Borrow free eBooks and eAudiobooks or search our databases for up-to-date popular and scholarly articles on a wide range of subjects. The Library’s 24/7 Digital Library never closes and its content can be read or downloaded on your computer or portable device.
ABCmouse
Over 10,000 Interactive books, educational games, puzzles, and other learning activities, for children (ages 2-8+) to help them practice reading, math, science, social studies, art, and music.
Ancestry.com (library access only)
A genealogy resource with access to historical records and family trees for discovering, preserving and sharing family history.
ArtistWorks
ArtistWorks provides musical instrument players world-class instruction from Grammy Award-winning music professionals and offers users a guided path of video lessons containing everything they need to reach their musical goals. All levels of player can access hundreds of hours of high quality video instruction, studio quality play-along tracks, and downloadable written materials, tablature and sheet music. (Solano County Library has musical instruments you can check out!)
FAQs
Auto Repair Source (formerly Automate)
AutoMate provides the up-to-date service and repair information for thousands of domestic and imported vehicles. Includes step-by-step repair information, diagrams, maintenance schedules, parts and labor estimates, service bulletins and recalls.
BookFlix (Remote Access, Onsite Access)
Read, Watch, and Listen to Books and Book Videos
This fun Scholastic website reinforces reading skills for early readers, reluctant readers and English language learners for grades preK-3.
Books24x7 ITPro
Get on-demand access to recent unabridged content of thousands of IT and technology books and documents easily accessible from your desktop or mobile devices. FAQs
Brainfuse HelpNow
Every internet connected Californian is now able to access live, 24/7 online tutoring and homework help in all K-12 subjects. Every California student, with or without a library card, has access to 24/7 online tutoring in core K-12 subjects. Spanish language tutors available.
Funded by the California State Library.
Brainfuse VetNow
Brainfuse VetNow is an all-in-one suite of services designed for a wide range of career or veteran needs: whether it’s tackling a resume, writing a cover letter, navigating the VA system, or adjusting to a civilian career. VetNow services include expert coaching and self-study tools to empower users.
Britannica School
Learn more about any subject, for any grade and all reading abilities. Britannica School offers thousands of up-to-date, curated, and curriculum-relevant articles, images, videos, audio clips, primary sources, maps, research tools, recommended Web sites in three separate grade-level databases: Elementary, Middle, or High. Also available in Espanol.
Consumer Reports
Provides frequently updated resources of information and advice on consumer products for better purchasing decisions.
Creativebug
Over 1,000 art and craft video classes for adults and kids, taught by recognized design experts and artists. Topics include fiber and paper arts, jewelry making, sewing and quilting, food and home and more.
Discover & Go
Get free and discounted passes to local museums and cultural institutions through Discover & Go. Check out the Discover & Go!
**Physical library card required to access Discover & Go** FAQs.
Driver’s Education Program
Study for a drivers permit using realistic practice tests. Resource provides learning materials based specifically on the permit manual from the California DMV. Includes tests for car, motorcycle and commercial driver’s license. Practice tests in Spanish also available.
EBSCO Explora
Combines Masterfile Complete and Newspaper Source Plus into one single search. Find articles from full-text journals, magazines, trade publications and newspaper articles from thousands of sources. Also, seek out Topic Overviews to begin your research on thousands of subjects.
Freegal Music
Offers access to about 15 million songs, including Sony Music’s catalog of legendary artists, and over 40,000 music videos. Streaming is unlimited and you can download up to 5 songs each week.
GetSetUp
Offers an online platform and community that helps older adults enjoy more fulfilling, independent and socially connected lives through learning.
Funded by the California State Library.
HeritageQuest Online
A genealogical database with access to census data, family records and local histories.
*Please note: subscription to HeritageQuest Online will discontinue beginning June 30, 2024.
