New Local Links
Look here for new links with special local interest
Local History Resources at the Pearl River Public Library
Lists of reference and circulating materials in the PRPL collection relating to Rockland County, Orangetown and Pearl River history as well as other RC locations. Links to other resources in other libraries and on the Internet.
REFERENCE LINKS
Check Out Our Print Resources Too!
This list began as a collection of reference works in our print collection that are available online. It will continue to grow as we add links to other helpful online resources and informational websites.
A to Z WEBSITES
PRPL Websites To TryThis list archives the links from the "Websites to Try” column in the Pearl River Public Library newsletter over the past ten years.
Ready Reference Center
Collection of websites organized by subjects from Abbreviations to Zoos, created by staff of the Middletown Thrall Library.
Virtual Reference Shelf
Selected online resources for research prepared by the Library of Congress.
Great Websites for Kids
Great Websites for Kids is a compilation of exemplary websites geared to children from birth to age 14. Suggested sites are evaluated by the GWS Committee made up of members of the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.
Ready Reference Center
Collection of websites organized by subjects from Abbreviations to Zoos, created by staff of the Middletown Thrall Library.
Virtual Reference Shelf
Selected online resources for research prepared by the Library of Congress.
Great Websites for Kids
Great Websites for Kids is a compilation of exemplary websites geared to children from birth to age 14. Suggested sites are evaluated by the GWS Committee made up of members of the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.
AUTOMOBILES
Edmunds Offers information on new cars and used cars by body type or make, car reviews, tips on buying or leasing a car, financing and insuring one, and articles on car maintenance.
Kelley Blue Book
NADA Guides
Both sites offer tools to calculate retail or trade-in values of used cars, new car reviews and prices, and other automotive information. KBB focuses on automobiles while NADA also includes similar information on classic cars, motorcycles, boats, and RVs.
Kelley Blue Book
NADA Guides
Both sites offer tools to calculate retail or trade-in values of used cars, new car reviews and prices, and other automotive information. KBB focuses on automobiles while NADA also includes similar information on classic cars, motorcycles, boats, and RVs.
Learn about and compare the fuel efficiency of different models of cars using the Find and Compare function.
BOOKS AND READING
BookPageBookPage is a monthly book review publication distributed to readers through subscribing bookstores and public libraries. The website includes all of the content of the print edition.
If You Like...Lists on the Web
If you're looking for authors who write books like an author you love, visit this PRPL Libguide full of links to lists on the web. For lists created here at PRPL, visit the Pearl River Public Library Library Guides page to see what's available.
KDL What's Next: Books in Series
This database allows you to find lists of an author's series books in order. Search by author, book title, or series title. The site also offers the lists in printer-friendly format.
If You Like...Lists on the Web
If you're looking for authors who write books like an author you love, visit this PRPL Libguide full of links to lists on the web. For lists created here at PRPL, visit the Pearl River Public Library Library Guides page to see what's available.
KDL What's Next: Books in Series
This database allows you to find lists of an author's series books in order. Search by author, book title, or series title. The site also offers the lists in printer-friendly format.
Top Books of 2012
Library Journal Best Books and Media of 2012
Library Journal Best Books 2012: The Top Ten
Best Books of 2012: Lists by The New York Times, NPR, The Guardian, and more
Library Journal Best Books and Media of 2012
Library Journal Best Books 2012: The Top Ten
Best Books of 2012: Lists by The New York Times, NPR, The Guardian, and more
CENSUS & STATISTICS
Statistical Abstract of the United States
The Statistical Abstract of the United States is the standard summary of statistics (with sources given) on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. The website offers access to most of the annual volumes from 1878 to the final 2012 volume.
American Factfinder
Your source for population, housing, economic, and geographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
2010 Census Profiles of General Population and Housing Characteristics
Printable census profiles from 2010 (and 2000 for some localities) for local areas including New York State, Rockland County, townships, hamlets, and school districts.
1940 Census at the National Archives
The 1940 census records were released by the US National Archives April 2, 2012, and brought online through a partnership with Archives.com. This website allows you full access to the 1940 census images, in addition to 1940 census maps and descriptions.
Your source for population, housing, economic, and geographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
2010 Census Profiles of General Population and Housing Characteristics
Printable census profiles from 2010 (and 2000 for some localities) for local areas including New York State, Rockland County, townships, hamlets, and school districts.
1940 Census at the National Archives
The 1940 census records were released by the US National Archives April 2, 2012, and brought online through a partnership with Archives.com. This website allows you full access to the 1940 census images, in addition to 1940 census maps and descriptions.
CHARITIES
Charity NavigatorFind a charity you can trust by using Charity Navigator, America's premiere independent charity evaluator.
IRS Search for Charities: Online Version of Publication 78
Publication 78, Cumulative List of Organizations, is a list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. This online version is offered to help you conduct a more efficient search of these organizations.
Publication 78, Cumulative List of Organizations, is a list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. This online version is offered to help you conduct a more efficient search of these organizations.
Pennies for Charities
This Web site contains financial reports of charities active in NY, offering guidance for those considering donating to charity and links to other resources.
