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Research

Acorn TV

Acorn TV

Acorn TV brings world-class mysteries, dramas, and comedies from Britain and beyond to library patrons through a streaming video service to any Web-connected device. Unlimited access is available to you when you use your RB Digital 7-day pass to check out this digital product.

RB Digital on App Store RB Digital on Google Play

America's News

America's News

One of America’s largest newspaper databases. Search a single newspaper including the Pantagraph, Illinois newspapers, or the entire collection of over 2,700 full-text news sources nationwide. Watch for more full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles, and content only published online to be added.

Ancestry Library Edition

Ancestry Library Edition

The world’s largest online collection of family history resources, home to more than 7 billion historical records, millions of family trees and much more.

Please note that this database is now temporarily available outside the library through June 30, 2021.

Assisted Living Research Institute

assisted living research institute logo

The Assisted Living Research Institute is an industry-leading research organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults by compiling comprehensive research, the latest studies and real-world insight from experts, caregivers and seniors into easy-to-understand, actionable guides and resources. You will start in a dedicated section that provides extremely well detailed and thorough information for families and senior citizens in the State of Illinois.

AudioBookCloud

AudioBookCloud

Listen to your favorite audio books with just a click of a button. Listen to books in many different categories, including fiction, non-fiction, children's, classics and even Spanish language. Books are always available and never on hold.

Beanstack

Beanstack

Create an account and use Beanstack anytime to track your reading. Families can all sign in under one account for easy tracking. Beanstack is used for our reading challenges, including 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and Summer Reading, but you can use it to track your reading anytime!

App Store Google Play

biblioboard

biblioboard

Our library system, RAILS, has partnered with BiblioLabs to bring Normal Public Library patrons a library of e-books on the BiblioBoard platform. There is no limit on simultaneous use; items can be read by 1 or 100 patrons at the same time. This means no hold queues and no waiting for titles. 

Black Freedom Struggle Website

ProQuest's Black Freedom Struggle

A curated selection of primary sources for teaching and learning about the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans, this resource is freely available on the internet and to libraries for anyone studying U.S. Black history. Created by ProQuest, this site consists of thousands of open primary sources.

BookFlix

BookFlix

Scholastic BookFlix is an online literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks from Weston Woods with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning. The engaging way to link fact and fiction, BookFlix reinforces early reading skills and introduces children to a world of knowledge and exploration.

Brainfuse HelpNow

Brainfuse HelpNow

Brainfuse HelpNow is America’s premier online homework help and tutoring provider offering a unique tutoring and study suite backed by an industry-leading academic team. This service is available to assist students of any age achieve success and includes live online help from 2 pm to 11 pm every day in English and Spanish. Now offering live FAFSA help, too!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Brainfuse JobNow

Brainfuse JobNow

Brainfuse JobNow is a one-of-a-kind job coaching service designed to help people land the job of their dreams. Job seekers can prepare for interviews, receive resume help, search for local jobs and even receive live online help from 2 pm to 11 pm every day in English and Spanish.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports offers consumer news, reports on different products, recalls, safety information and much more.

Creativebug

Creativebug

Creativebug.com has more than 1,000 award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.

Creativebug app on app store  Creativebug app on google play

Digital Public Library of America

Digital Public Library of America

The Digital Public Library of America brings together the riches of America’s libraries, archives and museums and makes them freely available to the world.

Driving Tests

Driving Tests Logo

Whichever type of motor vehicle you wish to operate or knowledge tests you need to pass, Driving Tests offers handbooks and practice tests to help you out. The questions on the practice tests resemble those on the official knowledge tests, so you will learn what to expect.

Duolingo

Duolingo is the best new way to learn a language. Learning with Duolingo is fun and addictive. Earn points for correct answers, race against the clock and level up. These bite-sized lessons are effective, and there is proof that it works.

EBSCO Databases

EBSCO Databases

EBSCOhost databases are the most-used, premium online information resources for tens of thousands of institutions worldwide, representing millions of end users.

eRead Illinois

eRead Illinois

eRead Illinois includes ebooks and audiobooks that can be borrowed through the Axis 360 app. Login with your library card and PIN to start browsing.

Download on the App StoreGet It on Google Play

eSequels

eSequels

The online guide to series fiction. Find lists of popular series, indexed by character, location, subject and more. 