Hoopla Digital
Enjoy nearly half a million titles, from six different formats: movies, TV shows, music albums, audiobooks , e-books, and comics/graphic novels. All in one location, from your computer, tablet or Smartphone! FAQs
Kanopy
Film streaming service features classic and world cinema, indie films and top documentaries. Kanopy is available as a mobile app or can be streamcast with Chromecast, Alexa, Roku, Android TV, Fire TV or Apple TV. FAQs
LearningExpressLibrary®
Prepare for entrance exams and certification tests by taking practice tests and tutorials. * Users must create personal accounts in order to save their work in progress, store score reports, and revisit any practice tests, tutorials, or eBooks. Registration only requires a valid email address and a password.
Legal Information Reference Center
A resource of over 250 Nolo press legal reference titles in full-text, detailed how-to instructions, and thousands of forms on a wide range of legal issues.
Libby by OverDrive
Find your next great read or listen in our largest eBook, audiobook, and magazine collection. Browse by genre or search for an author or title. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can filter search results to show titles to recommend for addition to our collection.
Mobile app:
Libby – The app is the easiest way to get started. The app offers a simplified browsing, checkout and reading experience.
LinkedIn Learning (Formerly Lynda.com)
Provides a vast library of streaming online instructional videos covering the latest software, creative, and business skills.
LOTE4Kids
LOTE4Kids (Languages Other Than English) Digital picture books for kids to read out loud in more than 65+ languages! Download the LOTE4Kids App today!
Mango Languages
Learn a new language. Courses in over 70 languages available.
MasterFile Complete (EBSCO)
A comprehensive collection of full-text journals, magazines and trade publications of general interest topics including business, health, education, general science, and multicultural issues.
New York Times
Access the online version of New York Times, courtesy of the California State Library. Note: Some sections are only available to paid subscribers. *Please click the redeem button only once–the access process will take place after a few seconds. FAQs
New York Times The Athletic
Delivers in-depth sports coverage of your favorite teams and leagues. Access includes everything form breaking news and live commentary to long-form features, exclusive interviews, podcasts, and more.
New York Times Cooking
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.
New York Times Games
Games you can feel good about- including the iconic Crossword.
Times Games have captivated solvers since the launch of the Crossword in 1942. Enjoy engaging word and visual games that stimulate and keep the mind sharp.
Directions for accessing the New York Times, The Athletic, Cooking, or Sports:
- Use the links to access Newspaper, Cooking, Sports, or Games, and click “Redeem”.
- Create a New York Times account*; if you already have one, click “Sign in” or sign into the NYT Crosswords app with your information.
- Enjoy 24 hours of access. To continue after 24 hours is up, click on the link above in step 1 and sign in again with your NYTimes.com account (we recommend bookmarking this page).
NewsBank
Access to the Vacaville Reporter, the Vallejo Times-Herald, America’s News, Hispanic Life in America and hundreds of newspapers throughout the U.S. Also features Hot Topics such as politics, business, health, sports, cultural activities and people. Its diverse source types include printed and online newspapers, blogs, journals, newswires, broadcast transcripts and videos.
Northstar
Northstar is a set of online, self-guided modules used to test computer and technology skills. Included are basic computer digital literacy standards and modules in 3 main areas: essential computer skills, essential software skills, and using technology in daily life. Access is provided by the California State Library.
NoveList Plus
Readers’ advisory resource which helps fiction, narrative non-fiction (including biography) readers and audiobook listeners find new authors and titles, keep track of series, and prepare for book group discussions.
ProQuest Black Freedom
Primary source documents related to critical people and events in African American history.
ProQuest CultureGrams
Concise social, cultural, and political information on countries, U.S. states, and provinces around the world.
ProQuest eLibrary
General reference collection of periodical and digital media content.
ProQuest SIRS Discoverer
A general reference database providing safe, reliable, curriculum-aligned content and features for use by students and educators.
ProQuest SIRS Issues Researcher
Pros and cons on complex social issues with relevant, credible information that tells the whole story on the major questions of the day.
Teaching Books Book and Author Resources
A comprehensive resource of youth book lists and guides to award-winning and diverse literature, literature lesson plans, literature-based vocabulary lists, meet-the-author videos and book readings, readers’ theatre scripts, and video book trailers. Access is provided by the California State Library.
