Online Resources

ABCmouse.com teaches numbers, addition and subtraction, shapes, patterns, measurements, and more for ages 2-7.

The American Astronomical Society (AAS) is an international non-governmental organization with a mission to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe as a diverse and inclusive astronomical community. To further support the Society’s mission and provide immediate access to important research, the AAS transitioned its entire journals portfolio to fully open access (OA) as of 1 January 2022. All content — past, present, and future — is immediately and openly accessible: anyone can read, download, and share anything in the portfolio and there will be no subscription fees or paywalls. Includes The Astronomical Journal (AJ), The Astrophysical Journal (ApJ), The Astrophysical Journal Letters (ApJL), The Astrophysical Journal Supplements Series (ApJS).

In-Library only access to online journals of the American Physical Society. Includes The Physical Review journal collection of 16 leading peer-reviewed research journals, such as Physical Review Letters, Physical Review X, Physical Review, and Reviews of Modern Physics.

Delivers billions of records in census data, vital records, directories, photos, and more. U.S. collections deliver hundreds of millions of names from sources such as federal and U.S. censuses; birth, death, and marriage records including the Social Security Death Index; and U.S. border crossing and trans-ocean ship records. Military collections deliver over 150 million records containing information often not found elsewhere and includes records from the colonial to the Vietnam era.

Baltimore news coverage, in-depth investigation, and thoughtful opinion on the Baltimore region. Full access to The Baltimore Banner is available for 30 days each time you log in. Here’s how: Click the link to access The Baltimore Banner and a pop-up will ask you to use code SMRLA when you log in. Click "Get Started." Create a free account (or choose Sign In if you already have one). Enter SMRLA in the promo code box. There is no charge to access The Baltimore Banner (any cost listed will disappear once SMRLA has been entered in the promo code box). You will have full access to The Baltimore Banner website during the 30 day time period. At the end of your 30 day period, visit this page again to log in again and restart the clock.

Receive weekly book recommendations for readers of all ages, follow learning tips for children to make the most out of your reading experience, learn about library programs, and keep track of progress and achievements.

BookFlix® is a digital literacy resource that pairs more than 120 animated stories from Weston Woods with a best-selling nonfiction eBook from Scholastic on a similar subject. The fiction and nonfiction pairings are designed to strengthen early literacy skills while exposing young learners to real world concepts.

Live, online homework help, writing labs, adult learning resources, and much more. Live help from tutors is available 24/7.

GED, citizenship, resume and cover letter help, and other resources for adults.

Each jurisdiction in Maryland is required to use the same edition of the same building codes that are the International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC), and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The State has modified the IBC and the IRC to coincide with other Maryland laws. The International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC), and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), with modifications by the State, constitute the Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS). The International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, and International Green Construction Code are also adopted by reference the MBPS. Each local jurisdiction in Maryland may modify these codes to suit local conditions with exception to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC - The Energy Code) and Maryland Accessibility Code (MAC - The Accessibility Code).
Questions about Building Codes in St. Mary's County may be directed to St. Mary's County Land Use and Growth Management at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1542 or via email to bpservice@stmaryscountymd.gov. Learn more about the Department of Land Use & Growth Management and see local modifications of Building Codes.

A Gale Virtual Reference Library eBook. Presents sample plans taken from businesses in the manufacturing, retail and service industries which serve as examples of how to approach, structure and compose business plans.

Chilton Library provides quick access to repair, maintenance and service information on the most popular cars, trucks, vans and SUVs on the road today. Coverage includes vehicles from 1940 to current models. Also includes ASE Technician Sample Tests and Labor Estimator Tool.

The St. Mary’s Beacon, 1852-1921, is available online (with gaps) on the Library of Congress’ Chronicling America site. Because the paper operated under different names, there are three newspapers available: Saint Mary's beacon, St. Mary's beacon, and St. Mary's gazette.

Enjoy unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, manga, and picture books, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Enjoy unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, manga, and picture books, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Enjoy unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, manga, and picture books, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Enjoy unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, manga, and picture books, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Research thousands of products and services with test results, ratings, recommendations and buying guides. Consumer Reports is a nonprofit organization that provides unbiased reports on a variety of products to help you make better, more informed purchasing decisions.

Provides online access to over 5,000 digitized items important to Maryland history, including historical maps, artwork, photographs, and manuscripts.

The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) connects people to the riches held within America’s libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions. All of the materials found through DPLA—photographs, books, maps, news footage, oral histories, personal letters, museum objects, artwork, government documents, and so much more—are free and immediately available in digital format. Find primary source sets, online exhibitions, genealogy resources, and more.

Free Maryland MVA permit practice tests.

A Gale Virtual Reference eBook. 200 articles covering important statutes, cases, and various state and federal laws and regulations.

How-to information that entrepreneurs can apply to their own businesses.

Collection of scholarly journals and general interest titles that covers everything from art and literature to economics and the sciences.

Books and Authors offers new ways to explore the endless possibilities and combinations of books, authors, genres, and topics. Watch a video tutorial about using Gale Books and Authors.

