Accel5 Business Video Library

For just in time learning for the working professional, Accel5 Business Library features:

  • Short videos on topics including:
    • business competencies
    • leadership and management
    • personal effectiveness
  • Summaries for business and leadership books
  • Articles by industry leaders on current working world issues

Create an account to keep your place in publications, track what you’ve read, and get suggestions from Accel5 promoting items that match your interests.

To login as a guest without creating an account, go to: https://www.accel-5.com/learn/sign_in?client=library-of-virginia, and use Username: libraryva@accel5.com, Password: V1rgin1a

Access World News

The most comprehensive collection of full-text newspapers globally, Access World News provides extensive coverage at every level—international, national, regional, state and local. This fully searchable Web-based resource features news content from all 50 U.S. states as well as more than 5,900 international news sources from 172 countries. News content may be included in its original published language or translated into English.

Ancestry Library Edition

Please note: Ancestry is only available in the library. Wide range of unique resources for genealogical and historical research. Includes US census records, military records, court, land and probate records, vital and church records, directories, passenger lists, and more.

AtoZdatabases

Access to nine unique business and reference databases within a single search

  • 30 Million Businesses & Executives
  • 7 Million Jobs
  • 15 Million Executives Email Addresses
  • 2 Million New Businesses
  • 12 Million Healthcare Professionals
  • 240 Million Residents
  • 90 Million Homeowners
  • 350,000 New Movers & New Homeowners Added Weekly

BookFlix

Scholastic BookFlix is an online literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks from Weston Woods with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning. This engaging resource for children in grades PreK-3 will help early readers develop and practice essential reading skills and introduces students to a world of knowledge and exploration.

Brainfuse HelpNow

Brainfuse HelpNow is an all-in-one suite of tutoring services designed for a wide range of academic needs whether it’s tackling a tough homework problem, mastering a particular topic, or writing a paper. HelpNow services include expert academic tutoring and self-study tools to empower users to study at their own pace or collaborate with peers and teachers. Students access live, on-demand academic help and state-aligned skills building lessons from expert tutors. With HelpNow, tutors and students communicate in real time in our online classroom by typing, drawing, and marking-up lessons and web content. Plus, students can use our secure file sharing feature in the writing lab to submit writing assignments to our writing tutors any time of the day. The Brainfuse full-service test center offers practice tests for all levels in math, reading, and writing as well as college preparatory tests -including the SAT.

Brainfuse JobNow

Get free online career prep, resume help, interview prep, and much more with your library card. Brainfuse JobNow is an all-in-one suite of services designed for a wide range of career needs: whether it’s tackling a resume, writing a cover letter, developing additional skills, or adjusting to a new career. JobNow services include expert coaching and self-study tools to empower users. Users may access live, on-demand assistance from expert Job Coaches for assistance with interview preparation, resume creation, or job searching. With JobNow, users communicate in real time in our online whiteboard by typing, drawing, and marking-up lessons and web content. Plus, users can use our secure file sharing feature in the writing lab to submit career documents to our Job Coaches any time of the day. The Brainfuse full-service test center offers practice tests for all levels in math, reading, and writing as well as college preparatory tests–including the SAT.

Brainfuse VetNow

VetNow is an all-in-one suite of services designed for a wide range of veteran needs whether it’s updating a resume for civilian life, navigating the VA system, or seeking local resources and support for veterans and their families. VetNow services include expert coaching and self-study tools to empower users. Users may access live, on-demand assistance from expert Job Coaches or Veteran Navigators. With VetNow, users communicate in real time in our online whiteboard by typing, drawing, and marking-up lessons and web content. Plus, users can use our secure file sharing feature in the resume lab to submit career documents to our Job Coaches any time of the day. The Brainfuse full-service test center offers practice tests for all levels in math, reading, and writing as well as college preparatory tests -including the SAT.

Britannica Library for Children

Elementary and middle school students will find great resources for school projects from this classic reference source.

Computer and Technology Training

Learn a new skill or brush up on an old one with our online tech and computer learning resources.

