Digital Resources

Databases

If you are outside of the library, you will need your library’s username and password to access these resources. Ask your librarian.

General Children's Education

Literacy Central at Reading is Fundamental
Explore free digital resources including activities, games, and videos for your children’s favorite books. The site includes sections for teachers, parents, and volunteers.

PBS Parents
PBS Parents contains information on child development and early learning and also offers access to educational games and activities inspired by PBS KIDS programs.

¡Colorín Colorado!
This site serves educators and families of English language learners in Grades PreK-12, providing free research-based information, activities, and advice to parents, schools, and communities around the country.
Colorín Colorado es el principal sitio web nacional que presta servicio a maestros y familias de estudiantes del idioma inglés de los grados PreK-12, ha ofrecido información basada en la investigación, actividades y consejos para padres, escuelas y comunidades de todo el país.

Khan Academy
From kindergarten to calculus, practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard empower learners to study at their own pace.

Schmoop
Aimed at middle school through college students, this education subscription site known for its humor has lots of free content for students: an essay lab, subject learning guides, quizzes, videos, and more.

KnightCite
This free online citation generator service simplifies the task of compiling an accurate bibliography. Three bibliographic styles are offered: MLA, APA, and Chicago.

Home Schooling

Home School Page of Oklahoma Department of Education
Find legal guidelines and educational resources for schooling your children at home.

Oklahoma Academic Standards
From the State Department of Education, these expectations for what students should know and be able to do by the end of the school year can provide a guide for home schooling families.

National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI)
NHERI conducts and collects research about homeschooling and publishes the research journal, Home School Researcher. The institute has hundreds of research works documented and catalogued on home schooling, many of which were done by NHERI.

Homeschool World
Practical Homeschooling magazine promotes homeschooling with articles, organization and event lists, and experts for the home schooling information.

School Evaluations

U.S. News High School Rankings
The U.S. News rankings include data on more than 22,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Oklahoma School Profiles
The Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability makes available data on student, teacher, and school performance as well as other measures through a variety of reports.

National Center for Education Statistics
NCES is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education. They provide scientific evidence to inform education practice and policy and to share this information in formats that are useful and accessible to educators, parents, policymakers, researchers, and the public.

Oklahoma School Performance Reviews
This review program was authorized by the Oklahoma Legislature to develop findings, commendations, and recommendations for individual school districts regarding containing costs,  improving management strategies, and promoting better education for Oklahoma children.

Vocational Schools

Choosing a Vocational School
This Federal Trade Commission site offers advice on finding reputable vocational schools, also known as trade or career schools, and correspondence schools, noting that not all these schools are reputable.

Career Colleges and Technical Schools—Questions to Ask
The US Department of Education provides resources for finding a school that matches your interests, choosing a school, and paying for your education.

Oklahoma Career Tech
Oklahoma’s network of 29 technology centers on 58 campuses serves high school and adult learners with specialized career training in more than 90 instructional areas. High school students living in a technology center district attend tuition free, while adults are charged nominal tuition. Technology center students also are able to earn highly affordable and transferable college credit from area colleges in many career majors.

College and Universities

OK College Start
Find lots of resources here to learn about going to college in Oklahoma.

U Can Go 2
Resources to help you plan, prepare, and pay for college.

Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities
This booklet contains information about getting ready for college, choosing the right courses, paying for college, and profiles of colleges and universities in Oklahoma.

US News and World Report Education Center
This popular source includes college and university rankings, career information, financial aid, and general tips.

Peterson’s
Find guides and timelines for choosing or returning to college, test prep, international student admissions, and more.

College Board
Find out about testing (CLEP, SAT, PSAT, and AP), explore majors and careers, search scholarships and colleges, and learn about applying and paying for college.

College Results Online
College Results Online (CRO) is a web tool designed to provide policymakers, counselors, parents, students, and others with information about college graduation rates for nearly any four-year college or university in the country.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Complete your first FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 of your senior year in high school and every year that you need financial aid for college.

GED

GED Testing Service
The official GED site, to help you prepare for the test, find a GED Prep Center, get test prep materials, and take a sample test.

