First Search   FirstSearch is an online service that gives library professionals and end users access to a rich collection of reference databases. With FirstSearch, materials in your library’s collection are highlighted in results from searches in dozens of leading databases. Search for information on a wide variety of subjects from 16 different databases. The Statewide Illinois Library Catalog, known as SILC, is accessible through First Search, as is Find-it Illinois and Ask ? Away.
 

Gale Virtual Reference Library is a database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for different types of research. These reference materials once were accessible only in the library, but now you can access them online from the library or remotely 24/7. Because each library creates its own eBook collection, the content you see may vary if you use the database at different libraries (your school, your public library, or your office).
 

Grolier's  Helps both young and old with research and research skills, as well as with providing teachers, and librarians the important teaching and research tools that they need for their classrooms and media centers. Contains three encyclopedia databases -- The New Book of Knowledge, The new Book of Popular Science, and Amazing Animals.
 

Heritage Quest  A collection of over 25,000 family and local histories, Federal Censuses, and other genealogical content.
 

InfoTrac General Reference Center Gold   A general interest database that integrates a variety of sources in one easy-to-use interface. Use General Reference Center Gold to find articles from newspapers, reference books, and periodicals, many with full-text and images. Find the latest current events, popular culture, business and industry coverage, the arts and sciences, sports, hobbies, and more.
 

Learning Express Library    Interactive test preparation guides for the ASVAB, GRE, SAT, ACT, civil service, military, law enforcement, real estate, U.S. Citizenship Test, and other exams. Also includes courses on Microsoft's Office Suite of software.
 

Mango Languages   Are you traveling abroad?  Struggling with a language course at school?  Trying to improve your English?  Try Mango Languages!  McHenry Public Library cardholders now have access to an online language-learning system that teaches conversational skills for 12 different languages, including Spanish, French, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese.  There are also ESL courses for those learning English and a translation tool for written text.  Create a Mango account to keep track of your progress in the lessons today!
 

Newsbank   Search current and past articles from our local Northwest Herald and more through this database, which also includes access to more than 30 popular national magazines.