Homework Help for Teens

Get your Oak Park library card number and PIN ready to access these resources.

Teen holding book and laughing

Online resources

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.

Biography Reference Source

Thousands of unique and reliable full-text biographies and full-text issues of Biography Today and Biography Magazine.

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

Free app for Apple iOS and Android available. Get help getting started with the app: Watch a video tutorial.

Chicago Tribune logo

Chicago Tribune

Get Chicago news, sports, weather, business, and more.

Browse (full website access or digital scan of print issue)

Available in browser on laptop/desktop (access to the Chicago Tribune app is not available through the library).

How to access the full website or digital scan of print issue

  1. Click the link above for “full website access” or “digital scan of print issue.”
  2. Follow the steps below based on your location.
    • From any Oak Park library building (on any library computer or device connected to the library’s WiFi): Select the option “No, thanks, I want to access the news anonymously.” (Please note: You can create an account, but it is not required and only accessible from an Oak Park library building.)
    • From anywhere outside the library: Enter your Oak Park library card number when prompted.
  3. Enjoy unlimited, full-site access.

Create an account (optional & only accessible from an Oak Park library building)

  1. 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.
  2. Create a password. Your password must contain at least 8 characters and three of the following: a lowercase letter, an uppercase letter, a number (0-9), and a special character (!@#$%^&*). You will need to remember this username and password to log in next time.

Search (full-text articles): current (1985-present), online edition (2017-present) & historical (1849-2015)

Gale In Context: Biography

Authoritative biographical entries covering international figures from all time periods and areas of study.

History Reference Source

Full-text historical reference books, magazines, journals, and thousands of primary source documents.

Illinois Driver’s Education Test Preparation

Online Illinois DMV permit sample test and Illinois Driver’s Handbook.

LinkedIn Learning

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. Still not able to log in? Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. Need additional help? Contact us.
  • Get step-by-step instructions on how to set up an account: .
  • Free app available for Apple iOS and Android. To use the app:
    1. Download and open the app.
    2. Select the Sign in button.
    3. Press Sign in with your library card.
    4. Enter the Library ID: oppl and press continue.
    5. Enter your Oak Park library card number and PIN.
    6. Press the Continue button.

MAS Complete

Hundreds of full-text popular magazines and ebooks covering news, politics, science, sports, culture, and more.

NewsBank Chicago

Search multiple Chicagoland newspapers at the same time, including the Chicago Sun-Times, Oak Leaves, and Wednesday Journal.

Oxford English Dictionary

Online dictionary and historical thesaurus—a guide to the meaning, history, and usage of over 500,000 words and phrases across the English-speaking world.

Points of View Reference Source

Full-text database that presents multiple sides of an issue. Hundreds of topics are covered—each with an overview (objective background/description), point (argument), and counterpoint (opposing argument). Each topic also features a guide to help students evaluate the controversy and enhance their ability to read critically, develop their own perspective on the issues, and write or debate an effective argument on the topic.

Science Reference Source

Full-text science magazines, journals, reference books, and videos.

World Book (access from inside any Oak Park library building or anywhere outside the library)

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.
View all online resources »
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