General Education

GCF Learn Free
Work, Career, Technology, Reading and Math – a wide range of tutorials to get you up to speed.

Khan Academy
From kindergarten to calculus, practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard empower learners to study at their own pace.

Ed X
Founded by Harvard University and MIT in 2012, edX offers high-quality online courses from the world’s best universities and institutions to learners everywhere.

Ted Talks
A clearinghouse of free knowledge from the world's most inspired thinkers with engaging speakers on all kinds of new ideas and topics.

Drive
Drive helps to connect new digital learners with volunteer trainers and resources that will help them achieve success on the Internet, on the job, and at home.

DigitalLearn.org
Use this collection of self-directed computer tutorials to do almost anything.

In Pictures
Computer tutorials based on pictures, not words.

Duolingo
Learning with Duolingo is fun and addictive. In bite-sized lessons, earn points for correct answers, race against the clock, and level up.

HealthFinder
Easy to use tools to help you and those you care about stay healthy

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC works to protect Americans from health, safety, and security threats. Find information about diseases and conditions, healthy living, and emergency preparedness, and use tools to access data and statistics

KidsHealth.org
KidsHealth is divided into three main sections about children’s health for parents, kids, and teens

American Heart Association
Information and health check tools to help people live healthier lives and to reduce the risk of heart disease

2-1-1 Oklahoma
An easy telephone number to remember that provides callers with health related and general information about human services.

Oklahoma Health Care Authority (SoonerCare) Programs
SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) is a health coverage program jointly funded by the federal and state government through the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. This program helps pay some or all medical bills for many people who can't afford them.

Job Search Sites

Indeed
Indeed enables you to search jobs posted on thousands of websites. Employers also post jobs directly on Indeed. Get daily emails with jobs that match any search. Use mobile website and apps.

Monster
Search for jobs, post your resume, get career advice, and create an account to be found by recruiters.

USAJOBS
Browse federal jobs, create a profile, upload resumes and documents, set e-mail search alerts, and apply for federal jobs online.

Create a Resume

My Perfect Resume
Build your resume and find detailed examples from a variety of work and educational experiences.

Resume Checklist
Use this resource to check your resume for skills, training, experience, format, and appearance.

General Employment Resources

GCF LearnFree.org Subject: Work
Explore free tutorials to help you with cover letters, interviewing skills, job applications, job search and networking, resume writing, career planning, communication skills, and work technology like QuickBooks and Microsoft Office.

Career One Stop
From the US Department of Labor, this site offers resources on careers, training, resumes, interviews, networking, and finding job openings.

Practice Online Job Application
The Stratford Library in Connecticut created this practice job application to help you prepare for filling out applications online.

Top Interview Questions
Monster.com lists the top 100 job interview questions, with tips for good answers.

Occupational Outlook Handbook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes this online guide to help you find career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Learn about OSHA’s laws and regulations, file a safety and health complaint, find an OSHA office, and more from this US Department of Labor site.

Experience Works: Employment for Older Adults
Experience Works is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of older people through training, community service, and employment.

How to clean up your online reputation
This Monster.com article helps you assess and repair social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) posts that could hurt your job search.

Veterans

Career One Stop Veteran and Military Transition Center
This US Department of Labor site is a one-stop website for employment, training, and financial help after military service.

Oklahoma Veterans Employment Resources
This site at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission offers employment resources for veterans.

Local Employment Resources

OK Job Match
This site provides job seekers with easy-to-use tools that help you create and post a resume, determine whether you’re eligible for state- or federally funded workforce programs, search for the ideal job, search for training, research labor market information, and more.

Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
OESC is your link to employment and training, unemployment benefits, labor market data, and much more.

Workforce Oklahoma
Assistance is available through Workforce Oklahoma Centers located throughout the state. The centers have employment and training programs including career counseling, skill assessments, training, job search assistance, and referrals to programs and services.

CareerTech
Oklahoma’s network of 29 technology centers on 58 campuses serves high school and adult learners with specialized career training in more than 90 instructional areas. High school students living in a technology center district attend tuition free, while adults are charged nominal tuition. Technology center students also are able to earn highly affordable and transferable college credit from area colleges in many career majors.

