Databases
Most databases are available to use outside the Library when you log in using your Lake Forest Library card number. All databases are available to anyone using the Library's public computers.
GO TO ACADEMIC SEARCH PREMIER.
What you can do with it
Find non-open access, peer-reviewed journals, journals indexed in the Web of Science or Scorpus, cited references, and video content in this full-text database.
GO TO AMERICA'S NEWS MAGAZINES.
What you can do with it
Read articles from more than two dozen popular magazines, including National Review, The New Yorker, and Popular Science.
GO TO ANCESTRY for in-library use only.
What you can do with it
Search family histories using census, marriage, birth, death, and military records from North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and more. International records continue to grow.
User Guide
GO TO A TO Z DATABASES.
What you can do with it
Research sales leads, mailing lists, market research, employment opportunities, background searches, finding friends and relatives, and a whole lot of other possibilities.
GO TO AUTO REPAIR SOURCE.
What you can do with it
Find the most accurate, authoritative, and up-to-date "do-it-yourself" service and repair information for thousands of domestic and imported vehicles. Powered by the automotive experts at MOTOR.
GO TO BEANSTACK.
What you can do with it
Log your reading, complete activities, and win prizes while participating in Library programs including Summer Reading, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, and more!
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "beanstack" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
eBooks · eAudiobooks
GO TO BIBLIOBOARD. Then choose from "BiblioBoard Library of Illinois," "biblioboard open access," or "RAILS for Schools."
What you can do with it
Download FREE eBooks and eAudiobooks, featuring community-created content, local self-published books, and thousands of other always-available titles. No account needed.
User Guide
Amount
Unlimited with no return period
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "biblioboard" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
GO TO BOOKLIST ONLINE.
What you can do with it
Access the best book reviews for public libraries and school libraries, and the best books to read for your book club, brought to you by the ALA.
GO TO BOOKLIST READER.
What you can do with it
Access quality book and audiobook recommendations, author interviews, original features, and more for readers of all ages, provided by the Lake Forest Library.
While supplies last, print copies of Booklist Reader are also available to take from the "Read Me Next" displays at the Library.
Current issue
GO TO BOOKPAGE.
What you can do with it
Discover this month’s most exciting new books in the current digital issue of BookPage, provided by the Lake Forest Library. You can also subscribe to a weekly email with personalized recommendations in your favorite genres.
While supplies last, print copies of BookPage are also available to take from the "Read Me Next" displays at the Library.
Current Issue
GO TO BUSINESS SOURCE PREMIER.
What you can do with it
Access comprehensive non-journal business content such as company profiles, industry reports, conference reports, case studies, Associated Press videos, working papers, country economic reports, and more, with searchable cited references and indexing.
GO TO CHICAGO TRIBUNE.
What you can do with it
Explore full text articles (excluding images) from 1985 to the present. For historical articles from 1849–1989, visit the the Historical Chicago Tribune database.
GO TO HISTORICAL CHICAGO TRIBUNE.
What you can do with it
Explore articles and images, obituaries, and marriage and birth announcements from 1849–1989.
GO TO CITY LASERFICHE.
What you can do with it
Access thousands of pages of historical City of Lake Forest public documents including agendas, minutes, ordinances, and resolutions.
How to access
| ⬤ | Works in the browser on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
eBooks · eAudiobooks
GO TO CLOUDLIBRARY.
What you can do with it
Borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks, especially new and recently published titles.
User Guide
Get started with the cloudLibrary app
Amount
5 checkouts at a time
Loan Period
2 weeks
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "cloudlibrary" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets, Kindle Fire, Nook ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
| ⬤ | No, does not work on Kindle eInk reader |
GO TO CONSUMER HEALTH COMPLETE.
What you can do with it
Gain an overall understanding of key topics across the health and wellness spectrum—from mainstream medicine to complementary, holistic, and integrated medicine—when you search this comprehensive full-text database of consumer-oriented health content.
GO TO CONSUMER REPORTS.
What you can do with it
View expert ratings, articles, and buying guides from Consumer Reports magazine, which includes evaluations of hundreds of products from appliances to cars to electronics.