Daily Press

Search current and archived issues with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online from current and archived issues of Newport News Daily Press. Updated daily, it includes obituaries, editorials, announcements and other sections available remotely 24/7 on any device. Coverage is from 1989-present.

Daily Press Obituary Index

The main source of these obituaries is the Daily Press, which has been the City of Newport News’ local paper since 1898. The current obituary index covers 1898 through 1988. This index also covers obituaries from the Times-Herald from 1902 to 1915.

Ebsco Masterfile (including Consumer Reports)

Includes the full text of Consumer Reports, search Consumer Reports. Magazine database covering many general topics such as news, legal, entertainment, science, business, and consumer issues. Includes image searches.

Encyclopedia Britannica Reference Center

Find articles, photographs, downloadable videos, illustrations, maps, flags, and more from a classic reference source.

Explora Middle and HS Edition

Explora is designed to meet the unique needs of middle and high schoolers for student research and classroom instruction with rich, reliable content on a variety of current and historic topics as well as easy-to-use functionality.

Eyewitness Travel Guides

107 travel guides to take you from Alaska to Washington DC and Andalucia, Spain to Vienna, Austria with lots of places in between. You can download sections and chapters of books as pdfs to your tablet or mobile device.

FamilySearch Affiliate Library

WRL is pleased to announce that both our library locations are now registered FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries, meaning that many records that would otherwise be locked can now be accessed on computers at either library location. FamilySearch includes the largest collection of genealogical and historical records in the world, and is international in scope. A free, easy-to-set-up FamilySearch account is required to access all of these resources.

Fold3

Fold3, available from WRL, is the premier collection of US military records from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Additionally, Fold3 includes a variety of international military records as well as non-military records, including naturalization records, Native American and African American records collections, passport applications, and more. Military records include not only registers and service records but also letters, maps, and photographs. Fold3 is a treasure trove for anyone researching a family member who served in the armed forces, and is available in the library or from home with a valid WRL card.

Funding Research Center

The Funding Research Center, developed by the Williamsburg Regional Library, is intended to assist area nonprofit organizations in their search for funding opportunities as well as to provide “how to” information about developing and administering a fund raising program. The Center includes print and online resources. Print materials are available at the Williamsburg Library (515 Scotland St, Williamsburg VA, 23185). Digital materials can be accessed with a library card here.

Gale in Context ( formerly Kids InfoBits)

A great resource for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Features a visually graphic interface. Students can search for age-appropriate articles on current events, arts, science, health, people, government, history, sports, and more.

Grants and Funding Research

Grantstation

Please note: Grantstation is only available in the library. Grantstation gives grantseekers the ability to find grant opportunities, build a strong grants strategy, and write powerful proposals with step-by-step tutorials. As a shared library account, individuals cannot save searches or use the Grantstation dashboard.

GreenFILE

Comprising scholarly and general interest titles, as well as government documents and reports, GreenFILE focuses on the relationship between human beings and the environment, with well-researched but accessible information on topics ranging from global warming to recycling to alternate fuel sources and beyond.

Guide to Virginia Legal Information Resources

The Guide to Virginia Legal Information Resources found on this page is a handy resource for legal reference questions from the public.

HeritageQuest

Examine census data and search through genealogical books and magazines. Explore special resources devoted to African-Americans and to the Revolutionary War.

Job Resource Center

Employment resources for local job-seekers, including WRL job training classes, links to local employers, job search sites, and resume tools.

Just for Kids: Access Video On Demand

Just for Kids offers a kid-safe, advertisement-free, media platform where young patrons can learn, explore and enjoy. Just for Kids has the educational videos that children want to watch—from Sesame Street, The Electric Company, Franklin, Arthur, to The Berenstain Bears, and more! These videos are sure to entertain, educate and inspire young patrons. Games, songs and interactives will keep these early learners interested and engaged as they discover a learning environment that is fun, safe and entertaining.

Legal Forms

Gale Legal Forms offers thousands of legal forms for use in Virginia with more forms added daily, including Official, State Specific, Federal, Business, Personal, Real Estate and General forms covering hundreds of legal subjects and issues. A Law Digest, Legal Q&A, and an Attorney Directory provide additional legal information for users. Public users should consult an attorney in their state for serious legal matters.