Oklahoma Department of Labor
The mission of the Oklahoma Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage-earner, through the licensing and regulation of certain industries, investigating employee wage disputes, and promoting workplace safety initiatives.

File Unemployment
File your unemployment claim in Oklahoma and get more information on this site.

Job Fairs
Information about job fairs across the state.

Small Business Resources

National Sources

USA.gov Small Business
Learn the steps to start a small business, get financing help from the government, and more.

U.S. Small Business Administration
SBA offers loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling and training sessions, and other forms of assistance to small businesses. Explore topics about starting and managing a business.

IRS: Starting a Business
The IRS site includes links to basic federal tax information for small business owners and those looking to start a business.  Find information on identifying your business’s structure, employer identification numbers, record keeping, business taxes, and a helpful checklist for all necessary tax-related small business filings.

IRS Small Business Taxes virtual workshop
These workshop video lessons will help the new business owner understand and meet federal tax obligations.

IRS: Information for Nonprofits
Find exemption requirements and the application process for charitable 501c3 organizations.

Grants.gov
A central storehouse for information on over 1,000 grant programs, this site provides access to approximately $400 billion in annual awards.

Occupational Outlook Handbook
Find career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHA was created by Congress to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.

Americans with Disabilities Act Business Connection
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities, such as buying an item at the store, going to the movies, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, exercising at the health club, or having the car serviced at a local garage. Learn about the goals of the ADA and the law establishing requirements for businesses of all sizes.

Oklahoma Sources

Oklahoma Secretary of State: Steps to Start Your Business
Learn the steps to help complete the business registration process in the State of Oklahoma. These steps will apply to almost all new business start-ups.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is dedicated to providing the support and tools necessary for Oklahoma companies to grow and thrive. Whether big or small, or just getting started, the Department of Commerce stands ready to assist with years of business start-up know-how, partner referrals, and Oklahoma’s incentives programs.

Oklahoma Business Incentives
Oklahoma is globally recognized for its incentive programs and pro-business environment. Businesses can choose between a cash incentive or a tax credit package, and in some cases, qualifying businesses can take advantage of both programs.

Women and Minority Business Certifications in Oklahoma
Certification programs may benefit businesses that have traditionally faced extra barriers to market entry or participation. Some companies and state agencies use certifications to ensure diversity in their selection of contractors, vendors, and suppliers.

Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce: Business Services and Start-Up Guide
With years of business start-up know-how, the state chamber site provides support and tools for Oklahoma businesses, including partner referrals and Oklahoma’s incentives programs.

American Indian Chamber of Commerce
An organization of American Indian businesses, tribal leaders, and other businesses, the AICCO helps American Indian businesses expand and grow. The Chamber actively supports and nurtures business opportunities for members by providing access to public sector agencies and private industry.

Oklahoma Small Business Development Center
OKSBDC assists small business owners and new entrepreneurs by providing no charge, one-on-one business management advising, business management workshops, and business technical assistance.

SCORE
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses—through education and mentorship—for over fifty years. Supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and a network of 11,000+ volunteers, SCORE delivers services at no charge or at very low cost such as workshops (in person and online) and business tools. There are SCORE offices in Ardmore, Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

SCORE Business Planning and Financial Statements Template Gallery
Find business planning, finance, sales, marketing, and management templates and guides.

Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST)
OCAST encourages innovation and assists with job creation for Oklahoma's entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors, and small businesses, in order to grow and diversify Oklahoma’s economy. The agency helps with funding research projects, facilitating partnerships and collaborations, and assisting small businesses in obtaining federal funding.

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service uses science-based, objective data and offers information on agricultural business, finance, and marketing.

Other Sources

Riley Guide: Steps in Starting Your Own Business
The Riley Guide, by Margaret F. Dikel, covers small business concerns and contains sources on obtaining funding, dealing with legal concerns, getting started, and finding help.

Nolo Small Business
Nolo’s mission is to help consumers and small businesses find answers to their everyday legal and business questions. This site provides articles on almost any legal topic. The business encyclopedia contains information on business plans, financing, obtaining a business license, marketing, taxes, and buying and selling a business.