A general-interest periodical resource allowing users to find the information they want quickly, with intuitive searching that ensures they tap into quality sources.

Provides authoritative, age-appropriate, curriculum-aligned digital content covering a broad range of educational topics including Animals, Arts, Geography Literature, Social Studies, Technology, and more. With a modern design and simple navigation, Gale in Context: Elementary makes it easy for young users to explore content and gain comfort with database searching. Learn how to use Gale In Context: Elementary to discover cool facts and learn about interesting topics. View a video about finding reliable sources in Gale in Context: Elementary.

Resource for papers, projects, and presentations that empowers the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills with content aligned to national and state curriculum standards.

Created specifically for middle schoolers, this database combines reference content with age-appropriate videos, newspapers, magazines, primary sources, and much more.

Gale Legal Forms offers a wide selection of essential state-specific (and multi-state) legal forms that may be customized for the most common legal procedures. These forms are used by attorneys and law firms. Includes real estate contracts, wills, premarital agreements, bankruptcy, divorce, landlord tenant, and many others.

A comprehensive business resource for the undergraduate researcher seeking company news, the public library patron making personal investment decisions, or the high school student looking to major in business administration, Business Collection provides full-text coverage of all business disciplines including accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management and strategy, as well as business theory and practice.

A must-have for social science, history and liberal arts coursework, the Diversity Studies Collection explores cultural differences, contributions and influences in the global community.

Journal and magazine articles focused on economics and related fields.

Provides access to academic journals and magazines perfect for both business school students and entrepreneurs. The database offers content that includes insights, tips, strategies, and success stories.

The Environmental Studies & Policy Collection is a digital resource that answers inquiries about environmental concerns with coverage of more than 5.4 million articles from more than 300 journals and book reference content from Delmar, including Soil, Science, and Management; Introduction to Agronomy; Food, Crops, & Environment; Fundamental Soil Science; and more.

Gardening, Landscape & Horticulture Collection serves horticultural enthusiasts of all levels with more than 3.6 million articles from more than 100 journals, as well as more than 20 reference titles from Delmar, including Handbook of Flowers; Foliage and Creative Design; Computer Graphics for Landscape Architects; and more.

Provides access to titles covering topics including architectural techniques, tool and material selection, zoning requirements, and others. The database offers content that meets the needs of hobbyists and professionals alike.

Provides access to more than 2,300 major U.S. regional, national, and local newspapers, as well as leading titles from around the world. It also includes thousands of images, radio, and TV broadcasts and transcripts. Includes full-text access for The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and more.

Provides access to scholarly journals and magazines covering the latest scientific developments. Key subjects covered by the database include biological sciences, computing, engineering, and technology.

Provides access to scholarly journals and magazines useful to both novice historians as well as advanced academic researchers. The database offers balanced coverage of events in U.S. history and scholarly work being established in the field.

Vocations and Careers Collection provides access to journals and magazines that aid users in researching a vocation, finding an appropriate institution of learning, job searching, and maintaining a career.

Provides access to scholarly journals and magazines useful to both novice historians as well as advanced academic researchers. The database offers balanced coverage of events in world history and scholarly work being established in the field.

Search thousands of college and graduate schools, identify scholarships, take practice tests, create resumes, and explore careers.

Browse all Gale research products available with your Library card.

Electronic reference books covering business, history, law, science, and more.

eReference books relating to college, careers, and scholarships.

eReference books relating to American and world history. Includes primary source resources.

eReference books relating to health and medicine.

eReference books on the sciences, including chemistry, earth science, and more.

Guide to Indigenous Maryland is a multi-faceted community engagement initiative of the Maryland State Library Agency and Maryland’s public libraries. Through the development and curation of educational resources, the project aims to teach Marylanders about the history of local Native and Indigenous peoples and how their heritage influences contemporary life in Maryland. Content for the app and website are based on crowdsourced contributions and recommendations from individual Native and Indigenous Marylanders, as well as tribal nations heritage organizations, in collaboration with Maryland’s public libraries and the project curator Dr. Elizabeth Rule, Assistant Professor, American University.

Genealogies, local histories, primary source materials, serials, and census data.

Stream the best in cinema for free with your Library card! Watch over 30,000 documentaries, popular films, international films, and learning videos, including selections from The Great Courses. Kanopy provides thousands of movies, documentaries, world cinema, TV series, and more to borrow right from your computer or mobile device.

Ofrece audiolibros, libros electrónicos y revistas descargables.
Revistas en Español
Libros electrónicos en Español
Audiolibros en Español
Read Alongs en Español

Offers thousands of downloadable audiobooks, eBooks, and magazines. See our OverDrive/Libby page for more information about using this service.

Learn business, creative, and technology skills to achieve your personal and professional goals! LinkedIn Learning utilizes a large video library of engaging, top-quality courses taught by recognized industry experts. Courses are available in English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin, and Portuguese. Log in with your library card number and password. See more information about using LinkedIn Learning.

