Link Categories
People and Society
Consumer Information
- http://www.joliet.lib.il.us/reference/fraud.asp
Ways to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Fraud
On this page you will find tips from the Will County State's Attorney's Office on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, and some important phone numbers.
- Comparison Shopping
- Consumer Reports Magazine
There is much information here for free, but users must register and pay for full access to all articles.
- CostHelper.com
This Website has information on prices for a wide variety of products and services.
- Consumer Organizations & Information
- What It Costs
This website "is an online leader in providing information on the costs associated with a wide variety of services and concepts. Whether you want to know the price range of practical activities -- such as removing a tree stump from your yard, having your teeth whitened or joining a gym – or are interested in our more unusual articles – such as the cost of climbing the Seven Summits, being cryogenically frozen or cleaning up a murder scene – you will find all this and more on our website."
- The Ultimate Consumerist Guide to Fighting Back
According to the authors, this Website is "a one-stop-stop for figuring out what you need to do to start a customer complaint, or how to escalate a stalled one so that it can be resolved."
- Better Business Bureau
- Don't Be a Victim of Loan Fraud
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, "every year, misinformed homebuyers, often first-time purchasers or seniors, become victims of predatory lending or loan fraud." This Website from HUD has advise on how you can avoid these situations.
- Federal Citizen Information Center
This Website has full text versions of hundreds of the best federal consumer publications available. View them for FREE
- Federal Communications Commission - For Consumers
On this Website you will find consumer-related information on Cellular Phones, Satellite Dishes, The Internet, Radio, Broadcast & Cable Television, and Telephone Services.
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Consumer News
FDIC Consumer News provides practical guidance on how to become a smarter, safer user of financial services. Each issue offers helpful hints, quick tips, and common-sense strategies to protect and stretch your hard-earned dollars.
- Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information
This Web site has links to information on a variety of topics of interest to consumers.
- ID Theft
On this Website from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission you will find information about what to do if you believe someone has used personal information, such as a credit card number or social security number, without your permission.
- LooksTooGoodToBeTrue.com
While the Internet can be a safe and convenient place to do business, scammers are out there in 'cyber world' targeting unsuspecting consumers. The LooksTooGoodToBeTrue.com website was built to educate you, the consumer, and help prevent you from becoming a victim of an Internet fraud scheme.
- Money Factory
This Website from the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing has detailed information about the features found on genuine U.S. currency.
- Privacy Rights ClearinghousE
This Website has information on what you can do to keep your personal information as private as possible. You may find the Fact Sheets particularly helpful. There is also information about identity theft.
- Right of Privacy - Access to Personal Information
This Website from Cornell university discusses the laws governing the collection and dissemination of personal information.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- VisualEconomics.com
Here you will find graphical illustrations of various economics-related topics.
- Mouse Print.org
”'mouse print' is the fine print in advertising, in a contract, or on a product label, often buried out of easy sight. The goal [of this Website] is to help educate the public about the catches or 'gotchas' in disclaimers, and to encourage advertisers to abandon the motto, 'the big print giveth, and the little print taketh away.'”
- The Keys to Hiring a Reputable Locksmith
This Website from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has tips on what to look out for when you need to hire a locksmith to get you back into your home or car.
- IRA Resource Guide - Information for Individuals
This Website from the Internal Revenue Service has links to information about Indivdual Retirement Accounts
- Telephone Fraud Involving Jury Duty
This Website from the FBI warns of a scam to obtain personal information in regard to upcoming jury duty. The site note that "The judicial system does not contact people telephonically and ask for personal information."
- Pretexting: Your Personal Information Revealed
This Website from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission explains what pretexting is, how it can lead to identity theft, and what steps you can take to prevent it.
- Charity Navigator
This Website evaluates charities based on the percentage of their budgets used for programs, fundraising, and administration.
- get human
This Website has information on how to connect to a human being when calling large companies.
- Guide to Health Care Quality
This Website from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has tips that "are provided to help you be active in making decisions about your health care. The goal is to make sure you receive the best possible care.
- If You've Got The Look, Look Out! Avoiding Modeling Scams
From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
- ConsumerSearch
This Website offers at no charge, online reviews of a wide variety of products and services.
- Before You Enter a Check Cashing Store
This Website from AARP notes that check cashing stores charge high fees, and has information on less expensive ways to cash checks.
- CFSA - Community Financial Services Association
This organization is "committed to working with policymakers, consumer advocates and CFSA member companies to ensure that the payday advance [loan] is a safe and viable credit option for consumers."
- Secret Shopper Scams
This Website notes that there are bona fide secret shoppers, but many offers of such jobs are fraudulent, and offers information on how to tell if you are being scammed.
- Funerals: A Consumer Guide
From the U. S. Federal Trade Commission.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation - New E-Scams & Warnings
- FTC Charity Checklist
"Thinking about donating to a charity? The Federal Trade Commission advises that you consider the following precautions to ensure that your donation dollars benefit the people and organizations you want to help."
- myFIDCinsurance.gov
On this Website you can enter the amount of money you have in accounts at a bank, and find out whether or not all of the money is covered by FDIC insurance.
- Alpha Consumer
This blog by Kimberly Palmer of U.S. News & World Report has information on "how to save money, avoid scams, manage debt, and be a savvy shopper."
- Credit
- Housing Education Program
This Website from the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco has information on the steps involved in buying a home, and information on what you should do if you fall behind on your mortgage payments.
- AnnualCreditReport.com
This central site allows you to request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
- Secret History of the Credit Card
This Website from the Public Broadcasting System has information about "the techniques used by the [credit card ] industry to earn record profits and get consumers to take on more debt."
- Your Credit Score: How It All Adds Up
The purpose of this guide is to acquaint you with the basics of scoring, offer tips on how to improve your score, and give you additional resources for further information.
