Online Resources A-Z

The Bennington Banner (local newspaper)

There are several ways to access Bennington Banner articles through the library:

The library subscribes to NewsBank, which maintains a text archive of the paper from late 1999:
Click the links below based on where you are using a computer.
Bennington Banner (11/18/1999 – Current): IN LIBRARY USE Only

Bennington Banner (11/18/1999 – Current): Use Outside the Library Only

The Library has The Bennington Banner on microfilm from 1903 – near present. Reference Desk staff can search the microfilm, save articles as .jpg or .pdf files and email them. Please call the library and ask for the Reference Desk for assistance.

Consumer Reports

DigitalLearn.org from the Public Library Association

If you are new to computers, haven’t used them for a while, are a little unsure and uncomfortable, or just need a bit of a refresher, DigitalLearn.org has tools to help you tackle technology at your own pace and gain the confidence you need to succeed.

Test prep for many exams, including GED, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam, nursing and medical exams, military, cosmetology, teaching, SAT, LSAT, GRE test prep and more!

Improve basic skills in reading, writing, math, and basic sciences

LearningExpress Library also builds job interview, resume writing, and computer skills!

LearningExpress Library Tutorial (.pdf file opens in new tab)
List of Resources in LearningExpress Library (.pdf file opens in new tab)

Library card is not required to use Learning Express Library.

FamilySearch – Created and run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this site contains a large and freely searchable archive. Among the data are: the Social Security Death Index (SSDI), U.S. Federal Census for 1880 or the 1881 census for both the British Isles and Canada, a vital records index containing birth, marriage, and death records from around the world.

For almost 20 years, the GCFLearnFree.org program (Goodwill Community Foundation) has helped millions around the world learn the essential skills they need to live and work in the 21st century. From Microsoft Office and email, to reading, math, and more—GCFLearnFree.org offers more than 200 topics, including more than 2,000 lessons, more than 1,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely free.

Genealogy Research Page – This Vermont Department of Libraries page includes many helpful links, starting with Vermont Vital Records and expanding beyond the state.

Grow with Google provides free training, tools, and resources to help you grow your skills, career, or business.
Now more than ever, Americans need digital skills to land the jobs they want, advance their careers, and grow their businesses. Grow with Google aims to help by providing free training, tools and expertise.

Hoopla

Internet Archive – Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library offering free universal access to books, movies & music, as well as 418 billion archived web pages.
Access – Go to https://archive.org/

LibriVox – This site offers public domain audiobooks recorded by volunteers for free use on any relevant device. Like Gutenberg, they tend to be items published before 1924.
Access – Go to https://librivox.org/ and download audiobooks.

The library subscribes to NewsBank, which maintains Access World News, a large collection of local, regional, national and international news, including print and online-only newspapers, blogs, newswires, journals, broadcast transcripts and videos:

Click the links below based on where you are using a computer.
Access World News: IN LIBRARY USE Only
Access World News: Use Outside the Library Only

OverDrive

When the Vermont Dept. of Libraries’ subscription to Overdrive ends August 31, 2021, you will no longer be able to checkout items, or access your account. It’s possible that currently checked out items will remain until they expire, but we are not certain.

The Department of Libraries is currently in the process of acquiring a new service to provide downloadable ebooks and audiobooks, however there will definitely be a gap before that service is up and running.

If you’re in search of more downloadable items during this gap period, try the FREE RESOURCES listed below.

Unfortunately, it will not be possible to transfer your reading history, wishlist, or holds into the (eventual) new system. But you can save this information for your own records or to (eventually) enter it by hand. Here are instructions on how to do that:

Reading History – https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/6207.htm
Tags (which replaced the wish list) – https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/6208.htm
Holds – https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/6122.htm
TO LOG IN to OverDrive, enter your library card number and your PIN (password) is your last name (capitalize only the first letter).

Project Gutenberg – The site offers thousands of public domain ebooks for free use on any device. Because they are public domain, they are typically limited to items published before 1924, but that still includes a wide range of classics.
Access – Go to https://www.gutenberg.org/ and download ebooks in a variety of formats

Salem Press

Click the image above to access Salem Press History and Literature books:
Great Lives from History (Ancient World, Middle Ages, Renaissance, 17th Century, and 18th Century)
Great Events from History (the Ancient World, Middle Ages, and events from the Renaissance and Early Modern Era: 1454-1600)
Critical Survey of Graphic Novels, Heroes & Superheroes in-depth analysis of over 130 of the most popular and studied graphic novels
Magill’s Literary Annual (1977-2016) informative analysis of 200 notable titles published each year (fiction and nonfiction)

Universal Class

VT Online Library

Access is open to anyone in Vermont.
To share your location, click “Use My Location” and then “Allow.”
If you are prompted for a password type maplesyrup (lowercase, no spaces).

Make Me A Member

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Online Resources A-Z

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