This Web site contains financial reports of charities active in NY, offering guidance for those considering donating to charity and links to other resources.
CITIES & TOWNS
CityTownInfo.com
CityTownInfo provides details on 20,000 US cities and towns, including population, property, schools, colleges, hotels, ancestry, political contributions, climate, zip codes, area codes, counties, airports, and much more.
CIVIL SERVICE
Test Guides for Local Exams
NYS Department of Civil Service test guides
are usually targeted to civil service exams for specific, entry-level titles. Published examination announcements will indicate if a test guide is available. Test guides are posted on this web page 60 days
prior to the date of the written test.
COMPUTER SKILLS
DigitalLiteracy.govThis site acts as a gateway to materials, research, online learning tools and more to help librarians and educators access and share materials to use when training learners of all ages on topics such as information literacy, computer skills, digital literacies and more. The Dept. of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) created the portal in partnership with nine federal agencies to provide a central location to share digital literacy content and practices. Individuals are welcome to visit the site to find resources, upload their own and/or connect with others who are offering training on these topics.
Facebook Beginner's Guide 101
This step by step guide to getting started on Facebook is provided by StateStats.org, an organization with the primary focus of building free web tools that make education and information more accessible.
HP Learning Center
The Learning center has a variety of types of free content to suit your needs. If you're short on time, you can watch a quick how-to video or read a quick lesson or notebook. If you want more in-depth coverage of a topic, check out an online class--complete with lessons, assignments, and quizzes. The center's content is divided into two main campuses: At home (includes topics such as digital photography, home office and more) and At work (includes topics such as IT professionals, government and education, graphic arts and more).
CONSUMER
Compare Nursing HomesSelect nursing homes to compare by distance from zip code or city, by county, or by state. View overall ratings or ratings of health inspections, staffing, or quality measures. See also: Nursing Homes in New York State
Consumer Action Handbook
The federal Consumer Action Handbook offers helpful tips on topics including preventing identity theft, understanding credit, and filing a consumer complaint.
CPI Detailed Report
This archive of the Consumer Price Index Detailed Report gives access to the monthly reports since the October 2000 issue.
NYS Division of Consumer Protection
This NY Department of State division serves as the state’s top watchdog and think tank on a wide range of issues. Whether resolving consumer complaints, educating the public about product recalls, or representing consumers before public utilities, the Division of Consumer Protection is committed to providing the public with information to make informed decisions.
The federal Consumer Action Handbook offers helpful tips on topics including preventing identity theft, understanding credit, and filing a consumer complaint.
CPI Detailed Report
This archive of the Consumer Price Index Detailed Report gives access to the monthly reports since the October 2000 issue.
NYS Division of Consumer Protection
This NY Department of State division serves as the state’s top watchdog and think tank on a wide range of issues. Whether resolving consumer complaints, educating the public about product recalls, or representing consumers before public utilities, the Division of Consumer Protection is committed to providing the public with information to make informed decisions.
COUNTRIES
Background Notes on Countries of the World
Background Notes include facts about the land, people, history, government, political conditions, economy, and foreign relations of independent states, some dependencies, and areas of special sovereignty. Updates are added frequently.
CIA World Factbook
The World Factbook provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities. The Reference tab includes: maps of the major world regions, as well as Flags of the World, a Physical Map of the World, a Political Map of the World, a World Oceans map, and a Standard Time Zones of the World map.
Country Studies
These profiles offer brief, summarized information on a country’s historical background, geography, society, economy, transportation and telecommunications, government and politics, and national security.
Background Notes include facts about the land, people, history, government, political conditions, economy, and foreign relations of independent states, some dependencies, and areas of special sovereignty. Updates are added frequently.
CIA World Factbook
The World Factbook provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities. The Reference tab includes: maps of the major world regions, as well as Flags of the World, a Physical Map of the World, a Political Map of the World, a World Oceans map, and a Standard Time Zones of the World map.
Country Studies
These profiles offer brief, summarized information on a country’s historical background, geography, society, economy, transportation and telecommunications, government and politics, and national security.
CRIME
Uniform Crime Reports : Crime in the United StatesCIUS is a comprehensive annual publication in which the FBI compiles volume and rate of crime offenses for the nation, the states, and individual agencies. This report also includes arrest, clearance, and law enforcement employee data. Other reports also provided are Hate Crime Statistics and Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted.
EDUCATION
The Condition of Education The COE is an annual report that summarizes important developments and trends
in education using the latest available statistics.
This directory provides information about services available to students with disabilities at public institutions of higher education - SUNY and CUNY - and independent colleges and universities throughout NYS.
Peterson's College Search
Search for the perfect college for you and learn about the entire college application process.
Peterson's Online & Distance Learning
Using distance learning tools, you can receive a degree online from an accredited distance learning program.
Edutrek.com
EduTrek.com was created to provide every prospective student with all of the
information they need about post-secondary educational opportunities that best
match their needs and their situation.
This directory provides information about services available to students with disabilities at public institutions of higher education - SUNY and CUNY - and independent colleges and universities throughout NYS.
Peterson's College Search
Search for the perfect college for you and learn about the entire college application process.