Literary Reference Center Plus

Writing an English paper? Need to find out about authors or books? Literary Reference Center is a full-text database that brings together information from major literary encyclopedias and reference works and hundreds of literary journals. Also available with a mobile interface for handheld devices.

Magzter Library

Access 5,000+ magazines, newspapers and journals across 40+ categories. Includes popular titles like Newsweek, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Popular Mechanics, Car and Driver, Cosmopolitan, The New Yorker, and many more. Search your app store for Magzter Library for app access on your smartphone or tablet.

NoveList Plus

NoveList Plus offers readers of all ages a variety of tools for finding new authors and titles to enjoy, now including audiobooks. You can get suggestions for books and/or authors similar to your current favorites. You can also search by subject or theme, see award lists, and read book reviews.

Phillip West Memorial Cancer Center

Phillip West (1931-1997), a Williamsburg, Virginia resident, had a recurrence of melanoma in May 1995, after a period of about 20 years.  He fought his cancer in every way possible before his death in August, 1997.  Throughout his illness, Mr. West sought medical information and resources concerning the treatment of melanoma, nutrition, stress management, and clinical trials available throughout the U.S.  He wanted to be an informed patient in order to feel he had some control over his course of treatment.  Finding resources in the community proved difficult and frustrating.  Mr. West bequeathed a donation to the Williamsburg Community Hospital, and it was the wish of his wife that it be used for cancer-related projects.  The Phillip West Memorial Cancer Resource Center was developed with the Williamsburg Regional Library as a fitting tribute to him. 

Points of View Reference Center

Containing resources that present multiple sides of an issue on over 400 contemporary, hot-button topics, Points of View Reference Center provides rich content that can help users of all ages realize and develop persuasive arguments and essays, better understand controversial issues, and develop analytical thinking skills.

Tax Information Center

In partnership with the AARP, the Williamsburg Regional Library offers assistance filing taxes from February through filing day in April. The links below will direct you to information about the AARP program as well as a variety of other local tax resources.

The New York Times

Understand the world. Navigate life.

Access The New York Times here.

Whether you’re managing finances, tackling tough parenting problems or simply looking to make sense of this moment, rely on our original, quality journalism to lead the way. Enjoy access to The New York Times, compliments of Williamsburg Regional Library. It’s an essential source for fearless reporting, varied perspectives and practical advice on nearly every topic — from the vital issues shaping our world to the simple pleasures that make everyday life better.

Click to Access The New York Times Inside of the Library

Click to Access The New York Times Outside of the Library

Play New York Times Games.

Transparent Languages

Learn over 100 languages on your computer for free. Click the access the database link above to go to the Transparent Languages site and set up an account to start learning. You can also download the app for Android or iPhone. Transparent Language offers 25+ interactive learning activities to encourage learners to practice all four modalities: listening, speaking, reading, and typing.

TrueFlix

TrueFlix pairs engaging ebook and video content in science and social studies for students in grades 3-6.

Universal Class

From Bartending to DIY to Real Estate to Career Training, Universal Class brings libraries lifelong learning courses in over 30 subject areas, many of which offer continuing education units (CEUs). More than 500 courses are available, and all are designed and led by professional instructors to build deeper understanding and mastery of subject matter. Universal Class includes videos, assignments, quizzes, tests, and options for social media interaction with other learners. Users may take multiple classes and learn at their own pace.

ValueLine Investment Survey

Get “a wealth of in-depth financial information, intelligently presented, plus objective research, insightful commentary, proven price projections, and advanced analytical tools” with the library’s subscription to ValueLine Investment Center. Our subscription allows access to much, though not all, of the content on the ValueLine site.

Virginia Gazette Obituary Index

Available obituaries were published in Williamsburg’s Virginia Gazette from 1930-2017.

Virtual Author Talks

Enjoy a range of virtual talks from bestselling authors and thought leaders, including an opportunity for audience Q&A. Register for upcoming events or view past recordings. Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.

Virtual Reference Library

A searchable collection of electronic books covering topics such as art, business, geography, health, history, literature, science, and social issues.