- Vehicle Repossession
This Website from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission explains what can happen if you fall behind on your car loan or lease payments.
- Raise Your Credit Score to 740
"As lenders tighten credit requirements, getting a good interest rate -- or a loan at all -- requires that you understand how the scoring system works."
- American Bankruptcy Institute - Consumer Bankruptcy Center
This website has answers to frequently asked questions about bankruptcy.
- The History of Credit & Debt
This website "is a retrospective on money and the development of credit. You will be taken on a 9,000-year journey to see how we arrived at our present-day financial times."
- CreditCards.com
The goal of this website "is to provide a resource where consumers can search, compare and apply for the best credit card offers online."
- Fact Sheet: Reforms to Protect American Credit Card Holders
This website from the White House Press Office has information on key provisions of a newly enacted law concerning credit card contracts that ends "the days of unfair rate hikes and hidden fees."
- Survey of Credit Card Plans
This website from the U.S. Federal Reserve Board has information on terms of credit card plans offered by the largest credit card issuers. The survey is updated twice yearly.
- Bankruptcy Basics
This website from the Administrative Office of the United States Courts "provides basic information to debtors, creditors, court personnel, the media, and the general public on different aspects of the federal bankruptcy laws. It also provides individuals who may be considering bankruptcy with a basic explanation of the different chapters under which a bankruptcy case may be filed and to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the bankruptcy process."
- National Foundation for Credit Counseling
This website will help you locate a free or low-cost credit counseling agency. You will also find a budget worksheet and consumer tips.
- Home Mortgages
- Adjustable Rate Mortgages - Who Qualifies for Help?
This Website from the Wall Street Journal has information on who and who will not qualify for the "fast-track" interest rate freeze program proposed by President Bush.
- Help for Homeowners Facing the Loss of Their Home
This Website from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development explains the steps you need to take when you find that you are unable to pay your mortgage.
- Mortgage Payments Sending You Reeling? Here’s What to Do
"The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to know how to help save your home, and how to recognize and avoid foreclosure scams."
- Making Home Affordable.gov
This website will help you determine if you are among the 7 to 9 million people eligible for U.S. government programs that will allow you to refinance your mortgage, or modify your existing mortgage.
- Mortgage Calculator
On this website you will find tools that will calculate an estimated mortgage payment, how much of an equity loan you may qualify for , how much of a mortgage you can afford, and how much interest you can save by paying extra on your mortgage each month.
- Project Lifeline
This Website describes a program "billed by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson as 'a targeted outreach to homeowners 90 days or more delinquent that may lead to a pause in the foreclosure process.'"
- New Rule for Home Mortgages
On this Website you will find a description of a new rule for home mortgage loans recently approved by the Federal Reserve Board in order "to better protect consumers and facilitate responsible lending. The rule prohibits unfair, abusive or deceptive home mortgage lending practices and restricts certain other mortgage practices."
- Foreclosure Resources for Consumers.
If you are having difficulty making your mortgage payments, this Website from the U.S. Federal Reserve Board has "links to agencies and organizations that may be able to help you."
- Facing Forelcosure? Find Help Now!
This website has information about federal government resources available to people facing foreclosure of their mortgage.
- Pawn Shops
- Frugal Living
- Five Ways Google Can Save You Money
This website from CNN lists five money saving services from Google that you may be unaware of.
- WalletPop
On this website you will find tips on saving money, and how to get the most for your money when purchasing goods or services.
- Holiday Shopping, Circa 2008: Tips from the Federal Trade Commission
This Website has information that "can help you deliver a holiday season that’s on budget and maybe even a little less stressful."
- Frugal Living
This Website information on ways to save money by spending smarter.
- The Best Time to Buy Almost Everything
This website notes "that the key to finding bargains is timing—off-season, end-of-season, new models bringing down prices on the old models. There’s a pattern and a perfect time to buy just about anything." The site has information on the best time of the month or year year to buy tires, airplane tickets, cars, & much more.
- Excercise on a Budget
This Website has information on inexpensive alternatives to working out at a gym or buying expensive exercise equipment.
- feedthepig.org
On this Website you can find out how much you can save, over time, when you change or break spending habits.
- Save Warm, Save Money
The resources here will help consumers and small businesses find financial help to conduct energy audits and make energy efficiency improvements to their homes or workplaces.
- Top 10 Money Saving Sites
This website has links to other websites "where you can find everything from sales and discounts to coupon codes, daily specials and even outright free stuff." The Top 10 website notes however that: "You’ll need to make a habit of checking every day – sometimes multiple times a day – to score the best stuff. They call it bargain hunting for a reason, and you’ll need to be in the right place at the right time if you want to bag a buck or two."
- Top 5 Tips for Black Friday Shopping
This Website from America Online has advice on how to get the most for your money when shopping the day after Thanksgiving.
- Fitness for Less: 4 Low-Cost Ways to Shape Up.
"Want to work out but think you can't afford it? Think again. Consider these low-cost alternatives to a pricey gym membership."
- Tightwad Tod
This blog from Consumer Reports.org has information on how to spend money wisely.
- FamilyFun.com - Homemade for the Holidays
This Website has links to information on how to make Christmas cards, gifts, decorations, and much more.
- 12 Rules for Regifting Without Fear
Thinking about giving someone a gift that someone else gave you? This Website from MSN Money has rules of etiquette for this tradition.
- Sneaky Tips for Shopping Online
This Website has tips on how to save money when shopping online.
- Go Frugal Blog
On this website "you'll find valuable tips and money-saving ideas from some of the web's foremost deal-hunters, savvy shoppers and cost-conscious bloggers."
- Rebuild Your Finances
This website from Consumer Reports Magazine has information on ways to save money and rebuild your savings.
- The Best Time to Buy Guide for 45 Products and Services
"Before you make another major purchase, check with this guide to know when the best time to buy is."