Instruction in foreign languages, including Arabic, Chinese, ESL, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, ASL, and many more. Also includes Little Pim (language learning for children) in select languages. See our Language Learning page for more information about using Mango Languages.

American Sign Language (ASL) is now available on Mango Languages. Mango Libraries has partnered with ASL Inside, one of the leading ASL learning platforms. Patrons have free access to all the features this course has to offer using Mango Languages1. The courses are self-paced and designed to meet your learning speed. The Magic Mirror feature enables instant visual comparison for accurate sign modeling.

Little Pim is a top language-learning method for kids, providing short 5-minute videos to keep them engaged. Little Pim modules are included in Mango’s courses for: French | Spanish (Latin American) | English | Hebrew (Modern) | Italian | Japanese | Chinese (Mandarin) | Arabic (Modern Standard) | German | Russian | Korean | Portuguese (Brazilian). Select one of these languages on the website or in the app, click Explore, then Little Pim. Little Pim courses are available only through the Mango Languages website or app.

The Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library, the result of a bill that was passed into law, is the "first stop" information center that will provide Maryland residents, local public library staff, college and university librarians and other libraries in the state of Maryland with access to: online resources on Deaf culture, a comprehensive electronic collection of Deaf resources, Deaf cultural programs, and training programs for library staff.

A Gale Virtual Reference Library eBook. An eReference book with test-taking tips, diagnostic tests, review, and five practice exams with answers.

Engage kids and young students to broaden their educational horizons with reputable, special, authoritative, and age-appropriate digital content that brings them the world in a way they have never seen before. National Geographic Kids will take them on amazing adventures in science, nature, wildlife, culture, geography, archaeology, and space.

Get unlimited access to The New York Times News, Cooking, The Athletic, Wirecutter, Audio, and Games. When you click the link to access The New York Times, the code to redeem access will be automatically filled in. Click Redeem. Create a free account (or login if you already have one). Select any newsletters you’d like to receive in your email. If you don’t want to receive newsletters, uncheck the three checked newsletters, then click Skip. You can download the NYT app, or click Not right now. You will have full access to The New York Times news website for 1 day. The next day, visit this page again to log in again and restart the clock.

Millions of newspaper pages from around the world from 1753 to present.

Introducing the Palace Project, an e-reading experience developed by and for libraries. With the Palace app you have access to our Libby eBooks and audiobooks from Maryland’s Digital Library, plus thousands of free books from the Palace Bookshelf as well as titles we purchase through the Palace Marketplace – available exclusively in the app. Note: Access to the Always Available collection of audiobooks ends June 30, 2026.

A website by Enoch Pratt Free Library providing information, links, and resources on a variety of subjects. NOTE: Each subject category includes links to "databases." The majority of these databases are only available with an Enoch Pratt Free Library card. Each category also includes links to websites and other information, which are available to all.

A Gale Virtual Reference Library eBook. An eReference book listing education-related financial aid opportunities.

Two local oral history collections: St. Mary’s County African American community members share stories that reflect the rich diversity and experiences of an important segment of our county; and eight former residents of the Lexington Manor housing development, also known as “the Flat Tops,” tell in their own words what this neighborhood and its community meant to them.

A searchable database of: The Saint Mary’s Beacon: 1923 – 1984, with gaps; The Enterprise: 1952 – April 2020, with gaps; Southern Maryland News: August 2020 – 6 months ago; Patuxent Tester: 1948-1962; Naval Air Test Center and NAS Patuxent River command histories through 1952

The most widely used independent investment information service.

Use this link if you are using the Library's computers or the Library WiFi on your own device. You will be directed to wsj.com. There should be no paywall and no registration prompt with onsite access.See more information about accessing The Wall Street Journal through St. Mary's County Library.

Using your personal computer or device outside of the Library, use this link to reach a page to register for three days of access to The Wall Street Journal or sign in if you’ve already registered. Register or login by entering your name, an email address, and password. On the fourth day, you can return to this page and select the offsite access link again and login; this triggers a new three day access period. You do not need to pay for an account. See more information about accessing The Wall Street Journal through St. Mary's County Library.

Use this link if you are using the Library's computers or the Library WiFi on your own device. You will be directed to WashingtonPost.com. There should be no paywall and no registration prompt with onsite access. See more information about accessing The Washington Post through St. Mary's County Library.

Using your personal computer or device outside of the Library, use this link to reach a page with the following message: “Your library has provided you with complimentary access to WashingtonPost.com for the next 7 days. To access the site, sign in or create a free Washington Post account.” Register or login by entering an email address and password. Offsite access is available for seven days. On the eighth day, please return to this page and select the offsite access link again; this triggers a new seven day access period. You do not need to pay for an account. See more information about accessing The Washington Post through St. Mary's County Library.

Interested in what new books, DVDs, and more we’ve added to our collection? Sign up for our What’s New newsletter through Wowbrary! You’ll receive an email newsletter every Saturday with titles we’ve added in the previous week. To place a hold on any item, just click the “Borrow” button. Most items will be on order and not immediately available, but you’ll get a head start on the hold list!