
Small Business Source
Small business reference books and tools to address small business topics, including business videos, a help and advice section, and details on how to create business plans.
Special Collections
Specific cultural and heritage collections that reflect the unique values and enduring legacies of Oak Park, including the following collections: Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ernest Hemingway, Frank Lloyd Wright, Grand Army of the Republic, local authors, Philander Barclay Photograph, and more.
Steiner Index
Information on original owners, architects, building dates, and addresses for Oak Park and River Forest houses and buildings.
The Daily Mirror [U.K.]
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (October 2003-present)
Search (full-text articles): current (1996-present)
The Daily Telegraph [UK]
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (July 2005-present)
Search (full-text articles): current (2000-present)
The Globe & Mail [Toronto]
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (7 most recent issues)
Search (full-text articles): current (1977-present)
The Guardian [UK]
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (13 most recent issues)
Search (full-text articles): current (1996-present)
The Independent [UK]
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (November 2006-present)
Search (full-text articles): current (2016-present) & historical (1993-2016)
The London Free Press [Canada]
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (11 most recent issues)
Search (full-text articles): current (2007-present)
The New York Times
Find breaking news, multimedia, reviews, and opinion on Washington, business, sports, movies, travel, books, jobs, education, real estate, and more.
Browse (full website access):
- From inside any Oak Park library building (access News)
- From anywhere outside the library (access News and all-access features—Cooking, Games, Wirecutter, and The Athletic)
You must be 13 years or older to use this service. Users under 18 need parent or legal guardian permission to sign up. Available on iOS, Android, and in browser on laptop/desktop. Need help? Explore FAQs for iOS and Android devices.
How to access from any Oak Park library building (on any library computer or device connected to the library’s WiFi)
Get access to News:
- Click the link above for “From inside any Oak Park library building.”
- First-time users will be prompted to create an account. See “Create an account” directions below »
If you have previously created an account, enter your username and password when prompted. - Enjoy unlimited, full website access to News.
How to access from anywhere outside the library
Get access to News and all-access features—Cooking, Games, Wirecutter, and The Athletic:
- Click the link above for “From anywhere outside the library.”
- Enter your Oak Park library card number when prompted.
- On the next screen, you will see an instant digital access code with 72 hours of full site access and all-access features. Click “REDEEM.”
- First-time users will be prompted to create an account. See “Create an account” directions below »
If you have previously created an account, enter your username and password when prompted. - Once your pass expires, return to this page to request a new instant digital access code for another 72 hours.
Create an account
- Enter your email address and create a password or connect using an existing Google, Facebook, or Apple account. Your email address will become your username. You will need to remember this username and password to log in next time.
- Complete the form and continue following the instructions above.
Questions? Contact us »
Search (full-text articles): current (1980-present), online (2015-present) & historical with index (1851-2016)
Vancouver Sun
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (most recent month of issues)
Search (full-text articles): current (1987-present)
The Wall Street Journal
Find breaking news and current headlines from the US and around the world.
Browse (full website access):
Available in browser on laptop/desktop (access to The Wall Street Journal apps is not available through the library).
How to access from any Oak Park library building (on any library computer or device connected to the library’s WiFi)
- Click the link above for “From any Oak Park library building.”
- First-time users will be prompted to create an account. See “Create an account” directions below »
If you have previously created an account, click “SIGN IN” to enter your username and password. - Once you have created an account or signed in, you can enjoy unlimited, full-site access.
How to access from anywhere outside the library
- Click the link above for “from anywhere outside the library.”
- Enter your Oak Park library card number when prompted.
- First-time users will be prompted to create an account. See “Create an account” directions below »
If you have previously created an account, click “SIGN IN” to enter your username and password. - Once you have created an account and/or signed in, you will receive an email with an instant digital access code that gives you three days of full site access. Once your access expires, return to this page to request another three days of access.
Create an account
- Enter your first name, last name, and email address. Your email address will become your username.
- Create a password. A password must be 5-15 characters long, contain at least one letter and number, and may not contain spaces, %, £, & or +. You will need to remember this username and password to log in next time.
- Complete the form and continue following the instructions above.
Questions? Contact us »
Search (full-text articles): current (1984-present), online edition (2010-present) & historical (1889-2002)
The Washington Post
Read the daily newspaper, find breaking news and analysis on politics, business, world national news, entertainment, and more.
Browse (full website access):
Available on iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, and in browser on laptop/desktop. Need help? Explore FAQs for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire devices »
How to access from any Oak Park library building (on any library computer or device connected to the library’s WiFi)
- Click the link above for “From any Oak Park library building.”
- Enjoy unlimited, full website access.
How to access from anywhere outside the library
- Click the link above for “from anywhere outside the library.”
- Enter your Oak Park library card number when prompted.
- First-time users will be prompted to create an account. Enter your email address or connect using an existing Amazon, Facebook, Google, or Apple account. If you have previously created an account, enter your email address and password when prompted.
- If you created a new account, you will receive an email from The Washington Post with a link to set your password. Click the link in the email and follow the instructions to set a password. You will need to remember this username and password to log in next time.
- Once you have created an account and/or signed in, you will have seven days of full access. Once your access expires, return to this page to request another seven days of access.
Questions? Contact us »
Search (full-text articles): current (1986-present), online (2016-present) & historical (1877-2003)
Toronto Star
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (November 2003-present)
Search (full-text articles): current (1985-present)
TumbleBookLibrary
Collection of animated, talking picture books that teach young children the joys of reading in a format they’ll love, for primary school students. Available on iOS, Android, and in browser on laptop/desktop. Need help? Explore the user guide »
Checkout periods & lending limits
- No holds, no waiting, no limits
- Borrow as many titles as you want
Special features
- New book in each genre featured daily
- A collection of read-along books
USA Today
Browse (digital scan of print issue): current (June 2005-present)
Search (full-text articles): current (1997-present), online (2014-present) & historical (1987-1997)
Value Line
Access to Value Line’s leading publications, covering stocks, mutual funds, options, and convertible securities, as well as educational articles.
World Book
Explore World Book’s engaging content for learners of all ages, all in one place:
- Discover (grades 5+): Easy-to-read articles with a text-to-speech feature.
- Early Learning (grades preK+): Narrated stories, games, videos, and reading practice.
- Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos (grades 5+): Online version of World Book in Spanish, including encyclopedia articles, resource guides, citation builder, interactive maps, and study quizzes.
- eBooks (all ages): Collection of exclusive, illustrated ebooks for kids, sorted by grade level with Lexile Level and Accelerated Reader information.
- Kids (grades K+): Easy-to-read articles with engaging images, illustrations, interactive games, and activities.
- Student (grades 5+): Online version of World Book, including encyclopedia articles, resource guides, citation builder, interactive maps, and study quizzes.
- Timelines (grades 5+): Use one of the pre-generated timelines or create a timeline from scratch, adding events, descriptions, and media.
WorldCat
Catalog of books and other materials in libraries worldwide, for help finding that elusive title. Also available without logging in at worldcat.org, with mobile interface.