- Insurance
- Glossary of Insurance Terms
From the Insurance Information Institute.
- Clue Insurance Databases
This Website from the Privacy Rights Clearing House explains what CLUE reports are, how they can affect your ability to obtain homeowners or auto insurance, and how you can obtain a free copy of your CLUE report.
- Personal Finance
- Product Recalls
- Recalls, Market Withdrawls, and Safety Alerts
This Website from the Food and Drug Administration has information about significant recalls and alerts concerning foods and drugs issued in the last 60 days.
- Toy Hazard Recalls
This Website lists toys recalled by order of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Recalls
This Website has links to information about U.S. Government ordered recalls of foods, medicines, cars, and other products.
- Sales Calls and Catalogs
- National Do Not Call Registry
This Website from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has information about how you can reduce the number of calls you receive from telemarketers by registering your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. Important note: Registrations of phone numbers entered into the Do Not Call Registry expire after 5 years. This means that if you registered a phone number in 2003, you will need to re-register that number in 2008.
- Catalog Choice
"Catalog Choice is a free service that lets you decline paper catalogs you no longer wish to receive."
- New Rules Requiring an Automated Voice or Keypress Opt-Out for Recorded Message Telemarketing Calls
This Website from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has information about a new rules concerning recorded sales calls.
Return To Top Countries of the World (Including Ours)
- Canada
- The Canadian Encyclopedia
This Website "contains the complete text of the acclaimed Canadian Encyclopedia in English and French, the text of the Junior Encyclopedia of Canada (in English only), numerous interactivities, feature articles, games, the Canucklehead Quiz, and an extensive timeline of Canadian and world events."
- Backcheck: A Hockey Retrospective
On this website from Library and Archives Canada, you will find essays and photos that explore the history of hockey in Canada.
- China
- China from the Inside
This Website from the Public Broadcasting System presents " an exploration of China, her people, her past, and her present."
- Europe
- Europa: Gateway to the European Union
This Website has information on the activities and institutions of this organization that links together 25 European countries.
- Britain - Frequently Asked Questions
It has been over 200 years since the end of the American Revolution, yet Americans are still fascinated by Great Britain. This Website has answers to questions about our mother country.
- The Caribbean
- Digital Library of the Caribbean
This website "provides access to digitized versions of Caribbean cultural, historical and research materials currently held in archives, libraries, and private collections."
- United States
- CITY-DATA.COM
On this Website you will find useful information about thousands of cities in the U.S.
- State and Metropolitan Area Data Book: 2006
This Website from the U.S. Bureau of the Census "is a convenient summary of statistics on the social and economic structure of the states, metropolitan areas, and micropolitan areas in the United States."
- FedStats
"More than 70 agencies in the U.S. Federal government produce statistics of interest to the public. The Federal Interagency Council on Statistical Policy maintains this site to provide easy access to the full range of statistics and information produced by the agencies for public use."
- FreeLunch.com
This Website has links to a variety of U.S. economic statistics. The Website requires registration (free) in order to be able to view the data.
- Lookups
This Website offers limited free access to 30 databases. Topics include zip codes, weather data, income tax statistics, and contributions to federal campaigns.
- Many Languages, One America
This Website from the U.S. English Foundation Inc., has tables that show what languages are spoken in the U.S., and where in the country the speakers of those languages live.
- Mapping Census 2000: The Geography of U.S. Diversity
This Web site from the U.S. Census Bureau has maps that show the distribution of people by race.
- nationalatlas.gov
On this Website from the U.S. Department of the Interior, you can view maps of the U.S. that show information on a wide variety of topics.
- A Profile of the Working Poor
"The working poor are those who spent at least 27 weeks in the labor force (working or looking for work), but whose incomes fell below the official poverty level.
- State and Local Sourcebook
"Get a data profile for one of the top 50 counties or cities, a state, D.C. or the U.S. Results cover a range of categories."
- The State of Working America 2008/2009
This Website has information on "the problems and challenges facing American working families, presenting a wide variety of data on family incomes, taxes, wages, unemployment, wealth, and poverty."
- Census Atlas of the United States
This atlas from the U.S. Census Bureau covers a variety of topics "ranging from language and ancestry characteristics to housing patterns and the geographic distribution of the population."
- National Criminal Justice Reference Service
This website "offers extensive reference and referral services to help you find answers to your questions about crime and justice-related research, policy, and practice. Search Questions & Answers to access hundreds of questions related to juvenile and criminal justice, victim assistance, drug policy, and NCJRS services."
- ZipWho.com
Type in a ZIP code number, and you will see demographic information about the people who live there. You can also select a demographic and see a ranking by ZIP code.
- American Religious Identification Survey
This report "provides the only complete portrait of how contemporary Americans identify themselves religiously, and how that self-identification has changed over the past generation."
- Pew Social and Demographic Trends
"The Pew Research Center's Social & Demographic Trends project studies behaviors and attitudes of Americans in key realms of their lives, including family, community, health, finance, work and leisure. The project explores these topics by combining original public opinion survey research with social, economic and demographic data analysis."
- State Health Facts.org
This website "is a project of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and is designed to provide free, up-to-date, and easy-to-use health data on all 50 states." You will also find economic data for the fifty states.
- Worldwide
- AAAS Atlas of Population & Environment
This Website is from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The organization states that the purpose of this Website is to "bring together population-environment linkages in ways that make them easily accessible to policy and decision makers, students and the general public."
- World Leaders
This Website from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency lists the Chief of State, Cabinet members, Ambassador to the U.S., and Permanent Representative to the United Nations for approximately 200 countries.
- Flags of the World
FOTW is the Internet's largest site devoted to vexillology (the study of flags). Here you can read more than 28,000 pages about flags and view more than 52,000 images of flags.
- Foreign Consular Offices in the U.S.
This Website from the U.S. State Department has the addresses and phone numbers of the consulates of foreign governments located in the U.S. You will also find a list of diplomats posted to those consulates.
- Globalheathfacts.org
This Website from the Kaiser Family Foundation has information on the number of people in each country who are infected by HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
- Historical Country Names
This Website has an alphabetical list of many country and regional names no longer used. You will find the present name next to the historical one.
- Official Statistics on the Web
This Web site from the University of Auckland, New Zealand Library gives access to official government statistics for over 200 countries and territories.
- Statistical Resources on the Web
On this Website from the University of Michigan you will find links to Websites with statistics on a wide variety of subjects.
- U.S. State Department Background Notes
This Web site has information on the government, geography, economy, and people of over 180 countries and territories.
- World Factbook
When you are looking for facts and figures concerning a particular country this site from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency is a good one to bring up on your computer.
- 2005 World Population Data Sheet
This Website from the Population Reference Bureau has information about the current population and population trends for all UN countries.
- My Wonderful World
This Website from the National Geographic Society offers information on how parents and teachers can help children learn geography.
- Core Health Indicators
This Website from the World Health Organization gives access to a wide variety of health-related statistics for more than 180 countries.
- Cities Around the World
This Website has "over 6,100 photographic images from the slide collections of the American Geographical Society Library."
- GeoHive
This is "a site with geopolitical data, statistics on the human population, Earth and more. The main kind of data you can find here is population statistics of regions, countries, provinces and cities. Next to that there are some statistics on economic factors like wealth, infrastructure; statistics on natural phenomena; ....... and yet, even more."
- NationalAnthems.info
"This website has been created to give some background on over 400 anthems past and present, as well as anthems of other entities. You will find background on the history of the anthem, a music file (usually in MIDI format), lyrics (usually with an English translation as well), and for some, sheet music."
- World Names
This Website has taken data from public records in 26 countries. Type in a surname and you can see the countries, regions and localities where that name appears most frequently.
- Traveler I.Q.
This website has quizzes that will test your knowledge of the locations of cities around the world.
- worldometers
Here you will find counters that give estimates for several statistics tabulated on a world-wide basis.
Return To Top Divorce
- http://www.divorce360.com/
Divorce360
This website "provides help, advice and community
for people contemplating, going through or recovering from divorce and
the issues around it - custody, child support, alimony and litigation."
Return To Top Genealogy
- Databases
- Ancestry - Library Edition
This genealogy Website gives you access to a wide variety of databases; census records, military records, immigration records, and much more.
Please note: This Website is only accessible from computers located at the Joliet Public Library Main Library or Black Rd. Branch.
- HeritageQuest
This genealogy database gives you access to information about people found in U.S. Census records and genealogy-related books and articles.
A Joliet Public Library card is required for Home Access
- Indexes of Obituaries Printed in the Joliet Herald News
In 2006, the Joliet Public Library began a project to place obituary indexes on our Website.
- Department of Veterans Affairs - Nationwide Gravesite Locator
On this website you can "search for burial locations of veterans and their family members in VA National Cemeteries, state veterans cemeteries, various other military and Department of Interior cemeteries, and for veterans buried in private cemeteries when the grave is marked with a government grave marker."
- Access to Archival Databases
This Website from the National Archives and Records Administration has links to an assortment of databases maintained by the U.S. government, many of which may be useful to genealogists.
- CastleGarden.org
This Website "offers free access to an extraordinary database of information on 10 million immigrants from 1830 through 1892, the year Ellis Island opened."
- Ellis Island Records
View records of people who passed through Ellis Island, New York when they immigrated to the U.S.
- Online Searchable Death Indexes and Records
This website gathers together links to online death indexes by state and county. Included are death indexes, obituaries, probate indexes and cemetery & burial indexes.
- Find A Grave
This Website states that is has 21 million grave records.
- American Battle Monuments Commission - Burial Listings
On this Website you will find links to databases of those "interred at the American World War I and World War II cemeteries overseas, the Missing in Action from World War I and World War II who are memorialized on Tablets of the Missing within the cemeteries and on three memorials in the U.S.,[and] those killed worldwide during the Korean War."
- National Obituary Index
This website "is the world's largest repository of obituaries and death records with more than 55 million individual entries on file."
- Websites
- African Americans
- African American Genealogy on the Web
This Website from the Princeton [NJ] Public Library has links to several Websites with information related to African American Genealogy.
- AfriGeneas
This Web Site is devoted to African-American genealogy.
- Afro-Louisiana History and Genealogy 1719-1820
This Web site contains information gathered by Dr. Gwendolyn Midlo Hall about slaves brought to Louisiana including "African slave names, genders, ages, occupations, illnesses, family relationships, ethnicity, places of origin, prices paid by slave owners, and slaves' testimony and emancipations."
- Freedmens Bureau Online
This Web site has transcriptions of marriage records and records of labor contracts from southern states in the period immediately following the Civil War. Also included on the site are transcriptions of records related to "murders and outrages" that occurred during the same period.
- Slavery Era Insurance Policies Registry
On this Website from the Illinois Department Insurance, you will find basic information about insurance policies written to cover the injury or death of slaves. The records are alphabetized by the first name of the slave, and the first name of the slave holder.
- Canada
- Canadian Genealogy Centre
This Website from the Library and Archives of Canada has information on how to do genealogical research in Canada, and links to Canadian online databases.
- Europe
- Digitalarkivet - From the National Archives of Norway
On this Web site you will find links to a wide variety of Norwegian archival databases dating back as far as the 1660's. There is also a section on how to trace your ancestors in Norway.
- Monarchies of Europe
This Website charts the genealogy of several European royal families from the late 18th and 19th centuries to the present day.
- PolishRoots
PolishRoots® was created to harness the power of the Internet to present research materials of interest to those researching their Polish ancestry.
- Slovenian Women's Union of America
The Mission of this organization is "to reach individuals by uniting them through their common interest in Slovenian culture and traditions." The site has links to Slovenian genealogy Web sites.
- General Interest
- Cemetery Iconography
Here you will find information about many of the symbols found on tombstones.
- Civil War Resources
This Website has links to over 100 other Websites with information about the Civil War. Included are links to rosters of some of the regiments that fought in that war.
- Cyndi's List
This Web site is "a categorized & cross-referenced index to genealogical resources on the Internet."
- FamilySearch
From the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
- Genealogy Spot
This Website has information on how to start researching your family tree, and links to genealogy-related websites.
- Genealogy Today
This Website has information on how to do genealogical research on the Internet.
- Military Personnel Record Requests
This Website explains how to obtain information about someone who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
- National Genealogical Society
- Palaeography
Palaeography is the study of old handwriting. This web tutorial will help you learn to read the handwriting found in documents written in English between 1500 and 1800.
- Rudy's List of Archaic Medical Terms
"The primary focus of this web site is to help decipher the Causes of Death found on Mortality Lists, Certificates of Death and Church Death Records from the 19th century and earlier." You will find English definitions for medical terms in English, German, and French.
- USGenWeb Project
The goal of this project is to " provide free genealogy websites for genealogical research in every county and every state of the United States."
- National Archives and Records Administration
Genealogists/Family Historians
On this Website you will find information about resources available at the NARA that will assist you in your genealogical research.
- Geni
This Website "is a tool for understanding and staying in touch with your family.
Geni lets you create a family tree through our fun simple interface. You can expand your tree by adding relatives' email addresses. They will be invited to join your tree and can add other relatives. Your tree will continue to grow as relatives invite other relatives."
- Great Britain
- Digital Library of Historical Directories
On this Website from the University of Leicester you will find city and county directories published in England and Wales between 1750 and 1920.
- Free BMD
FreeBMD is an ongoing project, the aim of which is to transcribe the Civil Registration index of births, marriages and deaths for England and Wales, and to provide free Internet access to the transcribed records.This database "contains index information for the period 1837-1983."
- Illinois
- Jews
- Western U.S.
Return To Top Parenting
- Websites
- Child Support
- Illinois Child Support Enforcement
This Website has information on how to apply for child support, and means the State of Illinois uses in trying to collect amounts owed.
- Child Support Network
This organization "is a specialized service company that locates missing parents and collects court ordered family support payments."
- Diapering Your Baby
- Early Learning
- General
- Child Care Aware
Child Care Aware is a non-profit initiative committed to helping parents find the best information on locating quality child care and child care resources in their community.
- Child & Family Web Guide
This Website "is a directory that evaluates, describes and provides links to hundreds of sites containing child development research and practical advice."
- fathers.com
This Website "contains hundreds of articles for nearly every fathering situation."
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
- NewParent.com
This Website has information about pregancy, labor, and the proper care of a newborn child.
- Popular Baby Names
This Web site from the Social Security Administration has information about the most popular baby names gathered from applications for Social Security Numbers. Please note that the numbers for different spellings of similar names are not combined.
- Let's Party: A Guide to Drug Free Parties for 5th - 8th Graders
This Website from the University of Illinois Extension Service "is a resource for parents to help their fifth through eighth grade children as they begin to host and attend parties."
- Grandparents.com
This Website "offers content tailored exclusively for grandparents, including kid- and grandparent-friendly activities, family travel ideas, compelling lifestyle features, expert advice, product reviews for toys and technology, gift ideas for all ages, and much more."
- Activities for Kids - Travel Tips and Ideas
This Website has information on useful items to bring on trips taken with children. You will also find information on games and other activities for children.
- parent hacks
"Daily parenting tips from the real experts: actual parents"
- 2009 Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings
This Website from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration "provides parents a new five-star ratings system that allows you to evaluate how easy certain car seat features are to use before you buy a seat."
- Parenting Adolescents
On this Website "parents have access to extended responses to questions about parenting teens and preteens."
- Facts for Families
This Website from the American Academy of Pediatrics has "concise and up-to-date information on issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families."
- babycenter
This Website has information about pregnancy, and the care of children from birth to 1 year old.
- ChildCare.gov
This Website "is a comprehensive online resource designed to link parents, child care providers, researchers, policymakers and the general public with Federal Government sponsored child care and early learning information and resources both quickly and easily."
- Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
This Website from the U.S. federal government has links to Websites with information useful to grandparents who are raising grandchildren.
- Get Involved: The Importance of Family Mealtime
This Website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explains the benefits of having meals with your children.
- Grandparenting
- AARP - Grandparenting
This website has articles that discuss issues and situations that can arise as a result of being a grandparent.
- Health
- Family Day
This Website has information about "a national movement to inform parents that the parental engagement fostered during frequent family dinners is an effective tool to help keep America’s kids substance free."
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
On this Website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control you will find information about a disease that "is one of the leading known preventable causes of mental retardation and birth defects." "This disease is 100% preventable -- if a woman does not drink alcohol while she is pregnant."
- Genetics and Newborn Screening
All parents want healthy babies. And, in most cases, children born in the United States are healthy. But some babies who seem fine at birth may have a serious, rare disorder that cannot be seen. If not treated, these disorders can slow a baby’s growth or cause brain damage and, possibly, death. If found early, treatment can help prevent these serious problems.
- How to Talk to Your Adolescent About Alcohol
One of the questions faced by children as they grow up is whether to drink alcoholic beverages, or refrain from doing so. This Website gives parents information that will help them in their efforts to see that their children do not consume alcohol until they are of legal age.
- Infant Formula - Consumer Questions
This Website from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has answers to frequently asked questions regarding the regulation, use and ingredients of infant commercial infant formulas.