Tumblebook Library
E-books for kids! Tumblebooks has story books, audio books, puzzles and games. Great for parents and kids.
Tutor.com
Free chat tutoring for grades K-12, college intro and adult learners. Every day, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. 24 hour access to Skills Center Resource Library with worksheets, tutorials, study guides, and more.
Vacaville Reporter Archives
Digitized archive of the Vacaville Reporter newspaper. Issues from 1883 – 1946 are currently available to search and read online thanks to the hard work of the Vacaville Heritage Council. This is a great resource to learn about local history or for genealogy research purposes.
Auto Repair Source (formerly Automate)
AutoMate provides the up-to-date service and repair information for thousands of domestic and imported vehicles. Includes step-by-step repair information, diagrams, maintenance schedules, parts and labor estimates, service bulletins and recalls.
Consumer Reports
Provides frequently updated resources of information and advice on consumer products for better purchasing decisions.
Driver’s Education Program
Study for a drivers permit using realistic practice tests. Resource provides learning materials based specifically on the permit manual from the California DMV. Includes tests for car, motorcycle and commercial driver’s license. Practice tests in Spanish also available.
Hoopla Digital
Enjoy nearly half a million titles, from six different formats: movies, TV shows, music albums, audiobooks , e-books, and comics/graphic novels. All in one location, from your computer, tablet or Smartphone! FAQs
Libby by OverDrive
Find your next great read or listen in our largest eBook, audiobook, and magazine collection. Browse by genre or search for an author or title. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can filter search results to show titles to recommend for addition to our collection.
Mobile app:
Libby – The app is the easiest way to get started. The app offers a simplified browsing, checkout and reading experience.
ArtistWorks
ArtistWorks provides musical instrument players world-class instruction from Grammy Award-winning music professionals and offers users a guided path of video lessons containing everything they need to reach their musical goals. All levels of player can access hundreds of hours of high quality video instruction, studio quality play-along tracks, and downloadable written materials, tablature and sheet music. (Solano County Library has musical instruments you can borrow!)
FAQs
NoveList Plus
Readers’ advisory resource which helps fiction, narrative non-fiction (including biography) readers and audiobook listeners find new authors and titles, keep track of series, and prepare for book group discussions.
ProQuest eLibrary
General reference collection of periodical and digital media content.
Tumblebook Library
E-books for kids! Tumblebooks has story books, audio books, puzzles and games. Great for parents and kids.
Ancestry.com (library access only)
A genealogy resource with access to historical records and family trees for discovering, preserving and sharing family history.
HeritageQuest Online
A genealogical database with access to census data, family records and local histories.
ProQuest Black Freedom
Primary source documents related to critical people and events in African American history.
Vacaville Reporter Archives
Digitized archive of the Vacaville Reporter newspaper. Issues from 1883 – 1946 are currently available to search and read online thanks to the hard work of the Vacaville Heritage Council. This is a great resource to learn about local history or for genealogy research purposes.
BookFlix (Remote Access, Onsite Access)
Read, Watch, and Listen to Books and Book Videos
This fun Scholastic website reinforces reading skills for early readers, reluctant readers and English language learners for grades preK-3.
Books24x7 ITPro
Get on-demand access to recent unabridged content of thousands of IT and technology books and documents easily accessible from your desktop or mobile devices. FAQs
Brainfuse HelpNow
Every internet connected Californian is now able to access live, 24/7 online tutoring and homework help in all K-12 subjects. Every California student, with or without a library card, has access to 24/7 online tutoring in core K-12 subjects. Spanish language tutors available.
Funded by the California State Library!
Britannica School
Learn more about any subject, for any grade and all reading abilities. Britannica School offers thousands of up-to-date, curated, and curriculum-relevant articles, images, videos, audio clips, primary sources, maps, research tools, recommended Web sites in three separate grade-level databases: Elementary, Middle, or High. Also available in Español.
