Suggested sources for information on a variety of subjects.

Live Reference Help, 24/7!

  • ChatPA – free to all residents of Pennsylvania 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Chat is here to help you get answers to your questions, any time and anywhere you have Internet access.

Search tools / Location & People Finders / Maps / Free email

Search tools

  • Google
  • Bing
  • DuckDuckGo – privacy protection on your browser for free with one download
  • C.R.A.A.P. Test — The C.R.A.A.P test is a simple way to evaluate a website using 5 different categories: Currency, Relevancy, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. Click and find questions to ask for each category to determine if the website is credible and appropriate for your research.

Location & people finders / Maps

Free email – set up a free account

Subject guides & Databases

Subject guides

Databases

  • POWER Library – Pennsylvania Online World of Electronic Resources. Categories include: Auto & Small Engine Repair, Biography, Business & Economics, College Resources, Computers & Technology, Diversity & Inclusion, DIY (Do It Yourself), Elementary Research, Education, Find a Book, General Reference, High School Research, Health, History, Literature, Middle School Research, Newspapers & Magazines, Science, & Spanish Language!

Local Interests / Newspapers

Local Interests

Newspapers / Local Online News

Libraries / Schools

Libraries

Schools

Consumer / Health / Grant information

Consumer information

  • Consumer Information Center
  • Credit Report – only authorized website for free annual credit report
  • C.R.A.A.P. Test — The C.R.A.A.P test is a simple way to evaluate a website using 5 different categories: Currency, Relevancy, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. Click and find questions to ask for each category to determine if the website is credible and appropriate for your research.

Senior information

  • Assisted Living Facilities in Pennsylvania — guide offers valuable information on assisted living options in Pennsylvania, covering costs, payment options, and more.
  • What You Need To Know About The Benefits of Reading and Libraries for Seniors — It’s essential to understand that nearly 1 in 5 seniors experience mild cognitive impairment, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Engaging in regular reading activities is a powerful way to combat cognitive decline, while also reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and even extending life expectancy. Our insightful guide explores the vast benefits of reading for seniors, provides practical tips to inspire their reading journey, and underscores the supportive role libraries play in promoting cognitive and social wellness.

Health information

  • PSU Paws For Health – PSU Paws For Health was a collaboration between the Middletown Public Library and Penn State Harrisburg Health Education Graduate Program. Students enrolled
    in aCurrent Health Issues course and researched several timely health issues to discuss with the public in an effort to provide user friendly health information and education to residents within the Central Pennsylvania community. This link contains many resources!
  • Medline Plus
  • WebMD
  • Mayo Clinic
  • Teen Health & Wellness Hotlines – Listed are hotlines, help lines, and information lines, organized by subject. These national organizations can also refer you to state/provincial and local services in your community.
  • TeensHealth – The Nemours Foundation. Also link to KidsHealth and sections for Parents and for Educators
  • Beyond Blue – Provide information about anxiety, depression and suicide to young people 
  • MyHealthfinder – US Dept of Human Services. Trusted information to help your family stay healthy
  • Merck Manuals – Information on medical topics, symptoms, drugs, procedures, news and more, written in everyday language.
  • WHO World Health Organization – Countries and their health data and issues
  • Medknow – With over 40 print + online journals, is probably the largest open access publisher of print journals in the world and provides immediate free access to the electronic editions of the journals.
  • ClinicalTrials.gov – Gives you information about a trial’s purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details. This information should be used in conjunction with advice from health care professionals.
  • PubMed Central – The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) free digital archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature.