Resources
In addition to the digital resources listed on our homepage, here are many more to assist you in your next research project or learning adventure! Be sure to also check under the Youth and Adult Services tab for Kids Educational Resources and Homework Help and Teens Educational Resources and Homework Help!
Fun
A cooperative effort between Library of Michigan and the presses of University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University has recently launched a unique collection of regional eBooks available to all residents of Michigan. ReadMichigan.org is a statewide eBook collection consisting of eBooks published by local university presses about Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Click the link to start reading now!
Check out some great virtual classes from Michigan State University Extension, as well as GetSetUp, a Michigan learning channel for older adults.
If you’re trying to access eBooks from our Great Lakes Digital Library on a Kindle device, this step-by-step tutorial will show you exactly what to do!
Check out Goodreads to help you keep track of your favorite books and interact with others!
What’s Next™: Books in Series Database of Kent District Library is an excellent resource for fiction books in a series. Search by author, book title, or series name!
Looking for a new favorite author? Try the Literature Map! Enter an author you enjoy, and the map will show you related authors to try next!
Famous Quotes & Authors – Looking for a fun and famous quote or author? Try searching this website!
Library card holders can print a pass, either from home or at the library, to one of the 360+ participating venues at the Michigan Activity Pass website. These include cultural destinations, state parks, recreation areas, and campgrounds within Michigan; some offer complimentary or reduced price admission and others offer discounts in their gift shop or other exclusive offers for MAP pass holders only. Patrons can print one pass per library card per week, and each Michigan Activity Pass expires one week from the date it is printed.
Accessibility
Great Lakes Talking Books is a service for all Michigan residents who cannot read regular print due to a physical disability. Applications are available through the Great Lakes Talking Books website or at your local library! There is also a service for Wisconsin residents.
Educational
Salem Press offers remote access to a number of reference resources with authentication using your library card. Visit Salem Press for history essays including topics of various issues and the series “Countries, People & Cultures.” You can also access reference volumes such as “Value of a Dollar,” “American Book of Days,” and “Famous First Facts.”
“Explore, study, review” with CliffsNotes, “the original and most widely imitated study guide.”
Employment
Glassdoor is a website that provides information on jobs and companies posted by employees and other job seekers. In their words “Get Hired. Love Your Job.” Start your search today!
Taxes
For tax assistance and information, visit the IRS website or call this toll free number: 1-800-829-1040. Visit irs.gov/getready for some specific recommended steps to prepare for tax season!
LOOKING FOR TAX FORMS? We typically receive some federal and Michigan state forms, but you can also print your own copies from these websites, as well as instructions for filling in and submitting your taxes. We also have copies of some federal and Michigan tax instruction booklets that can be checked out!
Federal Tax Forms: Use the search box to search for the form number you need, or click “Current Year” in the left menu.
Michigan Tax Forms: Find the year you are filing for and then select the form you need from the list.
Government
Michigan’s Secretary of State Office has an online, no-wait service called ExpressSOS. Renew your driver’s license, renew your state ID, get voter information about registration, precinct locations, sample ballots, and much more!
Elections/Voting
Make sure you are registered to vote in upcoming elections! Michigan residents can register by mail or in person at their county, city or township clerk’s office or by visiting any Secretary of State office. For more information, or to view your ballot ahead of time, visit Michigan.gov/vote.
At canivote.org, find information about U.S. elections in all fifty states, such as registration deadlines and guidelines regarding absentee voting. Visitors can easily find their designated polling locations.
U.S. Election Assistance Commission: At eac.gov, find election calendars, voter registration forms, and surveys and studies about U.S. elections.
At votesmart.org, find factual and unbiased information on elections as well as local and national candidates and elected officials. Serving researchers for more than 20 years, this site provides data such as publications and speeches specifically designed for K-12 educators.
Parents
MI School Data has launched a Parent Dashboard, designed especially for parents and other caregivers, containing the information they care about most when learning about their children’s schools. It is a collaborative effort involving a variety of state agencies, and the State Board of Education. The website centralizes data on everything from standardized test scores to attrition and expulsion numbers and data about student-staff ratios, among a host of other information.
The Michigan Child Protection Registry offered through the Michigan Secretary of State’s office is a free service that blocks adult ads from reaching emails, mobile phones and Instant Messenger IDs belonging to children and teens. Similar to the federal Do Not Call List, the Michigan Child Protection Registry is a free do-not-contact service for Michigan residents. Signing-up takes only seconds and the information entered is kept secure and private. Visit www.protectmichild.com to learn more.
Miscellaneous
HealthCare.gov is a great place to start to find out more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Michigan Legal Help is an interactive website built to help self-represented litigants handle relatively simple civil legal matters on their own. This project is funded by a grant from the Michigan State Bar Foundation as part of the Solutions on Self-Help Taskforce. No login is required.
DrivingTests.org provides a free driver’s education program for Dickinson County Library patrons, including practice tests for cars, motorcycles, commercial driver’s licenses and online driver’s manuals!
Michigan resources
Michigan residents or Michigan library or school access only.
Family History
MyHeritage Library Edition – Family history resource including more than 6 billion historical records from the United States, Europe, Latin America, and other regions. Includes the full USA federal census (1790-1940); census of England and Wales (1841-1901); U.S. World War II Army Enlistment as well as records of Union and Confederate Civil War soldiers.
Journals & Newspapers
Consumer Reports (via MasterFILE Complete) – Provides clear reviews of commonly purchased products. Consumer Reports uses careful research, consumer insights, journalism, and policy expertise to help you inform purchase decisions. Also works to improve the products and services that businesses deliver, and drive regulatory and fair competitive practices.
Newspaper Source Plus – Includes millions of articles from newspapers, newswires, and news magazines. Offers television and radio transcripts and ongoing daily updates from popular news sources. Primary full coverage newspapers are The Washington Post and USA Today.
Life Skills
Auto Repair Source – Excels at repair information and schedules, parts and labor estimates, service alerts, and recalls. Covers thousands of domestic and imported vehicles.
LearningExpress Library – Includes a resume builder you can save, edit, and print. Over 700 courses, practice tests, tutorials, eBooks, and flashcards. Practice tests include ACT, SAT, PSAT and TOEFL, as well as trade certification, civil service, math and reading tests, and U.S. citizenship.
Small Engine Repair Reference Center – 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.
Popular
AtoZDatabases – Detailed information on 30 million businesses and executives and 2 million new businesses. Includes data on over 200 million residents as well as new movers/homeowners. Special features include a background and criminal history search. Information provided on U. S. healthcare professionals. Includes a jobs database and email marketing.
MasterFILE – Broad collection of popular full-text magazines and reference books. 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.
Reading
eBooks Public Library – Collection of over 44,000 reference books featuring titles for both adults and kids. Covers a wide variety of topics from self-help and fitness to cooking and personal finance. You may access the full text of these eBooks from your computer, or download titles to most popular portable devices.
Contains information on over 260,000 fiction and readable nonfiction titles. Features lists of award-winning books, book discussion guides, Read-a-Like recommendations, and complete series information. Also includes reader ratings and reviews. Create your own reading wish list.
Discover millions of books available from 400+ Michigan libraries.