Local Library Resources
Local Libraries are amazing community institutions filled with an array of resources, learning opportunities, and events that you can benefit from and participate in. At many libraries, you can borrow books, graphic novels, audiobooks, music CDs, DVDs, and yes, even video games (at some libraries). Many libraries have free or discounted passes to museums, zoos, and other local cultural spaces. What you can do at your local library varies from city to city so we provide these resources to get you started and familiar with the possibilities.
Here are some recommendations for getting the most out of your local library:
Sign up for a library card (it's the gateway to access most resources and opportunities).
Sign up for the library's newsletter (if they have one)
Bookmark the resources of the library that you want to use most (such as particular pages or databases).
Visit the library and get familiar with its resources.
Chicago
Library Resources
The Chicago Public Library has a great range of resources that Chicago residents can utilize. Utilizing the library makes lifetime learning easy and accessible for our students and graduates through the resources that already exist in our local communities! Here are some of the highlights:
How to get a Library Card
Explore the full range of resources and services that you can access through your library. See the full range of databases and programs here.
Access learning opportunities through the Languages and Learning Center
Learn and develop professional skills with LinkedIn Learning
Explore the dozens of research databases they have to offer.
ESOL resources include
Multiple languages for training videos on LinkedInLearning
Learning languages on Mango Languages
Local Databases of Public Information
Philadelphia
Library Resources
The Free Library of Philadelphia has a great range of resources that Philadelphia residents can utilize. Utilizing the library makes lifetime learning easy and accessible for our students and graduates through the resources that already exist in our local communities! Here are some of the highlights:
How to get a Library Card
Explore the full range of resources and services that you can access through your library.
Access learning opportunities through the Languages and Learning Center
eBooks and Audiobooks from Overdrive
Take courses with Udacity and Universal Class
Explore the dozens of research databases they have to offer
ESOL resources include
Multiple languages for training videos on LinkedInLearning
Learning languages with Mango Languages
Local Databases of Public Information
Rhode Island
Library Resources
The Providence Public Library has a great range of resources that Rhode Island residents can utilize. Utilizing the Providence Public Library makes lifetime learning easy and accessible for our students and graduates through the resources that already exist in our local communities! Here are some of the highlights:
How to get a Library Card
This slide deck shows you all the things you can do with your Library Card. Also, here is a quickstart guide to digital services.
Ask.RI provides quick access to so great resources and databases (after you've activated your library card) including
Access online courses through Udemy
Magazines through Flipster
Career guides through EBSCO Learning Express
You can also check out Kanopy, the Providence Library's free video streaming service with many critically-acclaimed films, award-winning documentaries, and instructional courses.
Information on free PPL courses
ESOL resources include
Learning languages with Mango Languages
Spanish Film collection on Kanopy
If you are having trouble getting your library card, please contact: support@collegeunbound.edu
If you want to connect with a Providence Public Library librarian, email pplref@provlib.org
Local Databases of Public Information
Massachusetts
Library Resources
For students who live in Massachusetts, it's worth knowing that you might be able to access two different library services. If a student does not live in Boston, then they will benefit from being able to join their local library and its associative network as well as joining the Boston Public Library. You can use this link to find out which library is your local library. But why would you want to belong to your own local library AND the Boston Public Library? Well, it allows you to expand your access to different services and databases. What follows is information and resources about the Boston Public Library but know that you can and should also take advantage of your local library too.
The Boston Public Library has a great range of resources that Massachusetts residents can utilize. Utilizing the library makes lifetime learning easy and accessible for our students and graduates through the resources that already exist in our local communities! Here are some of the highlights:
How to get a Library Card
Explore the full range of resources and services that you can access through your library.
Access learning opportunities through the Job and Career Success resources.
A variety of digital resources for books, audiobooks, films, music, magazines, and more
Explore the dozens of resource guides and research databases they have to offer
Free or discounted tickets to museums, zoos, and other events/spaces in Massachusetts
ESOL resources include
Events and Resources dedicated to language learning
Learning languages with Mango Languages
Language support for test prep and practice exams with LearningExpress Library
Local Databases of Public Information
Legal & General Information Databases for Trial Court Law Libraries in MA
MA State Agency Databases (one central space for many different open databases of government and business sectors)