Research Center
Research Center
With your Sugar Grove Public Library card, you have access to these databases 24-7.
Search multiple databases with Explora
Explora for Public Libraries
Explora offers a more modern and efficient search experience across all devices with powerful filters for narrowing search results from multiple databases, including Academic Search Premier, Business Source Premier, MasterFILE Premier, Newspaper Source Plus, and Primary Search. Click to view a video about Explora.
Explora for Elementary Schools
Explora offers a more modern and efficient search experience across all devices with powerful filters for narrowing search results from multiple databases. Click to learn more about using Explora for Elementary Schools.
Explora for Middle Schools
Explora offers a more modern and efficient search experience across all devices with powerful filters for narrowing search results from multiple databases. Click to view information about using Explora for Middle Schools.
Newspaper Databases
Chicago Community Coverage
With unmatched U.S. news content from local, regional, and national sources, this resource is the largest of its kind. Its diverse source types include printed and online newspapers, blogs, journals, newswires, broadcast transcripts and videos. Explore a specific issue or event through the detailed coverage provided by local reporting or compare a wide variety of viewpoints from across the country on topics such as politics, business, health, sports, cultural activities and people. For a list of the resources available, visit this link.
Kane County Chronicle
Explore Kane County history through local news, events, and people with the Kane County Chronicle Collection. Search current and archived issues with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online. Also available remotely 24/7 on any device.
Newspaper Source Plus
A full-text digital collection of the world's major news content. It includes millions of articles from newspapers and newswires and offers television and radio transcripts and ongoing daily updates from popular news sources. Click here to watch a video about Newspaper Source Plus.
Genealogy Databases
Ancestry
This database is only accessible from Library computers or while connected to library Wi-Fi. There is no remote access for this database.
Ancestry® Library Edition, distributed exclusively by ProQuest and powered by Ancestry.com, delivers billions of records in census data, vital records, directories, photos, and more from countries all over the world. Click here to watch a video about using Ancestry at the Library.
For information on the Sugar Grove Historical Society, genealogy, and open access databases to help you with your research. Please view this document
to access links, or print for your reference.
For advice on interviewing elderly relatives, visit this site.
FamilySearch
This database is only accessible from Library computers or while connected to library Wi-Fi. There is no remote access for this database.
FamilySearch adds over 300 million free genealogical records and images online yearly from all over the world and manages the famous FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. It has amassed billions of birth, marriage, death, census, land and court records from more than 130 countries to help you discover and make family connections. You will need to create and use a personal free FamilySearch account to login and view all the records available to an affiliate library at www.familysearch.org.
HeritageHub
Explore your family history with the premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices for in-depth genealogical research from 1704 – today. Heritage Hub helps you easily identify relatives, uncover new information and potentially unknown family members. Includes deep coverage from all 50 states, hard-to-find content from the mid 1900’s, and original obituary images. Access is available 24/7.
Popular Databases
AtoZdatabases
The premier Reference, Research, Marketing, Mailing Lists/Sales Leads, and Job-Search Database, ideal for sales leads, mailing lists, market research, employment opportunities, finding friends and other possibilities. For a video on using AtoZDatabases, click here.
The database includes:
- 65 million business & executive profiles
- More than 240 million residents with interests, hobbies and lifestyles information
- More than 7 million real-time job listings
- More than 2 Million new businesses
- More than 12 million healthcare professionals
- More than 12 million new movers
- More than 2 million new homeowners
Consumer Reports
Buying advice, product ratings, reviews, recommendations, money-saving advice and tips, and videos for products including appliances, electronics, food, and more.
Creativebug
Learn to knit, sew, crochet, paint, and much more with Creativebug's online video arts and crafts workshops and techniques. For a video on using Creativebug, click here.
Niche Academy
Niche Academy is an easy-to-use learning management system created and designed for impact-driven organizations like the public sector. We provide a system of learning tools to assist your organization in reducing its workload, increasing the productivity of its staff, and demonstrating its staff's value in order to reduce budget cuts. For a video on using Niche Academy, click here.
Coming soon--Gale Presents: Udemy
Gale Presents: Udemy is an online learning platform for adults who want to grow professionally or further develop a personal interest. Choose from thousands of continuously updated, on-demand video courses in business, technology, design, and personal enrichment.
Museum Passes
Museum Adventure Pass
Use your library card to checkout passes for free admission or a special discount at participating Chicago area cultural destinations. This includes the popular Brookfield Zoo! Request a pass by clicking here. Passes are now available to request online, and we will email you the pass within 1-2 business days. Once issued, passes are good for 7 days. Only one pass can be issued to a family at a time. For a full list of museums and how the Museum Adventure Program works, click here.