- Vaccines & Immunizations
On This Website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control you will find information about recommended immunizations for children and adults. There is also information about vaccine side effects and safety issues.
- Thimerosal in Vaccines
This Website from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also has information about the use of thimerosal in some vaccines.
- Pediatric Oral Health Information for Parents
This Website from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has answers to frequently asked questions about dental care for children.
- FDA Releases Recommendations Regarding Use of Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Products
This Website from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes that these products "should not be used in children under 2 years of age."
- AAP Recommends Shopping Cart Restrictions for Children
This Website from the American Academy of Pediatrics "recommends that parents consider alternatives to placing children in shopping carts, until carts are redesigned to prevent injury", and explains the reasoning behind this recommendation.
- Take Care of Your Child's Teeth
This website has information on what you can do to help protect your child from tooth decay.
- Pre-teens Need Vaccines Too!
This Website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that:Vaccines are not just for infants. As kids get older, protection provided by some childhood vaccines can begin to wear off. Kids can also develop risks for more diseases as they enter their pre-teen years."
- BabyKick Alliance
This Website notes that "Kick Count is the maternal counting and tracking of fetal movement. Medical research supports kick count as a simple, valuable, effective, reliable and harmless screening of fetal well-being during the third trimester in both low- and high-risk pregnancies."
- Health Issues for Parents
This Website from the U.S. government has links to Websites with information about health topics of interest to parents.
- Spina Bifida Association
"Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. The mission of the Spina Bifida Association (SBA) is to promote the prevention of Spina Bifida, and to enhance the lives of all affected."
- Talking with Kids About Tough Issues
This Website from Children Now and the Kaiser Family Foundation offers "practical, concrete tips and techniques for talking easily and openly with young children ages 8 to 12 about some very tough issues: sex, HIV/AIDS, violence, drugs and alcohol."
- Injury Prevention
This Website from Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh has tips on how to prevent injuries. You will also find information on how to treat common injuries, and how to make your home safe for children.
- One Step Ahead - How to Childproof Your Home
This Website from noted home renovator Bob Vila, notes that "drawing on the experience of safety experts and experienced parents, we have compiled a list of room-by-room childproofing solutions. In addition, we suggest you get down on your knees and crawl through your house in search of "hidden" dangers. You'll be surprised by what you find!"
- It's a Noisy Planet: Protect Their Hearing
This Website "is designed to increase awareness among parents of children ages 8 to 12 about the causes and prevention of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). With this information, parents and other adults can encourage children to adopt healthy hearing habits before and during the time that they develop listening, leisure, and working habits."
- Healthy Child Healthy World
This Website has information on environmental hazards that affect the health of children.
- Safety: Guns and Kids
This Website from the University of Michigan Health System has information on how to store guns safely, and what happens when children and teens have access to a gun.
- Young People with Cancer: A Handbook for Parents
This Website "gives you information on all stages of your child’s illness. It tells you what to expect and suggests ways to prepare for different situations. It can guide you to become your child’s best advocate or supporter."
- Help Your Child Stay at a Healthy Weight
This website has tips on what you can to to help your child maintain a healthy weight.
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center
This Website from the Baylor College of Medicine and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has links to information that will help you give your children a healthy diet.
- The Media - Information for Parents
- Kids Privacy Quick Tips: What You Really Need to Know
- Rules to Surf By: Be Privacy-Wise
- Common Sense Media
This Website rates popular TV shows, movies, books, Video games, music DVDs and Websites. For each title there is an age recommendation, and recommendations regarding the sexual content, language, violence, and other content found in that item. There is also at least one full review.
- Entertainment Software Ratings Board
The ESRB rating system helps parents and other consumers choose the games that are right for their families. On this Website you can search by keyword to find the rating of a game you are considering buying.
- Center for Screen-Time Awareness
This organization "provides information so people can live healthier lives in functional families in vibrant communities by taking control of the electronic media in their lives, not allowing it to control them."
- What Do I Need to Know About Children and TV?
This Website from the University of Michigan Health System, has information about the effects of TV exposure on the behavior and health of children.
- Kids-in-mind
This Website rates movies concerning their content of sex & nudity, violence & gore, and profanity. Each review describes scenes that might be unsuitable for children.
- Motion Picture Association of America - Film Ratings
This Website has information on the rating system "intended to provide parents with advance information so they can decide for themselves which films are appropriate for viewing by their own children."
- KidZui - The Internet for Kids
This website is designed for children, and gives access to more than a million games, websites,and videos. The site states that the content is "thoroughly reviewed by caring teachers and parents just like you."
- Toys
- Dr. Toy's Best Products List - 100 Best
"This timely report features information about l00 wonderful new toys and other products from large and small companies. The toys and products selected will meet your high standards for design, durability, quality, and price."
- Age-Appropriate Toys for Children
This Website gives brief descriptions of stages in the physical and mental development of children, and examples of toys appropriate for each stage.
Return To Top Phone Numbers, ZIP Codes
Return To Top Religion
- Baha'i
- The Baha'i Faith
This Website has information about the history, beliefs, and organizational structure of this religion. There is also information about the Baha'i House of Worship (also known as the Baha'i Temple) located in Wilmette, IL.
- Buddhism
- Buddhist Ceremonies
On this Website you will find information about Buddhist marriage and funeral ceremonies, and also about Buddhist festivals and special days.
- General Information on Zen
This Web site "provides a list of general resources on Zen Buddhism and a catalog of organizations, centers and directories."
- Life of Buddha
This Website from the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a short biography of the Buddha, and images of art associated with Buddhism.
- Shin Dharma Net
The purpose and mission of this website is to share information concerning Shin Buddhist tradition and Pure Land Buddhism as it is presently practiced and interpreted by Shin communities in the West and Japan.
- Christianity
- Anno Domini: Jesus Through the Centuries
On this Website from the Virtual Museum of Canada you will find information about the many ways Jesus Christ has been viewed through 2000 years of history.
