Online Databases for Kids

Online Databases for KidsExplore the online resources that will help out with homework and school assignments. Some of the online databases on this page require a library card number for access. Don't have a library card? Apply for one online!

General Databases

  • Elementary School
    Provides full text for more than 100 popular, magazines for elementary school research (grades K-5). All full-text articles included in the database are assigned a reading level indicator (Lexiles), and full-text information dates as far back as 1990.
  • Middle School
    Provides full text for more than 170 popular, middle school magazines. All full-text articles included in the database are assigned a reading level indicator (Lexiles). Full text is also available for thousands of biographies and historical essays. Middle Search Plus also contains 80,000 biographies, 55,000 primary source documents, and a School Image Collection of photos, maps, and flags.
  • Britannica
    Quick facts and in-depth information on a wide variety of subjects.

Biographies

California Missions

  • The Missions of California
    Explore the various California missions.
    Note: When asked for a username and password, please enter: username - missions; password - missions.

En Español

  • Britannica Escolar
    Información rápida e información detallada sobre una amplia variedad de temas.

History

  • America: History and Life
    Database of literature covering the history and culture of the United States and Canada, from prehistory to the present.
  • History Reference Source
    Offers full text history periodicals, historical documents, biographies of historical figures, historical photos and maps, and historical video.

Literature

  • CliffsNotes
    Ace your tests and get homework help with summaries, character analyses, glossaries, quotes, essays, filmography and more.
  • Literary Reference Source Plus
    Full-text literary reference books/works, literary journals and magazines, plot summaries/synopses, author biographies, and articles/essays of literary criticism.
  • SparkNotes
    Study guides and discussion forums offered on various academic subjects. Literature section includes brief analyses of characters, themes and plots.
  • TeachingBooks
    Author interviews, book trailers and school resources at your fingertips!

Science

  • Gale in Context: Environmental Studies
    Explore topics and events within Earth systems, global change, pollution, populations, and more.
  • Gale Interactive: Science
    High-value, rich-media digital content paired with interactive 3D models to deliver a virtual laboratory simulation experience for students. Students can entertain their curiosity and inspire grade improvement through an experience that allows zooming in, rotating, or pulling models apart to explore and experiment with complex scientific topics.
  • National Geographic Kids
    Includes the complete run of the magazine from 2009 to the present, as well as books, videos, and images.
  • PebbleGo
    Unlimited access to thousands of nonfiction articles and lots of eBooks, all science related and in English and Spanish. PebbleGo is available courtesy of the California State Library.
  • Science Reference Source
    Topics covered include: biology, chemistry, earth and space science, environmental science, health and medicine, history of science, life science, physics, science and society, science as inquiry, scientists, technology and wildlife.

Social Issues