Explore More Illinois
Explore More Illinois is a cultural pass program that allows Illinois public library cardholders to get offers from museums, park districts, historical societies, performing and visual arts centers, and other attractions. Explore More Illinois is free and can be accessed 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Log in with your library card credentials and browse for passes by date or attractions. Make your reservation and print or download your pass shortly before your visit. You can have two active reservations per library card. Please cancel your reservation(s) if unable to attend, otherwise the reservation will count as being used. Remember that once you print or download your pass you cannot cancel your reservation.
Driving Tests
Driving Tests provides patrons with unlimited access to official state driver's manuals, online practice tests for car, motorcycle and commercial driver's license (CDL), an exam simulator, and a DMV - related FAQ. Patrons can access Driving Tests to start preparing for their DMV knowledge exam by visiting https://sgpl.driving-tests.org/illinois/ . The program is designed to help aspiring as well as more experienced drivers (teenagers, newcomers, renewal applicants or senior citizens). Tests can be accessed from any computer or mobile device. For the Illinois Rules of the Road and other state information online, visit https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/motorist/rorts.html.
BiblioBoard Library
BiblioBoard Library is an easy-to-use mobile and web platform that offers full-length eBooks, a historical database, unique local collections, and more. Access BiblioBoard Library in your preferred browser, tablet, or mobile device with no login or library card number required. All content on BiblioBoard Library is also available with no holds, waits, or checkouts, making it perfect for classroom use, book clubs, and community reads.
Inkie.org
Inkie.org is a suite of resources that supports local authors with e-book creation and self-publishing tools. It also allows readers to discover and access e-books written by local authors.
- Writers can use Inkie.org to access Pressbooks and create e-book files, as well as submit their self-published e-book to the Indie Author Project and the Inkie.org Library.
- Readers can use Inkie.org to discover and read e-books by independently published local authors.
Inkie.org is available to everyone in Illinois at no charge. Find resources and more information.
EBSCO Databases
coming soon -- Academic Search Elite
Designed for academic institutions. Comprehensive, multi-disciplinary resource of scholarly research. Coverage on a wide range of topics. Includes peer-reviewed full text resources for subjects such as adult education, higher education, public health, and more.
Auto Repair Source
From the National Agricultural Library. Contains citations about all aspects of agriculture and related fields. Includes: journal articles, monographs, proceedings, theses, patents, translations, audiovisual materials, computer software, and technical reports.
coming soon -- Alt HealthWatch
Provides information on complementary, holistic, and integrated approaches to healthcare and wellness. Sources include journals (some peer-reviewed) and reports.
coming soon -- Biography Reference Source
More than 390,000 biographies. Includes complete full text run of Biography Today and Biography Magazine as well as thousands of narrative biographies.
coming soon -- Biography Reference eBook Collection
A companion to the Biography Reference Source database, this encompasses a rich selection of biographic titles, covering popular and important figures in business, film, history, music, politics, sports and more.
coming soon -- Book Collection Nonfiction
Designed for public libraries, thousands of books cover core subject areas as well as information on careers, health, sports, adventure, technology, life skills and more.
coming soon -- Business Source Elite
This database provides full-text coverage of top business, management and economics journals and periodicals. These valuable publications cover topics such as accounting, banking, finance, international business, marketing, sales and more.
coming soon -- EBSCO eBooks Business Collection
Equip students and faculty with access to thousands of e-books dedicated to the study of business.
EBSCO eBooks Cricket Media Subscription Collection
Build strong literacy skills in students from pre-K to 8th grade by offering digital access to award-winning, short-form fiction and nonfiction titles.
coming soon -- EBSCO eBooks High School Subscription Collection
Give students, educators, and administrators on-the-go access to popular e-books. This robust collection includes a selection of classic literary works, important historical documents, and general reference materials.
EBSCO eBooks K-5 Subscription Collection
This e-book collection supports a quality learning experience for K-8 students across all subject areas taught in elementary and middle schools.
coming soon -- EBSCO eBooks 6-8 Subscription Collection
This e-book collection supports a quality learning experience for K-8 students across all subject areas taught in elementary and middle schools.
coming soon -- EBSCO eBooks Public Library Subscription Collection
EBSCO eBooks Public Library Subscription Collection Access to high-quality e-books covering a wide range of topics such as self-help, fitness, games, hobbies, and cooking. This general reference e-book collection features titles for both adults and juveniles.
coming soon -- ERIC
Education Resources Information Center Index of journal articles, books, theses, curriculum guides, conference papers, standards, and guidelines on a wide range of education topics. Sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education.
coming soon -- Ethnic Diversity Source
Ethnic Diversity Source This full-text database is a dedicated resource covering the culture, traditions, social treatment and lived experiences of different ethnic groups in America.
