Online Databases

Huntsville Public Library provides a variety databases free of charge to Library cardholders. These online databases are a collection of authoritative information that cannot be accessed by simply conducting a search on a search engine such as Google or Yahoo.

Unlike the information often found by searching the Internet with a search engine, the information obtained from these databases is thorough, up to date, and accurate. The Library's database collection includes resources for adults from a variety of educational and career backgrounds, including Spanish-language tools, as well as resources for children of all ages.

Where to Access Databases
Inside the Library
If you are using 1 of the library's computers, you simply need to click on 1 of the given databases and you will be automatically directed.
 
Outside the Library
If you would like to use the online databases outside of the library or on your own computer, you will need either a login and password, which the Library can provide, or your library card number and PIN. Your library card number can be found on the back of the card underneath the bar code. Your default PIN is 1234. We recommend you change this PIN to something you can easily remember. View more information about your PIN.
Databases
American Ancestors
This award-winning genealogical website is part of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and is the online repository for more than 200 million searchable names covering New England, New York, and beyond.
American Ancestors Historic Genealogical Society Logo
Ancestry Library Edition
A comprehensive source for conducting local and family history research, Ancestry Library Edition includes the following information, and more:
  • Census records
  • Immigration records
  • Maps
  • Military records
  • Photographs
  • The Social Security Death Index
Due to licensing restrictions, Ancestry Library Edition can only be accessed in the Library.
Ancestry Library Edition Logo
Skill-building exercises are also available for children in elementary - high school. Each test offers full explanations and analysis of your  scores. Your login for Learning Express is your library card number.

The Portal to Texas History

The Portal is a gateway to Texas history materials. You may discover anything from an ancestor's picture to a rare historical map.
The Portal to Texas History Logo
From prehistory to the present day, you can explore unique collections from Texas libraries, museums, archives, historical societies, genealogical societies, and private family collections.

The Portal continues to grow as additional partners contribute digital versions of their collections. We hope you'll return often to discover our latest additions.
There are different levels available for different languages:
  • Arabic: 1
  • Chinese: 1-2
  • English: 1-5
  • French: 1-2
  • German: 1-2

  • Italian: 1-2
  • Japanese: 1
  • Portuguese: 1
  • Spanish: 1-5

TexShare Databases

The Texas State Library offers an extensive set of free online databases for library cardholders. Categories include academic research, books and literature, science and technology, homework help, genealogy and history, and health and medicine. To obtain the login and password to access these databases, please call the Library at 936-291-5472.

The following are free databases from TexShare by category.

Fold3

Fold3 logo

Fold3 provides convenient access to military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served. 

The records at Fold3 help you discover and share stories about these everyday heroes, forgotten soldiers, and the families that supported them. On Fold3, you can combine records found on the site with what you have in your own albums and shoeboxes to create an online memorial for someone who served.

Texas Share Databases Logo
General Information & Periodicals
  • All EBSCO
  • EBSCO MasterFile Premier
  • Newspaper Source
Education & Career Development
  • LearningExpress Library
  • LearningExpress Library Job & Career Accelerator
  • Vocational and Career Collection
Homework & Education
  • EBSCO Kids Search
  • EBSCO Student research center
  • Searchasaurus
History & Genealogy
  • American Indian Histories and Cultures
  • The American West
  • EBSCO Texas Reference Center
  • Handbook of Texas Online
  • HeritageQuest Online
  • Texas Digital Sanborn Maps

Do-It-Yourself Reference Centers

  • Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center
  • Home Improvement Reference Center
  • Small Engine Repair Reference Center

Health & Medical

  • EBSCO Health Source Academic Edition
  • EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments
  • Gale Health Reference Center Academic

Business Resources

  • EBSCO Enhanced Business Search
  • Regional Business News
  • Small Business Reference Center

Books & Literature

  • Artemis Literary Sources
  • Book Review Digest Plus
  • eBooks on EBSCOhost
  • Essay and General Literature Index
  • Humanities Full-text
  • Literature Reference Center
  • OCLC WorldCat
  • Play Index
  • Short Story Index
Tumblebooks for Kids
Tumblebooks are children's books come to life online - literally! Music, animation, sound, and narration have been added to picture books like The Paper Bag Princess, Diary of a Worm, and How I Became a Pirate to create a reading experience kids will love.
TumbleBooks Logo
Also included are a set of books for older children (Black Beauty, Alice in Wonderland, etc.), a collection of audiobooks, puzzles and games that reinforce concepts from the books, and language-learning titles in Spanish and French.