Explore More Illinois

Explore More Illinois logo

Instant online access to free and discounted tickets to museums, science centers, sporting events, zoos, park districts, theatres and other fun and local cultural venues.

FirstSearch – “WorldCat”

FirstSearch is an online service that gives library and education professionals access to a rich collection of reference databases. FirstSearch also offers electronic access to more than 10 million full-text and full-image articles.

Freading

Freading

Freading offers thousands of downloadable eBooks with absolutely no waiting lists! All of their books are available at all times. We are sorry, but Freading eBooks are not compatible with the Kindle. For Kindle-compatible books, please use our Overdrive eBook service.

Download on the App StoreGet in on Google Play

Google Books

Google Books

Search thousands of full-text books, preview the first several pages of lots of popular titles and even download full versions of books in the public domain for free. E-books are also available for purchase.

Learn more about Google Books.

Google Scholar

Google Scholar

Google Scholar provides a simple way to broadly search for scholarly literature. From one place you can search across many disciplines and sources: articles, theses, books, abstracts and court opinions, from academic publishers, professional societies, online repositories, universities and other web sites.

Great Courses

The Great Courses Library Collection

The Great Courses Library Collection is the leading global media brand for lifelong learning and personal enrichment, with hundreds of courses spanning thousands of in-depth video lectures on subjects like Science, Health & Wellness, and much more. Unlimited access is available to you when you use your RB Digital 7-day pass to check out this digital product.

App Store link Google Play link

HeritageQuest Online

HeritageQuest Online

Access family genealogies, county and town histories, church and school histories, maps and atlases, vital records, tax lists, military records, wills, cemetery records, the complete set of US Federal Census Records from 1790 to 1930 and more.

hoopla

hoopla

Bringing you thousands of movies, full music albums, audiobooks and more. Hoopla is a revolutionary digital service made possible by your local library. Borrow up to five items a month on your Normal Public Library card. 

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Illinois Digital Archives

The Illinois Digital Archives (IDA) was created in 2000, as a repository for the digital collections of the Illinois State Library as well as other libraries and cultural institutions in the State of Illinois.

Illinois Digital Archives includes photographs, slides, glass negatives; oral histories; manuscripts and letters; federal government documents; postcards; posters; videos; newspapers; maps; and much more.

Illinois Legal Aid Online

Illinois Legal Aid Online

Illinois Legal Aid Online develops technology and information to increase access to justice for Illinois residents.

Illinois State Archives

Illinois State Archives

Includes archives collected by the Illinois State Library, Illinois Statewide Vital Records Databases and the Illinois Regional Archives Depositories.

IndieFlix

IndieFlix

IndieFlix is a movie service that offers access to pop culture favorites, box office hits, award-winning feature films, documentaries and shorts. Instantly view thousands of titles from around the world. Unlimited access is available to you when you use your RB Digital 7-day pass to check out this digital product.

App Store Google Play Store

Kanopy

Kanopy Logo

Kanopy is a video-streaming platform dedicated to thoughtful and thought-provoking films that delivers a diverse collection of 30,000+ enriching films, available to stream anytime and anywhere — from desktop to TV to tablet. Movies and TV shows use credits to watch. Kanopy Kids includes access to all Kids content for a month.

Kanopy on the App Store  Kanopy on Google Play

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a free website that offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom, along with free tools for parents and teachers.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Learn It Live

Learn It Live

Live and on-demand classes, quick tip videos, and virtual reality wellness for wellness and personal development. Unlimited access is available to you when you use your RB Digital 7-day pass to check out this digital product.

App Store Google Play store

Library of Congress

Library of Congress

Access the Library of Congress’ considerable digital resources. You will find collections of documents, photographs and much more.

Mango Languages

An online language-learning system that can help you learn languages like Spanish, French, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, German, Mandarin Chinese, Greek, Italian, Russian and more.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Mango Premiere

Mango Premiere

Learn languages while watching foreign feature films. You can watch the films in Engage Mode to maximize your language learning or in Movie Mode to just sit back and enjoy. 

McLean County Museum of History

The Stevenson-Ives Library is one of the finest local history and genealogy research libraries in downstate Illinois. The Library contains more than 15,000 books and periodicals with a focus on McLean County and Central Illinois history and genealogy. The Library contains the collections of the McLean County Museum of History, the McLean County Genealogical Society and the Letitia Green Stevenson Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution.