coming soon -- EBSCO eBooks Diversity & Ethnic Studies Subscription Collection
EBSCO eBooks Diversity & Ethnic Studies Subscription Collection This groundbreaking collection includes over 6,000 high-quality e-books on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
coming soon -- Health Source Consumer Edition
Subjects include fitness, nutrition, diabetes, aging, women's health, children's health, and more. Information comes from magazines, books, Clinical Reference System reports, and pamphlets.
coming soon -- Health Source Nursing/Academic EditionProvides researchers, allied health professionals, nurses, and medical educators access to scholarly journals on many medical disciplines. Provides indexing, abstracts, and full text for hundreds of nursing and allied health journals, many of which are peer reviewed.
History Reference Center
Full-text articles to support research in history and genealogy and lesson plans to support student learning. For more information on History Reference Center, click here to watch a video.
History Reference Source
Covering topics in U.S. and world history from the earliest civilizations through the 21st century, this database contains full-text journals, magazines, reference books and thousands of primary source documents.
coming soon -- History Reference eBook SubscriptionCovering topics in U.S. and world history from the earliest civilizations through the 21st century, this database contains full-text journals, magazines, reference books and thousands of primary source documents.
coming soon -- Hobbies and Crafts Source
Subject areas include arts & crafts; games & electronics; models; needlework; outdoors & nature; and scrapbooking & paper crafts.
Home Improvement Source
Looking to install a new door, fix a leaky faucet, or spruce up your garden? You’ve come to the right place! Our library provides free access to Home Improvement Reference Center, a database from EBSCO containing thousands of articles from leading home improvement magazines and reference books, plus a collection of home repair images not found anywhere else online.
coming soon -- Learning Express Computer Skills Center
Help patrons and students learn the fundamentals of computers, the internet and popular software applications a user-friendly e-learning platform that contains more than 100 self paced video tutorials.
coming soon -- Learning Express Job and Career Accelerator Center
Gives job seekers the tools they need to explore careers, find open positions, apply for jobs, and get hired. Find information on careers, interest assessments to match individuals with ideal career paths, and tools to create professional resumes and cover letters.
coming soon -- Learning Express Library Complete
Supports those looking to improve core academic skills, pass a high school equivalency test, prepare for college, explore careers, join the military, study for occupational certification tests, become a U.S. citizen and much more. Contains practice tests, interactive tutorials, e-books, articles, and flashcards.
coming soon -- Learning Express PrepSTEP Academic
Resources designed to support success in higher education and preparation for today’s workforce. PrepSTEP Academic is packed with tutorials, practice tests, e-books and high stakes test preparation for self-guided skill building, career preparation and workforce
readiness.
coming soon -- Learning Express PrepSTEP High School
Provides online access to a unique and extensive collection of academic, college preparation and career-related tutorials, practice tests, articles, e-books, and flashcards. It includes tools for academic skill-building, college and career exploration, college admissions test preparation, military exploration and preparation, workplace skills development and more.
Legal Information Source
Resources to assist you in legal matters of all kinds, including business law, financial planning, family law, property and real estate, and rights and disputes. Includes full text reference books from Nolo, the nation’s oldest and most respected provider of legal information for consumers and small businesses. For information about this resource, click here.
Legal Answers Help Desk
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, and the Public Interest Law Initiative provide the first-ever legal help desk for civil appeals in Illinois, Free Legal Answers for Civil Appeals. This virtual help desk will be staffed by attorneys with appellate experience and it will present an opportunity for litigants to ask questions of a lawyer about their civil appeal.
Legal SourceA scholarly resource of current issues, studies, and trends of the legal world. For attorneys, educators, businesspeople, law librarians, students, and paralegals.
coming soon -- LGBTQ+ Source
LGBTQ+ Source is the definitive database for LGBTQ+ studies. It provides scholarly and popular LGBTQ+ publications in full text, plus historically important primary sources, including monographs, magazines, newspapers, and videos. It also includes a specialized LGBTQ+ thesaurus containing thousands of terms.
coming soon -- Library and Information Science Source
Journals and periodicals that help librarians and researchers keep pace with the latest trends in the field.
Literary Reference Center
Novels, short stories, poems, plot summaries and synopses, and literary criticism. Research guides, lesson plans, and citation tools support student learning. Click here to watch a video about Literary Reference Center.