Startup Nation
A great site for entrepreneurs and would-be business owners, this site has community space, articles, podcasts, online seminars, and other small business information.

Intellectual Property Basics
Bryce Pilz, a Law Professor at the University of Michigan delivers this series of short videos designed to guide entrepreneurs through the important concepts of intellectual property during their startup. The series of 3-5 minute videos cover more than 60 topics, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the University of Michigan.

Blue Avocado
A semi-monthly newsletter of American Nonprofits, a membership organization that provides practical financial information and support to U.S. 501c3 nonprofit organizations, staff, stakeholders, and volunteers. It is created by and for community-based nonprofits.

The Self Employed
A web portal for all things self-employed, this site aims to be your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know to have a fun and successful entrepreneurial journey. At the site, you will find relevant articles, how-to videos, podcasts, forums, and special offers that are all designed specifically for the self-employed.

Small Business Trends
An online publication for small business owners and entrepreneurs, Small Business Trends is a source of information, breaking news, and advice covering issues of key importance to small businesses.  The site has over 400 vetted experts who volunteer their knowledge, insights, successes, and failures.

Small Biz Survival
This small town and rural business blog contains how-to articles, with an emphasis on social media marketing.

Practical Ecommerce
This site provides down-to-earth articles and commentary by authors who are leading ecommerce practitioners, consultants, and journalists.

HR Morning
HR Morning delivers the latest Human Resources news, advice and insights to keep business owners up to date, and your companies in compliance with rules and regulations.

Federal Government Information

These resources cover government at the federal (national) level. For resources at the state and local (county, city, etc.) level, go to the State and Local Government Information page.

Search Federal Government Sites Directly

USA.gov is the U.S. government’s official web portal to all federal, state, and local government web resources and services.

Government Agencies and Elected Officials

A to Z List of All Federal Agencies
This USA.gov page lists all federal departments and agencies and lets you search for a department or agency by name as well.

Contact U.S. Senators
This page lists all current U.S. Senators by state with links to their websites, phone numbers, and email addresses.

Find My U.S. Representative
Enter your zip code to find your U.S. Representative and find links to his/her website and contact information.

Health and Healthcare

Healthcare.gov
This site directs you, based on your state of residence, to purchase insurance through either the appropriate state or federal health insurance marketplace.

Medicare home page
Medicare is a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over who have paid into the system through payroll taxes on their wages. In order to receive benefits, you need to enroll. This page, getting started with Medicare, gives more information about setting up Medicare.

Assistance, Retirement, and Student Aid

Disaster Assistance
Find out if your address is in a declared disaster area and get links to local FEMA and Red Cross centers.

Social Security Administration (SSA)
The SSA manages social security payments, which includes retirement, disability, and survivor benefits that is paid in through a payroll tax on your wages. This page includes tools to understand your contributions so far and estimate future payments. In order to start receiving retirement benefits, like with Medicare, you need to enroll.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs administers all benefits for U.S. military veterans, their families, and survivors. This includes health care, educational, and burial benefits.

Jobs and Unemployment

Find a Federal Government Job
This page explains the federal hiring process for different kinds of positions, including jobs in federal agencies, apprenticeships, and internships.

Federal Unemployment Information
If you’ve become unemployed through no fault of your own, or under certain eligibility requirements as outlined by state law, you qualify for unemployment benefits. This site covers those benefits and how to apply for them.

Money and Taxes

IRS Tax Forms and Publications
If you are looking for a specific federal tax form or publication, you can find it through this site.

Federal Tax Information and Online Services for Individuals
This site gives information about how to file, pay, and manage your taxes. It includes links to how to file for free if you are below a certain income level. There is also information for different individual situations, such as self-employment, military, parents, students, or retirees.

Travel and Immigration

U.S. Passports and International Travel
Learn how to apply for a passport, a requirement for traveling out of the country. Other links include travel checklists and U.S.-issued travel alerts and warnings.

U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens to be registered with nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate while traveling abroad. This allows the Embassy or Consulate to alert you about local safety issues while abroad and to assist with communications in the case of an emergency.