User Guide
GO TO CREATIVEBUG.
What you can do with it
Choose from more than 1,000 award-winning art and craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.
User Guide
Get started with the Creativebug app
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "creativebug" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
GO TO CULTUREGRAMS.
What you can do with it
Explore cultural information including videos, recipes, customs, and lifestyles from other countries in the world and states in the U.S.
GO TO DIGITAL PUBLIC LIBRARY OF AMERICA.
What you can do with it
Explore the riches held within America’s libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions, including photographs, museum objects, government documents, and more!
GO TO ETHNIC DIVERSITY SOURCE.
What you can do with it
Research and explore the culture, traditions, social treatment, and lived experiences of ethnic groups in America using full text from peer-reviewed journals, magazines, Associated Press videos, biographies, speeches, interviews, and letters. Enjoy unlimited access to thousands of high-quality eBooks on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
GO TO EXPLORA GENERAL SEARCH.
What you can do with it
Simultaneously search a topic across any combination of EBSCO databases available through Lake Forest Library.
GO TO FIERO CODE.
What you can do with it
Kids ages 8–18 can complete hundreds of self-paced coding tutorials and dozens of real-world projects, developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
User Guide
On your first visit, you will be prompted to create an account using an email address and password. To get started, select "Sign Up."
Music
GO TO FREEGAL.
What you can do with it
Download Sony Music songs to keep forever.
User Guide
Get started with the Freegal app
Amount
3 downloads per week
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "freegal" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
GO TO THE GREAT COURSES ON HOOPLA.
What you can do with it
The Great Courses are engaging, immersive learning experiences. These college-level courses are presented by exceptional professors chosen for their ability to teach. Hoopla has dozens of TGC eAudiobooks.
User Guide
Getting Started with the Hoopla app
Amount
7 per month (total for Hoopla plus Hoopla Kids Mode)
Loan Period
3 weeks for eBooks, eAudiobooks, and Comics
3 days for Movies and TV shows
1 week for Music
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "hoopla" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
| ⬤ | Works with Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku |
GO TO THE GREAT COURSES ON KANOPY.
What you can do with it
The Great Courses are engaging, immersive learning experiences. These college-level courses are presented by exceptional professors chosen for their ability to teach. Kanopy has dozens of TGC videos.
User Guide
Amount
10 per month (total for Kanopy plus Kanopy Kids)
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "kanopy" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
| ⬤ | Works with Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku |
GO TO HEALTH SOURCE: CONSUMER EDITION.
What you can do with it
Search consumer health magazines, pamphlets, reference books, and reports.
GO TO HEALTH SOURCE: NURSING/ACADEMIC EDITION
What you can do with it
Search over 500 full text scholarly medical journals.
GO TO: HEINONLINE: SOCIAL JUSTICE SUITE for in-library use only
WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH IT
This collection of databases provides information about social justice movements throughout history, including the fight for civil rights and racial justice.
Databases included: Civil Rights and Social Justice, Gun Regulation and Legislation in America, LGBTQ+Rights, Open Society Justice Initiative, Slavery in America and the World
GO TO HERITAGE QUEST.
What you can do with it
Search this genealogical database for census, military, and immigration records, in addition to city directories, agricultural and industrial schedules, and more .
GO TO HISTORY REFERENCE CENTER.
What you can do with it
Explore topics in U.S. and world history from the earliest civilizations through the 21st century using this research database containing full-text journals, magazines, reference books, and thousands of primary source documents. Includes support for Google Drive and Classroom, text-to-speech, a citation tool, personal folders for saving and sharing, and more.
Movies & TV · eBooks · eAudiobooks · eComics · Music
GO TO HOOPLA.
What you can do with it
Borrow and stream movies, music, eBooks, eAudiobooks, comics, and TV shows.
