Free Research Tools

From Your Library:

Massachusetts residents have access to a wide array of Gale Databases, Encyclopedia Britannica, and newspapers and magazines. In addition, there are new databases for 2020 including HeritageQuest Genealogy, Career Transitions, Opposing Viewpoints, Science, and Research.

Explore the Leventhal Map Center and see the vast collection of digitized maps housed at the Boston Public Library.

With a BPL eCard, you can access courses business, software, technology, and creative skills through Lynda.com 

The Digital Commonwealth is the home to thousands of historical collections from libraries, museums, and archives across Massachusetts.

Free For Now:

Gale Pages

The free period for the additional Gale databases ended on June 30, 2020. Our regular Gale databases are available here.

Infobase 

InfoBase has provided Massachusetts with a suite of 16 educational databases, covering a wide range of topics:

Science and Medicine, Current Events, Biography, History, Religion & Philosophy, Literature, and a collection of educational videos.

EBSCO

In Response to the Covid-19 crisis, EBSCO has created a page with information and free resources for academic libraries

Other Research Tools

You can contribute to current research projects through Newberry and the Library of Congress by transcribing historical documents.

Google Earth lets you explore the world without leaving your home. Tour places, play games and more.


Other Free Resources:

Getting Started

Storytimes and Activities for Kids

eBooks and Audiobooks

Video

Music

Museums

Staying Active

YOUR LIBRARY

Choose a library near you to find hours, directions, your catalog, and more local resources.
Enter a library name, part of a name, or a city or town in Massachusetts (e.g., Forbes Library or Northampton) or a zip code.

FIND BOOKS, MUSIC, & DVDS

Find a local Massachusetts library. Search its catalog for materials that you can check out immediately.

Can't find it?

Search over 50 million items in the statewide Commonwealth Catalog

If you find an item you want to borrow, just make a request and it'll be delivered to your home library in a few days.