EBSCO Explora
Combines Masterfile Complete and Newspaper Source Plus into one single search. Find articles from full-text journals, magazines, trade publications and newspaper articles from thousands of sources. Also, seek out Topic Overviews to begin your research on thousands of subjects.
LearningExpressLibrary®
Prepare for entrance exams and certification tests by taking practice tests and tutorials. * Users must create personal accounts in order to save their work in progress, store score reports, and revisit any practice tests, tutorials, or eBooks. Registration only requires a valid email address and a password.
NoveList Plus
Readers’ advisory resource which helps fiction, narrative non-fiction (including biography) readers and audiobook listeners find new authors and titles, keep track of series, and prepare for book group discussions.
ProQuest CultureGrams
Concise social, cultural, and political information on countries, U.S. states, and provinces around the world.
ProQuest SIRS Discoverer
A general reference database providing safe, reliable, curriculum-aligned content and features for use by students and educators.
ProQuest SIRS Issues Researcher
Pros and cons on complex social issues with relevant, credible information that tells the whole story on the major questions of the day.
Teaching Books
A comprehensive resource of youth book lists and guides to award-winning and diverse literature, literature lesson plans, literature-based vocabulary lists, meet-the-author videos and book readings, readers’ theatre scripts, and video book trailers.
Tutor.com
Free chat tutoring for grades K-12, college intro and adult learners. Every day, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. 24 hour access to Skills Center Resource Library with worksheets, tutorials, study guides, and more.
Brainfuse VetNow
Brainfuse VetNow is an all-in-one suite of services designed for a wide range of career or veteran needs: whether it’s tackling a resume, writing a cover letter, navigating the VA system, or adjusting to a civilian career. VetNow services include expert coaching and self-study tools to empower users.
LearningExpressLibrary®
Prepare for entrance exams and certification tests by taking practice tests and tutorials. * Users must create personal accounts in order to save their work in progress, store score reports, and revisit any practice tests, tutorials, or eBooks. Registration only requires a valid email address and a password.
LinkedIn Learning (Formerly Lynda.com)
Provides a vast library of streaming online instructional videos covering the latest software, creative, and business skills.
Tutor.com
Free chat tutoring for grades K-12, college intro and adult learners. Every day, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. 24 hour access to Skills Center Resource Library with worksheets, tutorials, study guides, and more.
ABCmouse
Over 10,000 Interactive books, educational games, puzzles, and other learning activities, for children (ages 2-8+) to help them practice reading, math, science, social studies, art, and music.
BookFlix (Remote Access, Onsite Access)
Read, Watch, and Listen to Books and Book Videos
This fun Scholastic website reinforces reading skills for early readers, reluctant readers and English language learners for grades preK-3.
Britannica School
Learn more about any subject, for any grade and all reading abilities. Britannica School offers thousands of up-to-date, curated, and curriculum-relevant articles, images, videos, audio clips, primary sources, maps, research tools, recommended Web sites in three separate grade-level databases: Elementary, Middle, or High. Also available in Espanol.
Hoopla Digital
Enjoy nearly half a million titles, from six different formats: movies, TV shows, music albums, audiobooks , e-books, and comics/graphic novels. All in one location, from your computer, tablet or Smartphone! FAQs
Kanopy
Film streaming service features classic and world cinema, indie films and top documentaries. Kanopy is available as a mobile app or can be streamcast with Chromecast, Alexa, Roku, Android TV, Fire TV or Apple TV. FAQs
LOTE4Kids
LOTE4Kids (Languages Other Than English) Digital picture books for kids to read out loud in more than 65+ languages! Download the LOTE4Kids App today!
Mango Languages
Learn a new language. Courses in over 70 languages available.
ProQuest Black Freedom
Primary source documents related to critical people and events in African American history.
ProQuest CultureGrams
Concise social, cultural, and political information on countries, U.S. states, and provinces around the world.
ProQuest eLibrary
General reference collection of periodical and digital media content.
