Databases

The Just for Kids Streaming Collection for public libraries gives children—and their parents—a thoroughly kid-safe, advertisement-free media platform they can freely explore and enjoy. Just for Kids has the educational videos children want to watch—Sesame Street, The Electric Company, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, The Berenstain Bears, Franklin, and thousands more—plus songs, games, and other interactives that are sure to entertain, educate, and inspire young patrons.

Learn how to create a user profile here.  By creating an account, users can create playlists, add favorites, and more. 

Not in Library:  Enter your library card number (no spaces.)

Current news stories and historical articles from America's News and newspapers from around the world. Resources include the Houston Chronicle and collected Special Reports on current events.

A comprehensive database that offers authoritative reference content alongside magazine and journal articles, primary sources, videos, audio podcasts, and images. Covering a vast array of people from historically significant figures to present-day newsmakers, it’s continuously updated to ensure researchers have access to the very latest information.

Not in Library:  Enter your library card number (no spaces.)

View a short video about this resource here. 

Search and match reading interests to books, authors, genres, or topics.

Not in Library:  Enter your library card number (no spaces.)

Live homework help, available from 2-11 pm, allows students to receive one-on-one assistance from tutors in English/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Skills-building sessions are available 24/7 for students who have academic needs that extend beyond homework help. Tutoring is available in English and Spanish. Click here for more details about all the services Brainfuse offers.

View a short video about this resource here. 

A new feature in the Live Tutoring section is the ability to add audio for a real-time conversation with the tutor. After selecting the grade level and subject, simply click on “Preferences” and select the box for audio. Upon connecting to a tutor, click the phone icon that appears beside the tutor's name, and choose the desired option. Please note, the "My Computer" option works best with a headset and microphone. 

The Adult Learning Center offers two types of writing assistance for business and personal needs: live assistance from expert writing tutors and the 24/7 Writing Lab. Our 24/7 Writing Lab is ideal when an extended analysis is required and the writing is more than 1-2 pages. Brainfuse 24/7 Writing Lab is designed to help users produce a better written work through targeted, structured feedback. Users submit documents through our secure file sharing portal and check for document return status on the personalized and secure Message Center.

This service helps students address academic needs that run deeper than homework help. With Skills Building, Brainfuse tutors help students master core academic skills through state-aligned lessons, covering various grade levels and academic topics. In addition to live help, the SkillSurfer learning library contains thousands of video lessons, quizzes, and tests to help students master academic concepts.

Cultural and geographical information on more than 200 countries including their history, statistics, maps, and flags. Select Kids' Edition for a kid's-eye view of daily life in countries around the world. Explore the United States and discover state flags, maps, sports teams, recipes, symbols, songs and more.

Designed for kids, Gale In Context: Elementary delivers trusted, age-appropriate digital content. Through newspaper and magazine articles, videos, images, graphics, and eBooks, elementary students can learn about everything from animals and outer space to famous artists and favorite athletes. The database is visual and intuitive, and rewards students’ efforts by developing comprehension and research skills to prepare them for middle school—and a lifetime of learning.

Not in Library:  Enter your library card number (no spaces.)

Check out and read full-color eMagazines in your browser or open in the Flipster app on your mobile device.

Find Flipster FAQs here: Flipster FAQ

Click here to watch a brief video introduction to Flipster. 

Gale eBooks is a Virtual Reference Library of reliable nonfiction eBooks that are always available.

Not in Library:  Enter your library card number (no spaces.)

Find Gale eBook FAQs here: Gale eBooks FAQ

Search magazines, journals, newspapers, and reference on a range of topics. Best for middle- and high-school students.

Not in Library:  Enter your library card number (no spaces.)

Stream movies, music, and audiobooks or check out comics and eBooks from your computer or in an easy-to-use app on your mobile device. All selections are always available!

Plus, with just one borrow, you can get unlimited streaming access to one of multiple BingePass collections like hoopla Magazines, Curiosity Stream, Hellosaurus, The Great Courses, and more! https://www.hoopladigital.com/browse/binge

Find hoopla FAQs here: hoopla FAQ

Watch a short video tutorial on how to download eBooks/eAudiobooks on hoopla here and a short video tutorial on how to download and stream movies & TV shows on hoopla here. 

Search or browse text-only digital issues of the Houston Chronicle from 1985 to the present, or open the daily full-color image version of the Houston Chronicle from NewsBank.

View a short video about this resource here. 

Thousands of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians, and invertebrates are discussed as well as major biomes and habitats. Fact file boxes provide scientific classification and physical data.

LearningExpress Library is an easy-to-use e-learning platform featuring online tutorials, practice tests, and e-books to help you achieve your educational and professional goals. In addition to helping you improve your skills in reading, writing, math, and basic science, LearningExpress Library offers tools and resources to help you search for jobs, build workplace skills, and prepare for career certification exams. You'll also find college and grad school admissions test prep, GED^® test prep, and much more.

View a short video about this resource here. 

Not in Library: To sign up, click on "Register," then complete the registration form.

Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines to read on your phone or tablet using the Libby by OverDrive app. You can even send and read your borrowed ebooks to your Kindle ereader (U.S. only)! It’s free and easy for new users to get started, and it's a streamlined experience for current OverDrive app users.

The Libby by OverDrive app is now available from the Amazon Appstore and can be downloaded to Amazon Fire Tablets.

Please sign into the Libby by OverDrive app or website to see your current holds.

• Learn more about how to switch from the OverDrive app to the Libby by OverDrive app here.  
• Find answers to your questions here.
• Watch a short video tutorial on how to download the Libby by OverDrive app here.
• Watch a video tutorial on how to borrow and place holds using Libby by OverDrive here. 
• Libby/OverDrive FAQ

These six databases provide biographical information on sports champions, Greek and Roman mythological figures, men and women who shaped the world, important people and events in American history, and biographies of people around the world. All six databases can be searched at the same time.