User Guide
Get started with the Hoopla app
Amount
- 7 Instant Borrows per month (total for Hoopla plus Hoopla Kids Mode)
- Get unlimited access to select streaming content for 7 days with a single borrow by using a BingePass
- Bonus Borrows are a curated collection of popular titles available for unlimited borrowing without using up your monthly borrow limits
Loan Period
3 weeks for eBooks, eAudiobooks, and Comics
3 days for Movies and TV shows
1 week for Music
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "hoopla" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
| ⬤ | Works with Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku |
Movies & TV · eBooks · eAudiobooks · eComics · Music
GO TO HOOPLA. Then click KIDS.
What you can do with it
Enable Kids Mode to only show kid-appropriate content in your browse and search results.
User Guide
Get started with the Hoopla app
Amount
7 per month (total for Hoopla plus Hoopla Kids Mode)
Loan Period
3 weeks for eBooks, eAudiobooks, and Comics
3 days for Movies and TV shows
1 week for Music
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "hoopla" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
| ⬤ | Works with Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku |
GO TO ILLINOIS DIGITAL ARCHIVES.
What you can do with it
Read historical articles and view photographs related to Lake Forest.
User Guide
eBooks
GO TO INKIE.ORG.
What you can do with it
Explore a suite of free resources that supports local authors with online creation and publishing tools and allows readers to access locally-produced content.
For authors
- Create an eBook from your manuscript
- Share your eBook through libraries
- Enter your work in the Inkie annual contest
For readers
Free eBooks on ...
Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project
Arcadia Publishing / The History Press featuring history and culture enthusiasts who write local stories for local audiences
GO TO INVESTORS BUSINESS DAILY.
What you can do with it
Access daily stock market information and business news, quotes, mutual fund performance, and market analysis.
Movies & Documentaries
GO TO KANOPY.
What you can do with it
Watch a wide range of on-demand streaming videos including selections from the Criterion Collection, foreign films, classic cinema, documentaries, and more.
User Guide
Get started with the Kanopy app
Amount
10 per month (total for Kanopy plus Kanopy Kids)
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "kanopy" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
| ⬤ | Works with Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku |
Movies & Documentaries
GO TO KANOPY. Then click GO TO KANOPY KIDS.
What you can do with it
Free streaming videos ... Just for kids! Kanopy Kids uses Common Sense Media ratings, making it easy for you to decide what's best for your family.
User Guide
Get started with the Kanopy app
Amount
10 per month (total for Kanopy plus Kanopy Kids)
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "kanopy" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
| ⬤ | Works with Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku |
GO TO LAKE FORESTER.
What you can do with it
Search the Lake Forester from 1995 to present. For earlier content, use the Historical Lake Forester database.
GO TO HISTORICAL LAKE FORESTER.
What you can do with it
Search and read issues of the Lake Forester from 1899–1947.
This resource is provided with support from the Friends of Lake Forest Library.
GO TO LEARNING EXPRESS LIBRARY.
What you can do with it
Take self-paced tutorials and practice exams to help you change careers, pass occupational exams, become a U.S. Citizen, learn job finding and computer skills, prepare for college, get your GED, and more.
GO TO LEGAL INFORMATION REFERENCE CENTER.
What you can do with it
Access exclusive full text of many top consumer legal reference books, as well as thousands of legal forms and NOLO eBooks, to assist you in legal matters of all kinds.
eBooks · eAudiobooks · eMagazines · eComics · Videos
GO TO LIBBY / Digital Library of IL.
You can either use the Libby app or
sign in to your LIBBY account on the Digital Library of Illinois page
What you can do with it
Borrow from a vast collection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines.
User Guides
Get started with the Libby app
How to Download eBooks to a Kindle
Amount
- 10 eBook/eAudiobook checkouts at a time
- No limit on eMagazines
Loan Period
7, 14, or 21 days (you choose in Settings or when checking out an item)
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "libby" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets, Kindle Fire, Nook ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works on Kindle eInk readers ... just choose Kindle format when checking out an item |
| ⬤ | Read or listen to titles on a computer with an internet browser by visiting the Digital Library of Illinois |
eAudiobooks
GO TO LIBRIVOX.
What you can do with it
Download FREE audiobooks read by volunteers from around the world.