- The Christian Catacombs of Rome
This Website "answers many of the questions on the Catacombs and debunks popular myths and legends spread by films and novels, but having no historical basis."
- Into the Wardrobe:: a C.S. Lewis web site
For those who have no idea about C. S. Lewis and his work, and are just looking for a fun site, there is plenty to investigate and enjoy right here, and what you find here may well lead you into years of enjoyable reading as you discover the existence of one of the finest writers of this century, and find out about his books.
- Women's Path Into Ministry: Six Major Studies
In a review of six major studies on clergywomen, Edward C. Lehman, Jr., argues that women's ordination is one of the most significant recent developments in American religion, fostering change in churchgoers' attitudes toward women in leadership and expanding the concept of ministry beyond the local congregation.
- Christianity Today
This is the online version of the magazine published by Christianity Today International, which was founded by Billy Graham in 1956.
- Gnosticism
- The Gnosis Archive
This Website "offers a vast collection of primary texts and resources relating to Gnosticism and the Gnostic Tradition, both ancient and modern."
- Hinduism
- Hinduism for Schools
This Website is a good place to start if you are looking for information about the Hindu religion.
- Interfaith
- Religion & Ethics Newsweekly
An online companion to the weekly television news program", from the Public Broadcasting System
- ReligionFacts.com
This Website will give you a good overview of the beliefs and practices of the world's major religions.
- GODchecker.com
According to the authors of this Website, "The Godchecker database aims to cover all Gods of mythology, literature and legend." You will also find very short biographies of Catholic saints. The Website is written in an irreverent, light-hearted style.
- Celebrating the Holidays in an Interfaith Family
This Website has suggestions on how to handle the dilemma that arises when December comes, and an interfaith couple must decide how to celebrate the holidays.
- Changes in Religious Affiliation in the U.S.
Th is website from the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life has information about a survey that asked people if they have ever changed religions, and if so, their reason(s) for doing so.
- beliefnet
"Our mission is to help people like you find, and walk, a spiritual path that will bring comfort, hope, clarity, strength, and happiness."
- Sacred Destinations Travel Guide
This Website is "a free online travel guide that focuses on photos and history of the sacred sites and religious places of the world." The Website "profiles more than 1,000 sacred sites and religious places in 55 countries."
- Internet Sacred Text Archive
The authors of this website note that: "This site is a freely available archive of electronic texts about religion, mythology, legends and folklore, and occult and esoteric topics. Texts are presented in English translation and, where possible, in the original language." It is a site where you will find links to the text of books such as the Bible, the Quran, the Book of Mormon, the Bhagavad Gita; and many, many more.
- Interfaith Calendar - 2010
- American Religious Identification Survey 2008
This report "provides the only complete portrait of how contemporary Americans identify themselves religiously, and how that self-identification has changed over the past generation."
- BioEthics Education Project
On this website you will find "information on a wide range of bioethical issues, activities and challenges, and online discussion to help you practice argument."
- U.S. Religious Landscape Survey 2008
This website from the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life "includes a wealth of information on the religious
beliefs and practices of the American public, including the importance of religion in people’s
lives, belief in God and the afterlife, attitudes toward the authority of sacred writings, frequency
of worship attendance and prayer, and participation in religious activities outside of worship
services, including the religious education of children. The study also probes the public’s views
on religion’s impact on society, conflicts between religion and society, religion and morality, and
the links between religion and life satisfaction."
- Islam
- Muhammad Legacy of a Prophet
This Website from the Public Broadcasting System has information about the life of Muhammad, the Hajj, and several Islam-related issues.
- Al-Islam.org
This Web site has a wealth of information and links related to Islam.
- Islam: A Primer
This report from the Congressional Research Service "includes short descriptions of the historical background, the tenets of Islam, jihad, the status of women in Islam, and other aspects of Islam."
- MuslimHeritage.com
"Discover 1000 years of missing history and explore the fascinating Muslim contribution to present day Science, Technology, Arts, and Civilization."
- What is Ashura?
This Website from the British Broadcasting Corporation explains the origins of this festival, and its connection to the split of Islam into Sunni and Shia sects.
- The Partisans of Ali: A History of Shia Faith and Politics
This Website "explores the split between Shia and Sunnis, from its origins shortly after the death of Muhammed in the seventh century to the modern-day upheaval in Iraq."
- Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream
This Website from the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life has the results of a nationwide survey of Muslim Americans that "finds them to be largely assimilated, happy with their lives, and moderate with respect to many of the issues that have divided Muslims and Westerners around the world."
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- Being Muslim in America
This website has information on the life and culture of Muslims in the United States, and has profiles of several Muslims who are enjoying successful careers in this country.
- Judaism
- Judaism 101
This Web site "is an online encyclopedia of Judaism, covering Jewish beliefs, people, places, things, language, scripture, holidays, practices and customs." The author of the site states that "the information in this site is written predominantly from the Orthodox viewpoint, because I believe that is the starting point for any inquiry into Judaism."
- Jewish Holidays
On this Web site you will find information on the Jewish religious holidays, and the national holidays of Israel
- My Jewish Learning.com
This is another Website with information about Jewish beliefs, practices and holidays. According to its authors, this Website is designed to be "representative of the wide and valid range of trans-denominational [Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform] perspectives within Judaism."
- Roman Catholicism
- Catholic Diocese of Joliet
Here you will find information about the history and parishes of the Diocese of Joliet as well as upcoming events in the diocese.
- The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church
This Website has "biographies of the 17th to the 21st century cardinals . . . and documents concerning the origin of the Roman cardinalate and its historical evolution." You will also find information about Papal elections and conclaves dating back to 1061.
- Catholic Exchange
This Web site has links to other sites of interest to Roman Catholics.
- Catholic News Service
On this Website, a service of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, you will find news about the Roman Catholic Church.