Full-text literary database covering all genres and time periods. It includes thousands of synopses, critical essays, book reviews, literary journals, and author biographies, plus full-text classic novels, short stories, and poems.
coming soon -- Literary Reference eBook Subscription
Contains a broad range of literary-related subjects with selections including literary criticism, study guides, and classics such as Emma, Dracula, and Frankenstein.
coming soon -- MAS Complete
Designed for high school libraries and covers coverage of popular high school magazines and reference books. Wide range of subjects covered, including art, history, sports, and music. Over 1,000,000 photos, maps, and flags. Full text magazines include Discover, US News & World Report, Scientific American, and more.
coming soon -- MAS Reference eBook Subscription
This encompasses a rich selection of titles covering a broad range of general reference subjects, including biography, careers, language arts, literature, government, math, science, current events, and social-emotional health.
coming soon -- MasterFILE Complete
Broad collection of popular full-text magazines and reference books. Magazines include People, Better Homes and Gardens, TIME, and Newsweek. Covers subjects including business, health, education, fitness, sports and leisure, personal finance, general science, multicultural issues, DIY, and fashion. Also includes photos, maps, and flags.
coming soon -- MasterFILE Reference eBook Collection
Contains reference books covering a broad range of general reference subjects, including biography, history, architecture, literature, cooking, health and wellness, science, self-help, religion, current events, sports, travel and more.
coming soon -- Middle Search
Magazines and reference books for middle school students. Includes thousands of biographies and primary source documents. Subjects include history, current events, science, sports, and biographies. Also includes photos, maps, and flags.
coming soon -- Middle Search Reference eBook Subscription
A broad range of general reference subject coverage for middle school students, with topics including social studies, math, history, language arts, technology, geography, culture, and science.
NoveList K-8 Plus
Reading recommendations for kids' fiction and nonfiction that you can search by Lexile, subject, and grade level.
NoveList Plus
A popular and extensive tool for reading recommendations for fiction and non-fiction. Includes audiobook recommendations. Click here to watch a video about NoveList.
Points of View Reference Center
Resources for students to understand issues, develop criticial thinking skills, and develop persuasive arguments. Includes essays, overviews, articles, and transcripts on, citizens' rights, earth and environmental issues, global issues, health and medicine, and media and communications. Click here to watch a video about Points of View Reference Center.
Presents multiple sides of over 500 issues. Helps students assess and develop persuasive arguments and essays, better understand controversial issues, and develop analytical thinking skills.
coming soon -- Primary Search
For elementary school libraries. Content from children’s magazines, easy-to-read encyclopedia entries, and images. Students can learn about animals, musicians, fitness, space exploration, and much more.
coming soon -- Primary Search Reference eBook Subscription
A range of general reference subject coverage for primary school students, with topics like social studies, history, language arts, geography, culture, math, and science.
coming soon -- Professional Development Collection
Specialized information for librarians, teachers, and education researchers.
coming soon -- Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Covers a broad range of subjects in the fields of psychology, behavioral sciences, and related disciplines. For psychologists, counselors, researchers, and students.
coming soon -- Regional Business News
Regional business publications for the United States and Canadian provinces from 1990. Includes newspapers, radio and television news transcripts, trade publications, magazines, and newswires.
coming soon -- Religion and Philosophy Collection
Hundreds of full-text journals and magazines covering many religious and philosophical topics, including world religions, religious history, political philosophy, and philosophy of language.
Science Reference Center
Full-text articles to support research in applied sciences, biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and energy. Includes the Science Image Collection, a database of high-quality science images from National Geographic, UPI, Getty, NASA, and Nature Picture Library. Click here to watch a video about Science Reference Center.
This encompasses a rich selection of titles covering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Provides full text for hundreds of science magazines, journals, reference books and high-quality videos. The database also contains science experiments, curriculum-aligned lesson plans, and a vast image collection.
Small Business Source
Full-text for many top consumer small business reference books, as well as tools to address many small business topics. Includes business videos, a help and advice section, and details on how to create business plans. Click here to watch a video about Small Business Source.
coming soon -- Small Engine Repair Source
Repair guides for small engines and routine maintenance (tune-ups, brake service, etc.). Also includes guides on extensive repairs such as engine and transmission disassembly. Coverage includes lawn mowers, motorcycles, tractors, and snowmobiles. Information on more than 25 years of engine models, with new and updated content added regularly.
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Resources Beyond our Databases:
Worldcat OCLC
This is the world's largest library catalog. If you can't locate an item in our local SWAN catalog, use Worldcat to search for an item. If you would like us to request the item, please fill out this form and we will place the request for you.
Waubonsee Community College Database Access
Community members residing in College District 516 may apply for a Community Borrower Card. More information can be found here.
For in-depth research needs, Waubonsee Community College Library's three locations (Sugar Grove, Downtown, Fox Valley) offer guest computers onsite that provide access to their extensive databases. A complete list of their online databases can be found here. A community borrower card will not be needed at the guest computers on campus. For hours, locations, and more, please click here.
Medline Plus
MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. It is a service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the world's largest medical library, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).