USER GUIDE
AMOUNT
Unlimited
HOW TO ACCESS
- Download audio files and listen on your Computer or Mobile device
- Add audio files to iTunes
IS THERE AN APP?
Yes, search for "librivox" in your app store
GO TO LINKEDIN LEARNING.
What you can do with it
Be a lifelong learner with free tutorials from the industry leader in technology training. Enhance and expand your business, technology, and creative skills. (Formerly Lynda.com.)
User Guide
Get started with the LinkedIn Learning app
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "linkedin learning" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
GO TO LITERARY REFERENCE CENTER.
What you can do with it
Find thousands of full-text classic novels, short stories and poems, plus summaries, critical essays, literary journals, author interviews and biographies, and over 1 million book reviews and school curriculum support.
GO TO LOS ANGELES TIMES.
What you can do with it
Explore full text articles (excluding images) from 1985 to the present.
GO TO MANGO LANGUAGES.
What you can do with it
Learn a wide variety of languages more effectively through real-life situations and actual conversation.
User Guide
Get started with the Mango app
How to access
| ⬤ | App available, search for "mango languages" in your app store |
| ⬤ | Works on iOS, Android, smartphones, tablets ... just install the app |
| ⬤ | Works in computer browser |
GO TO MASTERFILE PREMIER.
What you can do with it
Access more than 1,500 full-text magazines, a robust collection of eBooks, more than 55,000 primary source documents, and an extensive image collection including maps and flags.
GO TO MEDLINE PLUS.
What you can do with it
Access information on health topics, drugs, and supplements from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
GO TO MIDDLE SEARCH PLUS.
What you can do with it
Access popular middle school magazines, reference eBooks, and thousands of primary source documents and videos on subjects including history, current events, science, and sports. Publications include Cobblestone, Ranger Rick, Scholastic Science World, Time for Kids, US News and World Report, and more. Compatible with Lexiles reading measures.
GO TO MORNINGSTAR for in-library use.
GO TO MORNINGSTAR for use outside Lake Forest Library. You will be prompted to provide the first 5 digits of your library card.
What you can do with it
Analyze investments with information on mutual funds, stocks, ETFs, and screening tools.
GO TO MUZZY LANGUAGES ONLINE.
What you can do with it
Children can learn languages including English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish.
GO TO THE NEW YORK TIMES.
What you can do with it
Read full text articles (excluding images) from 1980–present. For articles from 1851–2009, use the Historical New York Times database.
GO TO THE HISTORICAL NEW YORK TIMES.
What you can do with it
Search and read New York Times articles (including images) from 1851–2009, including obituaries and marriage and birth announcements.
User Guide
GO TO NEWSPAPER SOURCE PLUS.
What you can do with it
Access a full-text digital collection of the world's major news content, including millions of articles from newspapers, newswires, and news magazines. Find television and radio transcripts and ongoing daily updates from popular news sources, including Associated Press, PR Wire, CNN Wire, and United Press International.
GO TO NEXIS UNI for in-library use.
GO TO NEXIS UNI for use outside Lake Forest Library.
What you can do with it
Access company and investment information, legal cases, and news stories from hundreds of foreign and domestic sources. Legal Case information available only in Lake Forest Library.
GO TO NEXTREADS.
What you can do with it
Sign up for email reading lists in 20 different subjects and genres. Find your next read.
GO TO NOVELIST K–8 PLUS.
What you can do with it
Find fiction and nonfiction recommendations for grades K–8 based on your interests and preferences.
GO TO NOVELIST PLUS.
What you can do with it
Find fiction and nonfiction recommendations based on your interests and preferences.
User Guide
GO TO POINTS OF VIEW REFERENCE CENTER.
What you can do with it
Explore rich content from resources that present multiple sides of an issue, helping students assess and develop persuasive arguments and essays, better understand controversial issues, and develop analytical thinking skills. Supports school curriculum standards.
GO TO PRIMARY SEARCH.