ProQuest SIRS Discoverer
A general reference database providing safe, reliable, curriculum-aligned content and features for use by students and educators.
ProQuest SIRS Issues Researcher
Pros and cons on complex social issues with relevant, credible information that tells the whole story on the major questions of the day.
Teaching Books Book and Author Resources
TeachingBooks Engage With Diverse Books
Tumblebook Library
E-books for kids! Tumblebooks has story books, audio books, puzzles and games. Great for parents and kids.
Tutor.com
Free chat tutoring for grades K-12, college intro and adult learners. Every day, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. 24 hour access to Skills Center Resource Library with worksheets, tutorials, study guides, and more.
LearningExpressLibrary®
Prepare for entrance exams and certification tests by taking practice tests and tutorials.
LOTE4Kids
LOTE4Kids (Languages Other Than English) Digital picture books for kids to read out loud in more than 65+ languages! Download the LOTE4Kids App today!
Mango Languages
Learn a new language. Courses in over 70 languages available.
Tutor.com
Free chat tutoring for grades K-12, college intro and adult learners. Every day, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. 24 hour access to Skills Center Resource Library with worksheets, tutorials, study guides, and more.
Ancestry.com(Please be advised that remote access will end on December 31, 2021. It will still be accessible inside of the library.)
A genealogy resource with access to historical records and family trees for discovering, preserving and sharing family history.
Every internet connected Californian is now able to access live, 24/7 online tutoring and homework help in all K-12 subjects. Every California student, with or without a library card, has access to 24/7 online tutoring in core K-12 subjects. Spanish language tutors available.
Funded by the California State Library!
Discover & Go
Get free and discounted passes to local museums and cultural institutions through Discover & Go. Check out the Discover & Go FAQs.
EBSCO Explora
Combines Masterfile Complete and Newspaper Source Plus into one single search. Find articles from full-text journals, magazines, trade publications and newspaper articles from thousands of sources. Also, seek out Topic Overviews to begin your research on thousands of subjects.
HeritageQuest Online
A genealogical database with access to census data, family records and local histories.
Kanopy
Film streaming service features classic and world cinema, indie films and top documentaries. Kanopy is available as a mobile app or can be streamcast with Chromecast, Alexa, Roku, Android TV, Fire TV or Apple TV. FAQs
LearningExpressLibrary®
Prepare for entrance exams and certification tests by taking practice tests and tutorials. * Users must create personal accounts in order to save their work in progress, store score reports, and revisit any practice tests, tutorials, or eBooks. Registration only requires a valid email address and a password.
LinkedIn Learning (Formerly Lynda.com)
Provides a vast library of streaming online instructional videos covering the latest software, creative, and business skills.
Mango Languages
Learn a new language. Courses in over 70 languages available.
New York Times
Access the online version of New York Times, courtesy of the California State Library. Note: Some sections are only available to paid subscribers. FAQs
ProQuest CultureGrams
Concise social, cultural, and political information on countries, U.S. states, and provinces around the world.
ProQuest eLibrary
General reference collection of periodical and digital media content.
Tutor.com
Free chat tutoring for grades K-12, college intro and adult learners. Every day, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. 24 hour access to Skills Center Resource Library with worksheets, tutorials, study guides, and more.
EBSCO Explora
Combines Masterfile Complete and Newspaper Source Plus into one single search. Find articles from full-text journals, magazines, trade publications and newspaper articles from thousands of sources. Also, seek out Topic Overviews to begin your research on thousands of subjects.
Libby by OverDrive
Find your next great read or listen in our largest eBook, audiobook, and magazine collection. Browse by genre or search for an author or title. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can filter search results to show titles to recommend for addition to our collection.
Mobile app:
Libby – The app is the easiest way to get started. The app offers a simplified browsing, checkout and reading experience.
New York Times
Access the online version of New York Times, courtesy of the California State Library. Note: Some sections are only available to paid subscribers. FAQs
New York Times The Athletic
Delivers in-depth sports coverage of your favorite teams and leagues. Access includes everything form breaking news and live commentary to long-form features, exclusive interviews, podcasts, and more.