- Catholic Online
This Website "gives the largest and broadest population of Catholics worldwide easy access to comprehensive, educational and timely information about Catholicism."
- Documents of the II Vatican Council
On this Website you will find links to the text of documents promulgated at this historic conference that took place in the years 1962-1965.
- Papal Encyclicals Online
Your guide to online Papal and other official documents of the Catholic Church.
- The Bible
- Bible
The Bible Gateway is a tool for reading and researching scripture online -- all in the language or translation of your choice! It provides advanced searching capabilities, which allow readers to find and compare particular passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.
- The Lost Gospel
On this Website from the National Geographic Society you will find information on the history of a codex (book) that contains the only known copy of the Gospel of Judas, and an English translation of that gospel from the original Coptic.
- Resource Pages for Biblical Studies
This Web site has links to a treasure trove of information about the Bible. Although the site "is intended as a resource for serious, scholarly studies of the early Christian writings and their social world", general readers may also find the information on some of the links quite interesting.
- Scrolls From the Dead Sea
This Website from the Library of Congress "presents a significant sampling of scrolls and explores both their history and their meaning. It is the Library's hope that visitors will leave both satisfied in having seen these remarkable survivors of a far-off past and in having learned something of the challenges facing scroll scholars and intrigued by questions that surround the scrolls and the community that may have produced them."
- Wiccan Religion
- Circle Sanctuary
On this Website you will find information about the Wiccan Religion, including its holidays & festivals, rituals, and spirituality.
Return To Top Senior Info
- Additional Links
- Retirement Revised
This website has information about issues related to retirement and aging.
- Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
This Website describes discounts on goods and services available to people over the age of 50, and offers three rules to follow in order to ensure that such discounts are obtained.
- Beyond 50.05: A Report to the Nation on Livable Communities: Creating Environments for Successful Aging
This Website from AARP notes that: "A livable community is one that has affordable and appropriate housing, supportive community features and services, and adequate mobility options, which together facilitate personal independence, and the engagement of residents in civic and social life."
- Exploritas
This Web site has information regarding educational experiences and travel for adults fifty-five and older.
- Internet Resources on Aging
Links to more than 900 Websites of interest to those over 50 years old, from AARP.
- The Maturing of America: Getting Communities on Track for an Aging Population
This report identifies ways that cities and counties can prepare for the aging of their citizens.
- Life After Loss
This Website from AARP has information on what you will need to do when faced with the impending death of a spouse, and links to information that will help you deal with the grief that inevitably follows.
- Assisted Living Directory - Joliet/Crest Hill
Here you will find information about assisted living facilities in the Joliet area.
- Read Easily: Ebooks Online Library
On this Website you can select the font size, font color, and background color of the display. The catalog of books available on this Website is browsable by author,title, or subject.
- Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
This Website from the U.S. federal government has links to Websites with information useful to grandparents who are raising grandchildren.
- Civic Ventures
This Website encourages people aged 50 - 70 to put their experience to work in ways that will improve their communities.
- Caregiving
- AgingPro
The purpose of this Website is "to improve the quality of life and quality of care for older people, caregivers, and the professionals that serve them by providing the world's best information, resources, and products that enhance eldercare and planning for aging.
- Aging Parents and Elder Care
"Providing care for our aging parents or elder spouse can often be very frustrating, with new surprises almost every day. Whether you care for aging parents in your home, or manage elder care plans from a distance, most of us don't know where to go for reliable answers ... or even what questions to ask. Here's help."
- Family Caregiving... It's not all up to you.
"If you're caring for a loved one who is ill or disabled, this site was created for you. It's a great place to find assistance, answers, new ideas and helpful advice -- for you and your loved one."
- National Association of Geriatric Care Managers - Resources
This Website has annotated links to other Websites with information that caregivers may find useful.
- Family Caregiver Alliance
This Website has fact sheets on diseases that affect the elderly, caregiving issues & strategies, and legal issues.
- Medicare Basics for Caregivers
This website has information about the U.S. government's health insurance program for people age 65 or older.
- Health Information
- Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs
According to its authors, "this website provides information that will help you open a conversation with your doctor about prescription medicines–and particularly about which medicines will best meet you medical needs and give you the most value for your health care dollar."
- Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults
Growing Stronger is an exercise program based upon sound scientific research involving strengthening exercises—exercises that have been shown to increase the strength of your muscles, maintain the integrity of your bones, and improve your balance, coordination, and mobility.
- Medicare Drug Benefit Calculator
On This Website from the Kaiser Family Foundation you can calculate how much you would pay for prescription drugs under the Medicare prescription drug program recently passed by Congress.
- NIH Senior Health
This Web site from the National Institutes of Health, has information on health topics of particular interest to seniors.
- Presbycusis
Presbycusis is the loss of hearing that gradually occurs in most individuals as they grow older. On this Website you will find information about the causes, and symptoms of this disorder, and what can be done to help persons affected by it.
- Flu Information
This Website from Medicare.gov has a list of flu symptoms, and information on how the disease is spread. You will also find links to information on the flu vaccine and other steps you can take to prevent the flu.
- Exercise & Physical Activity:
Your Everyday Guide from the National Institute on Aging
"This guide shows you many types of exercise and physical activity. It also has lots of tips to help you be active in ways that suit your lifestyle, interests, health, and budget, whether you’re just starting out, getting back to exercising after a break, or fit enough to run a 3-mile race."
- Medicare: Getting Started
On this website you will find a pamphlet with basic information about the Medicare program.
- State & Federal Programs/Associations
Return To Top
Links on the Reference Links pages are selected from lists provided by the Librarian's Index to the Internet, by Neat New Stuff I Found on the Net This Week, and from suggestions submitted by Joliet Public Library staff and patrons.
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Today is Tuesday the 9th of February, 2010