Connecticut Digital Library

The state of Connecticut has made available a rich array of electronic information databases. Check it out.  You will need your Public Library Card number to access the Connecticut Digital Library from home.

www.iconn.org - Use this link to search all the databases in the Connecticut Digital Library.

Quick Links to Individual Databases in the Connecticut Digital Library:

• Kids InfoBits - A great database for K-5 students.  It searches magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias, and other reference works all in one click.
• Biography Resource Center - Need information about a person?  Check this out.  Click on "Biography Facts Search" to search by ethnicity, occupation, gender....
• Discovering Collection - This database includes information about people, places and events -- history, literature, biography, science and social studies.  It searches reference sources, creative works, primary sources, and multimedia.

Online Encyclopedias

• World Book Kids  - You will need the Region's password to access this from home.  (See Mrs. Messina if you forgot it.)
• World Book Student - You will need the Region's password to access this from home.  (See Mrs. Messina if you forgot it.)

Animal Websites

• World Wildlife Fund
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Animal Diversity Web - An online encyclopedia with information on just about every animal group within the animal kingdom.
• Endangered Species Guide from Animal Planet

Almanacs

• World Almanac for Kids - Looking for basic facts and general information...try here!  Click on "Explore" to search by categories.  Click on "Insider Info" for some great links to the WWW by category.
• The Old Farmer's Almanac   

Biographical Resources

• Biography.com - 20,000 short biographies
• Famous Americans

Atlases and Maps

• MapQuest - Get driving directions anywhere in the US.
• World Atlas Outline Maps and Map Tests - Not only will you find outline maps for every country in the world, but a series of map quizzes as well to test your geography skills.
• Historical Atlas of the 20th Century - Click on maps, graphs, and charts to learn more about 20th Century history.
• Atlapedia Online  
• Maps - Blackline Masters compiled by Pat Elliott, Library Specialist from Canada

News

• Yahoo Kids-Big Picture - great news site for kids.
• Online News Hour Extra - news for students from PBS
• KidsPost - from the Washington Post
• The New York Times Learning Network - Check out the News Summaries along the left hand column.
• News & Current Events - from ALA Great Web Sites for Kids.  Lots of links to great news sites.
• Go to World Book Student and check out the "Today" section for headlines from PBS news.

Dictionaries

• Word Central
• Merriam-Webster Online
• Visuwords - graphical dictionary that shows word meaning and how it relates to other words.
• RhymeZone - rhyming dictionary and thesaurus
• Little Explorers - A free on-line picture dictionary of more than 1,100 entries.  Also provides links to other educational sites.

Other Ready Reference Sources

• Fact Monster - A GREAT reference site for students that includes an encyclopedia, almanac, atlas, and dictionary.
• Information Please - The "adult" version of "Fact Monster" (see above).
• Kidspace @ The Internet Public Library - follow the subject headings to great links chosen by librarians.
• Library Spot - very handy, well organized ready reference links.
• Enchanted Learning - Great educational web sites and games which are designed to capture the imagination while maximizing creativity, learning, and enjoyment.