Databases for All!

Research online is the rule nowadays, but Google is not the best way to begin. Library resources online do include magazine and newspaper articles, of course, but the databases available from the Watertown Free Public Library go way beyond that. They offer you dynamic research and learning tools that provide the most current information, often accessible wherever you and your Internet connected computer are.

Did you know:

• If you want to research new business opportunities, we have a database for you. (Reference USA)
• If you want to evaluate washing machines, juicers, Blu-ray players, or cars, we have a database for you. (Consumer Reports)
• If you want to study for your Civil Service exam, we have a database for you. (Learning Express)
• If you want to learn to speak Mandarin, we have a database for you. (Mango Languages)
• If you want to research your family history, we have a database for you. (HeritageQuest)
• If you want to plan a vacation to Timbuktu or Toronto, we have database for you. (Global Road Warrior)
• If you want a recommendation on what to read next (based on what you’ve liked), we have a database for you. (Novelist)

But databases are not just for students and adults. Kids can have fun with reading and information too.

The library has just added Tumblebooks, an online collection of animated, talking picture books. They are available in English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Chinese narrations with sound effects and colorful, moving figures. Tumblebooks offers a variety of books, puzzles and games for advertising free fun.

Kids Infobits is a great online tool for homework help in social studies, science and math, stories and literature, arts and entertainment. Entries are all keyed to reading levels and give information from recognized online reference books, dictionaries and encyclopedia.

All these databases—doors to information, recreation and learning – are available at www.watertownlib.org. Click on Research, then Databases.