The Bensenville Community Public Library subscribes to a variety of online research products and databases that offer up-to-date, reliable information on a wide range of topics, including: genealogy, business, history, homework help, auto repairs, and more.

All of our searchable resources are available for use in the library or from home. Hover over the images below to see a description about each database. You may also narrow or filter your search by clicking on our list of research subjects.

For some resources, you may be asked to enter the 14-digit barcode (starting with 21437…) on the back of your Bensenville Community Public Library card, along with your PIN number. Need help? Please call us at (630) 766-4642. Also, please note that we do not accept submissions for inclusion into our online resources collections.

Full-text articles to support research in science, engineering, physics, technology, religion, and philosophy. Includes access to video from the Associated Press (AP).

Full-text articles to support research in history and genealogy and lesson plans to support student learning.

Novels, short stories, poems, plot summaries and synopses, and literary criticism. Research guides, lesson plans, and citation tools support student learning.

A good place to start for research and homework. Includes full-text articles, reference books, primary source documents, photos, maps, flags, and videos from the Associated Press (AP).

Resources to support middle school students, including biographies, magazines, primary source documents, photos, maps, and flags. Includes Sports Illustrated Kids, Scholastic News, National Geographic and dozens more.

Reading recommendations for kids' fiction and nonfiction that you can search by Lexile, subject, and grade level.

A popular and extensive tool for reading recommendations for fiction and non-fiction. Includes audiobook recommendations.

Resources for students to understand issues, develop critical thinking skills, and develop persuasive arguments. Includes essays and articles on citizens' rights, earth/environmental issues, health/medicine, and media.

Resources to support elementary school students, including encyclopedias specifically for kids, articles from children's magazines including Highlights and Junior Scholastic, and a large image collection.

eBooks you won't find in your library catalog covering a wide range of topics such as self-help, fitness, games, hobbies, and cooking.

Resources for students and adults who have a basic foundation in English grammar and reading but need adapted reading material for a variety of subjects. Includes text-to-speech tools and Lexile Measures.

Full-text articles to support research in applied sciences, biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and energy. Includes high-quality science images from National Geographic, UPI, Getty, NASA, and Nature Picture Library.

More Resources:

College Board — Not-for-profit organization representing over 6000 of the world’s leading colleges, schools, and other educational organizations.
Embark — Features include: school matcher, graduate school information, and an online recruitment application.
Peterson’s — Online companion to the popular college guide. Nice variety of available resources.
USNews.com (Colleges) — Includes information and rankings from the annual listing of schools.
Campus Tours — Take a virtual tour of the college you are interested in attending.
College Answer — Free financial aid service offered by Sallie Mae. The database includes thousands of private scholarships, grants, tuition waivers, internships, and fellowships.
FAFSA Application — Get a copy of the FAFSA or fill it out online.
Illinois Student Assistance Commission Outreach Activities Calendar — ISAC’s outreach efforts help families navigate the steps of the college admission and financial aid processes.
Affordable Colleges Online — This directory of online colleges in the U.S. compares thousands of online colleges and programs.

Research Subjects

Narrow and filter your search

Online Research: College and Education

More Resources:

Research Subjects