What you can do with it
Explore carefully curated content for elementary school ages, including full text for the most popular children's magazines, eBooks, and easy-to-read encyclopedic entries written specifically for kids. Includes Cricket Media content and reference books such as American Heritage Children's Dictionary. Supports Lexiles reading measures.
eBooks
GO TO PROJECT GUTENBERG.
What you can do with it
Download FREE eBooks including the world's great literature, especially older works for which copyright has expired.
USER GUIDE
Project Gutenberg mobile device how-to
AMOUNT
Unlimited
HOW TO ACCESS
- Read in your Computer or Mobile browser
- Download EPUB or MOBI files for your mobile device
IS THERE AN APP?
Yes, search for "project gutenberg" in your app store
GO TO RECORD INFORMATION SERVICES for in-library use.
GO TO RECORD INFORMATION SERVICES for use outside Lake Forest Library. You will be prompted to provide your Lake Forest Library card number.
What you can do with it
Search public record information such as bankruptcies, foreclosures and auctions, and real estate transactions in Lake and Chicago area counties.
GO TO REGIONAL BUSINESS NEWS.
What you can do with it
Search business journals, newspapers, and news-wires across the U.S.
GO TO S&P NET ADVANTAGE for in-library use.
GO TO S&P NET ADVANTAGE for use outside Lake Forest Library.
What you can do with it
Find business and investment information, including a daily stock price record and printable industry surveys.
GO TO SCIENCE REFERENCE CENTER.
What you can do with it
Search and browse full text of hundreds of science magazines, journals, reference books, and high-quality videos. The database also contains science experiments, NGSS and CCSS curriculum-aligned lesson plans, Lexiles reading measures, Google Classroom integration, and a vast image collection.
GO TO SMALL BUSINESS REFERENCE CENTER.
What you can do with it
Find full text periodicals, eBook, industry and market resource reports, interviews, lectures, and lessons from providers such as Harvard Business School and Bloomberg. Find state-specific resources, start-up kits and business plans, and industry information by business type. Includes NOLO eBooks.
GO TO SORKINS.
What you can do with it
Search for company and contact info for businesses and not-for-profit organizations in the Chicago, St. Louis, and Kansas City metropolitan areas.
User Guide
- You first need to register your Lake Forest Library card. Go to Sorkins and click "Login."
- A login popup will appear. Cick "Register Here!"
- Register with your name and library card.
- You will then be redirected to the login page.
- Log in with your library card number and you are ready to search!
- Once you have registered your library card number, you never have to do it again.
GO TO STORYLINE ONLINE.
What you can do with it
Stream videos featuring celebrated actors reading children's books. It is available 24 hours a day for children, parents, caregivers and educators worldwide. Each book includes supplemental curriculum developed by a credentialed elementary educator, aiming to strengthen comprehension and verbal and written skills for English-language learners.
eBooks
GO TO TUMBLE BOOK LIBRARY.
What you can do with it
Enjoy easy-to-use eBooks for grades K–6. Read as many books you want, when you want, and on any device with no need to check out, place holds, or download files.
GO TO TUTOR.COM.
What you can do with it
K–12 students can receive live one-on-one online tutoring in math, science, English, social studies, and writing. Adults can receive one-on-one career help, GED prep, and citizenship test prep. Available daily from 2:00–11:00 pm.
GO TO VALUE LINE.
What you can do with it
Explore investment research information including online versions of the Value Line Investment surveys, the mutual fund survey, and more.
GO TO THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
What you can do with it
Search and read articles from 1984 to present (1984–2006 excluding images).
User Guide
GO TO THE WASHINGTON POST.
What you can do with it
Explore full text articles (excluding images) from 1987 to the present.
GO TO WEISS RATINGS.
What you can do with it
Access financial strength ratings for banks, credit unions, and insurance. Get investment ratings for stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs. Also included is the Customized Medicare Supplement Insurance Buyer's Guide.
GO TO WORLD BOOK ONLINE.
What you can do with it
Explore multiple versions of World Book Encyclopedias including Kids, Student, Advanced, Timelines, Discover, French, and Spanish.
GO TO WORLDCAT.
WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH IT
Browse a world-wide catalog of millions of books, multimedia, web resources, and other materials.