Peterson's Online & Distance Learning
Using distance learning tools, you can receive a degree online from an accredited distance learning program.
GOING GREEN
Environmentally friendly living
Reduce Your Automobile’s Impact on the Environment
Tips and links with information on reducing the harmful emissions from your car.
GOVERNMENT, USA
FDsys: Federal Digital SystemThrough the Government Printing Office's FDsys free online access, you are able to search or browse for and then download official documents and publications from all three branches of the Federal Government.
USA.gov
As the U.S. government's official web portal, USA.gov makes it easy for the public to get U.S. government information and services on the web. USA.gov also serves as the catalyst for a growing electronic government.
State and Local Government on the Net
The State and Local Government Internet directory provides convenient one-stop access to the websites of thousands of state agencies and city and county governments.
GRANTS
Find Grant Opportunities
This page of the Grafts.gov website offers the ability to search for discretionary grant opportunites offered by the 26 federal grant-making agencies.
HEALTH
Compare Nursing Homes
Select facilities to compare by distance from zip code or city, by
county, or by state. View overall ratings or ratings of inspections, staffing, or quality measures.
NORD Rare Disease Information
The National
Organization for Rare Diseases offers free, although limited, access to its online databases of rare diseases and patient organizations.
NYS Office of the Professions
Verify a medical practitioner's professional license here. You may also do the same for other professions requiring a license or permit in New York State.
Free online access to several Merck Manuals for healthcare professionals and the general public.
HEALTH, DOCTORS
AMA DoctorFinder
This online physician locator provides comprehensive information on individual physicians and includes more than 814,000 AMA member and non-member doctors of medicine (MD) and doctors of osteopathy or osteopathic medicine (DO).
HEALTH, DRUGS
Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs
Best Buy Drugs is a public education project of Consumer Reports which gives free, unbiased analysis of prescription drugs you take each day, detailed reports to help you and your doctor discuss what medicines are right for you, and recommended Best Buys that could save you money every year.
Drug Digest
DrugDigest is a noncommercial, evidence-based, consumer health and drug information site dedicated to empowering consumers to make informed choices about drugs and treatment options.
Best Buy Drugs is a public education project of Consumer Reports which gives free, unbiased analysis of prescription drugs you take each day, detailed reports to help you and your doctor discuss what medicines are right for you, and recommended Best Buys that could save you money every year.
Drug Digest
DrugDigest is a noncommercial, evidence-based, consumer health and drug information site dedicated to empowering consumers to make informed choices about drugs and treatment options.
JOBS
DigitalLiteracy.gov Learn Job SkillsUse this section of the DigitalLiteracy site to connect to resources to build digital skills and find jobs for new economic opportunities.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a nationally recognized source of career information, designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals making decisions about their future work lives. The Handbook is revised every two years.
PRPL Career and Job Hunting Resources
We have collected links to websites to assist our patrons in exploring career options or in searching for a new job. The links have been loosely divided into the tabs Career & Company Information and Job Hunting, but many sites contain useful information on both topics.
LAW
Laws of New York -- NYS LegislatureFull text
searching of New York State laws is now available. Click on "Laws of New York" at the bottom of the page under Search. Then search by word or phrase or browse sections by topic. For tips on searching, visit: http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/senlhlp.html
New York State Unified Court System
Offers Topics A-Z including ADA, Court Locations, Divorce, Family Court, Forms, Name Change, Rules, and Small Claims as well as FAQs, a Search box and much more.
Nolo Free Online Law Books for Consumers
Here you can read selected Nolo books online—in their entirety, for free. These are current editions of such books as The Foreclosure Survival Guide, 8 Ways to Avoid Probate, and Beat Your Ticket.
Orangetown Code
Rockland County Code
Each is available for viewing in two modes, Quick View for new users and Advanced View for officials and professionals.
New York State Unified Court System
Offers Topics A-Z including ADA, Court Locations, Divorce, Family Court, Forms, Name Change, Rules, and Small Claims as well as FAQs, a Search box and much more.
Nolo Free Online Law Books for Consumers
Here you can read selected Nolo books online—in their entirety, for free. These are current editions of such books as The Foreclosure Survival Guide, 8 Ways to Avoid Probate, and Beat Your Ticket.
Orangetown Code
Rockland County Code
Each is available for viewing in two modes, Quick View for new users and Advanced View for officials and professionals.
SENIORS
Senior Citizen's Resource Guide
The New York State Office of the Aging offers this resource guide to services and information on topics such as healthcare, housing, crime, recreation, and volunteering. The guide is also available in Spanish.
Medicare and You
This official U.S. government Medicare handbook is now available only online.
SYMBOLS
Symbols: Encyclopedia of Western Signs and IdeogramsThis online reference work, provided by Symbols.com, contains more than 1,600 articles about 2,500 Western signs, arranged into 54 groups according to their graphic characteristics. Search the Graphic Index or the Word Index. Or come to the library to view the print version in our reference collection, R 704.946 LIU.
WEATHER
BBC Weather Search by location for weather forecasts around the world.
BBC Weather Country Guides
Summary climate information is available in these country guides listed alphabetically.