Merck Manuals

Merck Manuals

The Merck Manuals are one of the world’s most widely used medical information resources. Find information on medical topics, symptoms, drugs, procedures, news and more, written in everyday language.

Method Test Prep

Method Test Prep

Online SAT and ACT test prep in a comprehensive self-paced program proven to raise scores. Unlimited access is available to you when you use your RB Digital 7-day pass to check out this digital product.

App Store Google Play

More Resources

NPL online resources

We've pulled together some great online resources that you can access without a library card or login. 

While these were put together with kids, teens and families in mind, there should be something for everyone here. 

Morningstar

Morningstar

An interactive investment database with information on over 27,000 stocks, mutual funds and ETFs. This database provides independent analysis, charts, portfolio building tools and investment education.

New York Times

The New York Times

The New York Times offers news articles and more from one of America's leading newspapers. Receive breaking news, in-depth investigations, and important information on a variety of topics.

If you are inside the library:
Click here to gain unlimited access to NYTimes.com while inside the library.

If you are outside the library:
Click here to redeem access to NYTimes.com for 24 hours.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Niche Academy

Niche Academy provides ready-to-use tutorials for the most commonly used library electronic resources. As these resources evolve over time, Niche Academy updates the tutorials.

NoveList

NoveList

Provides enhanced subject access to over 70,000 fiction titles and contains over 1,000 subject oriented booklists and complete lists for over 150 book awards.

NoveList K-8

NoveList K-8

Provides enhanced subject access to over 70,000 fiction titles and contains over 1,000 subject oriented booklists and complete lists for over 150 book awards.

NPL for All

NPL for All

In our app, you will be able to learn more about our programs, create your own schedule for a visit to the library, play a game, and check out features like our sensory-friendly map and insider tips. Intended for all children, adults and families, including those with autism or other sensory needs to engage with the library. Try using 'Normal Public Library for All' in your search if 'NPL for All' isn't working.

App Store   Google Play

OverDrive - Alliance Digital Media

OverDrive - Alliance Digital Media

Check out and download audiobooks, ebooks, and magazines to your computer, tablet, e-reader or smartphone. 

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Pantagraph

The Pantagraph

Read today’s news or search the Pantagraph’s archives from 1990 to today. Includes news, obituaries, sports, headlines and more.

PebbleGo

PebbleGo

PebbleGo is the award-winning PreK–3rd-grade database for reading and research. Databases are simple to navigate and offer key reading supports such as read-along audio and word-by-word highlighting.

Qello Concerts

Qello Concerts by Stingray

Qello Concerts by Stingray is the world’s largest collection of full-length concerts and music documentaries streamed on-demand to just about any digital device. Unlimited access is available to you when you use your RB Digital 7-day pass to check out this digital product.

App Store Google Play

rb digital

RBdigital

RBdigital offers 7-day checkout options for a variety of streaming services including Acorn TV, The Great Courses, IndieFlix, Qello Concerts, Method Test Prep and Learn It Live. 

As of September 2, audiobooks previously found on RBdigital are now available on OverDrive and the Libby app. As of February 3, RBdigital no longer includes magazines, but many magazines can be found on OverDrive and the Libby app.

Download on the App StoreGet in on Google Play

Reference Solutions

Reference Solutions

Previously known as Reference USA

A comprehensive database of over 12 million businesses, searchable by company name, geographical location, business size, executive title and yellow page heading.

App Store  Google Play

RSAcat Mobile App

RSAcat Mobile App

The RSAcat Mobile app makes it easy to access the library from anywhere. You can digitally browse the library’s collection, see details about items, make your selection and place a hold for later pickup, renew items you have checked out, and pay outstanding fines in your account. *If you've been using Boopsie, please switch to RSAcat.

App Store Google Play

TumbleBooks

TumbleBooks

Kids can enjoy audiobooks, read-alongs, puzzles, games, language learning and more.

Value Line

Value Line

Access information and advice on the stock market, the economy and approximately 1,700 stocks in 98 industries.

World Book Online for Kids

World Book Online for Kids

Use the great information available from World Book, but tailored to kids. This database uses simple navigation, colorful illustrations, activities for young students and more. Access World Book Online for Kids through World Book Online for Kids here and then click on Kids to get started.

World Book Web Online

World Book Web Online

The premier online reference source containing every article from the 22-volume encyclopedia print set, plus thousands more. This database includes resources such as state-of-the-art multimedia and editor-reviewed Web sites.

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Normal, IL 61761
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