Research

ABC Mouse

Visit  ABCmouse from any public computer at the Salem Public Library to use ABCmouse for free! ABCmouse offers over 8,500 digital learning games, eBooks, and other activities to help every child get a jump-start on learning. In-library use only. 

Access World News

Explore and stay informed on local, national and international topics, people and events in areas such as business, health, education, jobs and careers, political and social issues and more. Features a wide variety of credible, vetted news sources from around the world to around the corner. Available remotely 24/7 on any device. Tutorial video. 

Ancestry | Library Edition

Ancestry Library Edition provides instant access to a wide range of unique resources for genealogical and historical research. With more than 1.5 billion names in over 4,000 databases, Ancestry Library Edition includes records from the United States Census; military records; court, land, and probate records; vital and church records; directories; passenger lists, and more. In-library use only.  Tutorial video.

Black Life in America

The experience and impact of African Americans as recorded by the news media. Tutorial video.

Chilton Automotive

Chilton Library provides quick online access to repair, maintenance, and service information on seven decades of the broadest range of vehicles available, including cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. Access: Enter your Roanoke Valley Library card number. Tutorial video

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is a nonprofit consumer organization dedicated to independent product testing, consumer-oriented research and consumer advocacy. Use your Salem Public Library card to access CR's product reports and ratings.

CreativeBug

We're a team of dreamers and makers who believe that everyone has a creative side - even you! We pride ourselves on bringing the latest in art and craft education to our members, and we work with renowned artists to do just that. Tutorial video

Digital Sanborn Maps

Sanborn Maps provides digital access to more than 660,000 large-scale historical maps of towns and cities in Virginia. Users have the ability to easily manipulate the maps, magnify and zoom in on specific sections, and layer maps from different years.

To access this site from outside the library, access the Digital Sanborn Maps website and enter the username and password below. Username: SALEMVA Password: Weoruysl22$

DigiTool: Digital Collections of the Library of Virginia

DigiTool: Digital Collections of the Library of VirginiaSearch and view the Library of Virginia's digital collections, including the James I Robertson Jr Civil War Sesquicentennial Legacy Collection, the War of 1812 Bicentennial Collection, City and County Records, the Virginia Travel Brochures Digital Collection, and much more.

Document Bank of Virginia (DBVA)

An incredible historical resource from the Library of Virginia: Primary documents related to Virginia history including photos, paintings, and images of original documents, letters, etc.

Explora Public Libraries

Ebsco's Explora is a user-friendly interface, designed to meet the unique needs of its users. Explora supports both student research and classroom instruction.

• Explora High School
• Explora Middle School
• Explora Primary
• MasterFILE Complete - The most comprehensive and valuable collection of full-text general interest resources. This authoritative general information database is the best place to start your research project.
• Read It! - Research while practicing reading skills with Read It!™ Helps students with a basic foundation in English grammar and reading who need adapted reading material for many subjects. Read It!™ is also a great tool for English Language Learners. View the tutorial video to get started.

Find It Virginia

A comprehensive database of biographies, encyclopedias and journal articles on every topic imaginable, and high-resolution pictures for projects. Search hundreds of magazines, newspapers, and full-text reference resources. To access this site from outside the library, use this link.

HelpNow

On-demand, anytime, anywhere free online homework help. Online tutors are available every day from 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM and can help all students of all ages. 

HeritageHub

Explore your family history with the premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices for in-depth genealogical research from 1704 – today. HeritageHub helps you easily identify relatives, uncover new information and potentially unknown family members. Includes deep coverage from all 50 states, hard-to-find content from the mid 1900’s, and original obituary images. Access is available 24/7. Tutorial video.

JobNow

Live, anytime, anywhere job assistance, including up-to-date nationwide and local job search engines, professional resume critique, and proven interview techniques. Experience a personalized career center seamlessly integrated with advanced virtual technology to help job seekers of diverse backgrounds and needs.

Kids Infobits

Especially for beginning researchers in Kindergarten through Grade 5, Kids InfoBits features a developmentally appropriate, visually graphic interface. The most popular search method is moving from a broad subject to a narrower topic using the subject-based topic tree. The curriculum-related, age-appropriate, full-text content is from the best elementary reference sources and magazines. Covers geography, current events, the arts, science, health, people, government, history, sports, and more. View a tutorial video.

Learning Express Library / LearnATest.com - Career and Test Prep

Online courses and practice tests for Civil Service, ASVAB, GED, SAT, GRE, TOEFL, MCAT, LSAT, Real Estate, Nursing, Language, Post Office, Cosmetology, U.S. Citizenship exams and more! This resource also offers online courses for popular computer programs such as Word, Excel, and Photoshop. Access: first-time users must click "Register" to create an account; you may be asked to enter your library card number. Returning users log in with their username and password. Learn more by viewing the tutorial video.

Legal Forms

Thousands of legal forms are available with more forms being added daily. Official, State Specific, Federal, Business, Personal, Real Estate, and General forms covering hundreds of legal subjects and issues. Watch the tutorial video to learn more.

Magzter

Consumer Reports is a nonprofit consumer organization dedicated to independent product testing, consumer-oriented research and consumer advocacy. Use your Salem Public Library card to access CR's product reports and ratings.

NoveList K-8 Plus

Reading recommendations for grades K-8 for fiction and non-fiction, read-alike and listen-alike recommendations, series information, and award winners all in one place.  Learn more by viewing the tutorial video. 

NoveList Plus

Reading recommendations for fiction and non-fiction, read-alike and listen-alike recommendations, series information, and award winners all in one place. Get started by viewing the tutorial video.  

New York Times

Enjoy access to The New York Times. It's an essential source for fearless reporting, varied perspectives, and practical advice on nearly every topic - from the vital issues shaping our world to the simple pleasures that make everyday life better.

NYT Cooking

New York Times Cooking is an inspiring cooking guide, innovative and interactive kitchen tool, and diverse recipe collection that helps home cooks of every level discover, save and organize the world's best recipes, while also helping them become better, more competent cooks.

NYT Games

Times Games have captivated solvers since the launch of the Crossword in 1942. Our experts create engaging word and visual games that stimulate and keep the mind sharp. All Games are available on the web and NYT App; Crossword and Spelling Bee are available in the Crossword App.

Pronunciator | Learn a New Language

Pronunciator is the world's largest language-learning service, with 3,750 available courses. Users can learn 75 languages in any of the 50 languages. For example, a Spanish speaker can learn Chinese in a Spanish context, without having to go through English. Access: Enter your Roanoke Valley Library card number to create an account and start learning. Learn more by viewing a tutorial video. 

ReferenceUSA | Business and Consumer Research

The leading provider in business and consumer research! Create marketing plans, conduct competitive analyses, raise funds, and locate people. Access: Enter your Roanoke Valley Library card number. If you need assistance accessing or using Reference USA, please call the company direct at 1- 800-808-1113 to make use of their excellent customer service.

Roanoke Times Collection

Explore Roanoke history through local news, events and people with the Roanoke Times Collection. Search current and archived issues with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online. Available remotely 24/7 on any device. 

Universal Class

Create an account and log in for free access to over 500 on-demand courses in a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, writing, business, health, computer software, coding, crafts, and much more! Many courses offer accreditation to earn Continuing Education Units. Suitable for use by teens and adults. Get started by viewing this tutorial view.

VetNow

Connect with a live, online Veteran expert to learn more about eligible VA benefits and community resources.