New York Times Cooking
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.
New York Times Games
Games you can feel good about- including the iconic Crossword.
Times Games have captivated solvers since the launch of the Crossword in 1942. Enjoy engaging word and visual games that stimulate and keep the mind sharp.
Directions for accessing the New York Times, The Athletic, Cooking, or Sports:
- Use the links to access Newspaper, Cooking, Sports, or Games, and click “Redeem”.
- Create a New York Times account*; if you already have one, click “Sign in” or sign into the NYT Crosswords app with your information.
- Enjoy 24 hours of access. To continue after 24 hours is up, click on the link above in step 1 and sign in again with your NYTimes.com account (we recommend bookmarking this page).
NewsBank
Access to the Vacaville Reporter, the Vallejo Times-Herald, America’s News, Hispanic Life in America and hundreds of newspapers throughout the U.S. Also features Hot Topics such as politics, business, health, sports, cultural activities and people. Its diverse source types include printed and online newspapers, blogs, journals, newswires, broadcast transcripts and videos.
ProQuest Historical Black Newspapers
Full historic content from ten major black newspapers: Chicago Defender, The Baltimore Afro-American, New York Amsterdam News, Pittsburgh Courier, Los Angeles Sentinel, Atlanta Daily World, The Norfolk Journal and Guide, The Philadelphia Tribune, Cleveland Call and Post, and Michigan Chronicle.
Vacaville Reporter Archives
Digitized archive of the Vacaville Reporter newspaper. Issues from 1883 – 1946 are currently available to search and read online thanks to the hard work of the Vacaville Heritage Council. This is a great resource to learn about local history or for genealogy research purposes.
ArtistWorks
ArtistWorks provides musical instrument players world-class instruction from Grammy Award-winning music professionals and offers users a guided path of video lessons containing everything they need to reach their musical goals. All levels of player can access hundreds of hours of high quality video instruction, studio quality play-along tracks, and downloadable written materials, tablature and sheet music. (Solano County Library has musical instruments you can check out!)
FAQs
Download Libby!
Freegal Music
Offers access to about 15 million songs, including Sony Music’s catalog of legendary artists, and over 40,000 music videos. Streaming is unlimited and you can download up to 5 songs each week.
Hoopla Digital
Enjoy nearly half a million titles, from six different formats: movies, TV shows, music albums, audiobooks , e-books, and comics/graphic novels. All in one location, from your computer, tablet or Smartphone! FAQs
Kanopy
Film streaming service features classic and world cinema, indie films and top documentaries. Kanopy is available as a mobile app or can be streamcast with Chromecast, Alexa, Roku, Android TV, Fire TV or Apple TV. FAQs
Digital Media
Help
If you need help finding information, please call us at 1-866-57-ASKUS (1-866-572-7587) or email us.
Databases vs. Web
A primary difference between databases and websites is that librarians review and select the databases which have book, magazine, journal, and even Web information that is considered reliable, authoritative, historically relevant, and valuable. Most information on the web does not go through a review process. Most of the information available through a database also is available in a paper format but by providing the information in an electronic format, the library can save money by buying one electronic subscription which can be shared by many people.
For your research, you will probably save yourself time and find more quality information if you begin with library resources and then move to the Web if you need more information or other points of view. Remember, when using remote access to get to the library’s databases, you are accessing the library’s collection via the Web, but are still using library resources which tend to be more reliable.
How to Cite
Why cite sources?
Whenever you quote or take ideas from another person’s work, you have to document the source you used, whether it’s a book, magazine, video, or website.
How to cite:
Try these links for good examples of citation style guides and plagiarism prevention:
lib.berkeley.edu/instruct/guides/citations.html
Citing Your Sources guide from The University of California Berkeley Library
owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL)
xavier.edu/library/help/style_guides.cfm
Help: Citation Style Guides provided by Xavier University, McDonald Library