Databases
Free access to research databases. Get the facts. Find and cite sources.
All databases are available at all locations.
Accel5
Just in time for the working professional, Accel5 Business Library features short videos on topics including: business competencies, leadership and management, and personal effectiveness. Also includes summaries for business and leadership books, and articles by industry leaders on current issues in the working world.
Username: libraryva@accel5.com
Password: V1rgin1a
(note the numeral 1 in place of the letter i for the first and last instance of i)
Ancestry Library Edition
The world’s biggest genealogy database. Billions of records to search to put together your family history. Start by typing an ancestor’s name and the place of any major event in his or her lifetime.
In-library use only, at any library location.
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports is the world’s largest nonprofit product-testing organization and has been helping subscribers find better, safer products for 80+ years. In addition to product ratings and reviews, users will find in-depth advice, tips and trends written by Consumer Reports experts. Frequently updated articles, blogs and video content allow consumers to get the latest consumer news.
Library card required for use outside the library.
Creativebug
Creativebug offers online video arts and crafts workshops and techniques taught by design experts and artists. Enjoy unlimited access to thousands of tutorials. Learn how to paint, knit, crochet, sew, screen print, and more.
What will you make today?
Accessible outside the library. Create an account with your email address and password.
DigitalLearn
If you are new to computers, haven’t used them for a while, are a little unsure and uncomfortable, or just need a bit of a refresher, Digital Learn has the tools to help you tackle technology at your own pace and gain the confidence you need to succeed.
Create your own account with a username and password.
Entrepreneurial Learning Institute
ELI provides a free self-paced course to learn how to launch a small business venture. It covers marketing, human resources, government regulation, and finance. Learn how to start your own business directly from successful entrepreneurs. (ELI is the equivalent of 3 college credits).
Create your own account with a username and password.
Explora Public Libraries
A general information resource that includes articles, essays and primary source documents. Provides topic overviews that provide researchers and students a starting point for high-quality articles licensed from reputable publishers. Videos and suggested research topics included, too!
For use outside the library:
Username: valib
Password: Read21!
FamilySearch
FamilySearch helps people around the world discover their heritage and connect with their relatives. As a FamilySearch affiliate library, we have access to 400 million more genealogical records than you would be able to access with a free personal account.
In-library use only, use at any library location.
Gale in Context: Elementary
A content-rich, authoritative, easy-to-use resource featuring age-appropriate, reliable, curriculum-related content covering a broad range of educational topics including Animals, Literature, Science, Technology, and many more.
Library card number required for access outside the library.
HeritageQuest
Includes U.S. Census images for 1790 through 1930, as well as indices for 1790 through 1920 and part of 1930. Also includes 7,922 family histories, 12,035 local histories and 258 primary sources.
Library card required for access outside the library.
HelpNow
Get online live tutoring with your library card. Includes writing lab, practice tests, a language lab for language learners, and skill building exercises.
Create your own account with a username and password.
JobNow
Free online career prep, resume help, interview prep, and much more. Use the self-study career tools, and/or access live, on-demand assistance from expert Job Coaches for assistance with interview preparation, resume creation, or job searching. The full-service test center offers practice tests for all levels in math, reading, and writing as well as college preparatory tests—including the SAT.
Create your own account with a username and password.
LegalForms
Create accurate and reliable legal documents such as Power of Attorney, Divorce, Real Estate, etc. The documents are customizable and easy to use with a step by step approach. Includes Virginia-specific forms.
Library card required for access outside the library.
LexisNexis
Offers legal and public-records related information including current United States statutes and laws and a large volume of published case opinions dating from the 1770s to the present, as well as publicly available unpublished case opinions from 1980 on. This resource also provides full-text access to more than 26,000 premium sources, including trusted news outlets, company profiles, public records, industry information and social media content. Now includes Michie’s Jurisprudence!
In-library use only, at any library location.
NoveList
NoveList Plus has information on 200,000 fiction and nonfiction books. Search by author, title, subject or genre. Find out what books are in a series. Get book reviews and book group discussion guides and discover new authors with read-alikes (e.g., “if you like Debbie Macomber, try these similar writers”).
Library card required for access outside the library. When prompted for “Patron ID” enter your library card number.
Read It!
Read It!™ contains short articles to helps students with a basic foundation in English grammar and reading get more practice with reading. Especially helpful for ESL (English as a second language) learners.
Create your own account with a username and password.
Salem Press
This database collection includes books on literature, history, health and science.
To access, use this password: creeper
Transparent Language Online
Learn a new language! 110 different languages. Self-paced, customizable lessons. Learners can pick any skills-based learning activity, select their desired vocabulary, and instantly launch a custom lesson. There’s even a mobile app for learning on the go.
Create your own account with a username and password.
Universal Class
Learn something new today! Universal Class offers hundreds of online continuing education classes. The courses are not just tutorials; they include lessons, exams, assignments, discussion boards and actual assessments of your progress.
Create an account with your library card. Also available in the Libby app in “Extras.”
VetNow
VetNow is an all-in-one suite of free services designed for a wide range of veteran needs, such as updating resumes for civilian life, navigating the VA system, and seeking local resources and support for veterans and their families. Access the self-study tools, and/or get live, on-demand assistance from expert Job Coaches or Veteran Navigators.
Create your own account with a username and password.
Worldcat
WorldCat.org is a great resource for locating unique, trustworthy materials that you often can’t find anywhere except in a library. And by connecting thousands of libraries’ collections in one place, WorldCat.org makes it easy for you to browse the world’s libraries from one easy search box..
Create your own account with a username and password.