Connecticut Digital Library

The state of Connecticut has made available a rich array of electronic information databases. Check it out.

• www.iconn.org - Use this link to search all the databases in the Connecticut Digital Library.
• Kids InfoBits - Here is the direct link to Kids InfoBits which is a great database for K-5 students.  It searches magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias, and other reference works all in one click.

Online Encyclopedias

• World Book Kids 
• World Book Online
• The New Book of Knowledge and Grolier Encyclopedia - You must enter the user name and password to access these encyclopedias.  The New Book of Knowledge is excellent for grades 3+.   Grolier Encyclopedia is great for grades 5+.

• Animal Diversity Web - An online encyclopedia with information on just about every animal group within the animal kingdom.

Almanacs

• World Almanac for Kids - Looking for basic facts and general information...try here!  Click on "Explore" to search by categories.  Click on "Insider Info" for some great links to the WWW by category.
• The Old Farmer's Almanac   
  

Biographical Resources

• Biography.com - 20,000 short biographies
• Famous Americans

Atlases and Maps

• MapQuest - Get driving directions anywhere in the US.
• World Atlas Outline Maps and Map Tests - Not only will you find outline maps for every country in the world, but a series of map quizzes as well to test your geography skills.
• Historical Atlas of the 20th Century - Click on maps, graphs, and charts to learn more about 20th Century history.
• Atlapedia Online  
  
  

News

• Yahooligans-Big Picture - great news site for kids.

Dictionaries

• Merriam-Webster Online
• Word Central
• Rhyming Dictionary and Thesaurus
• Little Explorers - A free on-line picture dictionary of more than 1,100 entries.  Also provides links to other educational sites.

Other Ready Reference Sources

• Fact Monster - A GREAT reference site for students that includes an encyclopedia, almanac, atlas, and dictionary.
• Information Please - The adult version of "Fact Monster" (see above).
• Kidspace @ The Internet Public Library - follow the subject headings to great links chosen by librarians.
• Library Spot - very handy, well organized ready reference links.
• Enchanted Learning - Great educational web sites and games which are designed to capture the imagination while maximizing creativity, learning, and enjoyment.