Obtaining Citizenship Through Naturalization
Learn how to become a U.S. citizen, including through military service or marriage.

Voting and Elections

Voter Registration Information
This USA.gov website lets you find out whether you are eligible to vote, deadlines for registering, and ID requirements for registering.

Researching Election Candidates
Learn more about candidates during an election in this overview from USA.gov.

How to Vote
This website covers information on absentee voting, early voting, and voting on Election Day.

State and Local Government Resources

Find Elected Officials

Find My Legislators
Enter your address to find your U.S. Senate, U.S. House, State Senate, and State House elected representatives.

Assistance and Benefits

Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS)
DHS provides a range of assistance programs, including food benefits (SNAP), services for people with disabilities, child welfare and protection, adult protection, child support services, and administration of the state Medicaid program.

Unemployment Claimant Info
From the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, learn how to file an unemployment claim as well as how to register for the job match program.

Money and Taxes

Oklahoma Income Tax Forms
View, download, and print state tax forms and publications from this Oklahoma Tax Commission site.

OKTreasure.com
Search for unclaimed property.

Law and Legal Issues

Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN)
Search Oklahoma's electronic law library, print legal forms, learn about court programs, find information on your local district court, search cases, and make e-payments in selected district courts.

Oklahoma’s Lemon Law
This guide provides information about your rights and responsibilities under Oklahoma’s Lemon Law.

Department of Corrections
This site covers corrections facilities, victims’ services, visitation policies, and information about persons in the criminal justice system.

Oklahoma VINE
Look up persons in the criminal justice system and receive notification of custody status changes, such as releases on bail, changes in protective order status, or updates about criminal cases, via phone, email, text, or TTY.

Certificates, Licenses, and Permits

Birth and Death Certificates
This site covers how to obtain a birth or death certificate, including acceptable identification.

Driver License and ID Information
From the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety this site covers driver testing, learning permits, and information on how to get a new license/ID and renew.

Oklahoma Driver Manuals
View, download, and print driver manuals from the Department of Public Safety site.

Hunting and Fishing License Applications
Read about hunting and fishing regulations and purchase your licenses online.

Local Government Sites & Services

Garvin County Clerk
Find land records and filed documents for Garvin County.

Garvin County Sheriff's Office
Search jail lists, state statutes, sherrif's sales, district court records, etc.

Garvin County Health Department
The County Health Department offers a variety of services, such as immunizations, family planning, maternity education, well-baby clinics, adolescent health clinics, hearing and speech services, child developmental services, environmental health, and the SoonerStart program.

Garvin County Extension Office
Find the cooperative extension office in your county. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service uses science-based, objective information and offers information on agricultural business, finance, and marketing.

Garvin County School Districts

Elmore City-Pernell
Lindsay
Paoli
Pauls Valley
Stratford
Whitebead
Wynnewood

Mid-America Technology Center
Mid-America Technology Center is located in Wayne, OK. MATC serves central Oklahoma high school and adult students in career education and technical skills training.

Local Colleges

East Central University
Located in Ada, OK

Murray State College
Located in Tishomingo, OK

Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Located in Durant, OK

Library Resources

Our genealogy section includes Civil War rosters for Union and Confederate soldiers; roll books for Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw tribes; obituaries collected from the local newspaper; local yearbooks; various volumes for locations outside the state of Oklahoma, as well as within; and cemetery records and local records specific to Wynnewood.

History Collections and Research

Gateway to Oklahoma History

Oklahoma Digital Prairie Collections

Oklahoma Historical Society Research Division

Genealogy How To

Trace your family tree

Family Search

RootsWeb’s Guide to Tracing Family Trees

Genealogy forms at Family Tree Magazine

Free Genealogy on the Web

Rootsweb

Cyndi’s List

Access Genealogy

Find a Grave

Death Indexes

Surnames

Oklahoma Cemeteries

US GenWeb Project

Chronicling America

Tulsa City County Library Genealogy Center

Birth and death certificates

National Archives Genealogy

Bureau of Land Management

Daughters of the American Revolution

Soldiers and Sailors of the Civil War