Research

  • HandsOn Central Ohio Online Directory of Human Services
    Current, comprehensive information about social, health, and government services for Franklin county residents, including: low income/subsidized private rental housing, roof maintenance repair, and recreation centers. Search by keyword or alphabetical listing.
  • Northstar Digital Literacy
    Learn basic computer, software, and technology skills for daily life, employment, and higher education. (Provided by OPLIN)
  • Ohio Web Library
    The Ohio Web Library is an evolving collection of thousands of online publications and research resources.
  • Oxford Research Encyclopedias
    Reference content published by the Oxford University Press, with focus on the humanities, social sciences, and science.
  • relink.org
    From addiction crisis services and counseling, to housing, employment, food, general support and faith based services, relink.org provides a free user-friendly, up-to-date, searchable platform, connecting those in need with local addiction & reentry resources.
  • Very Short Introductions
    Just as described: and excellent way to get a quick, authoritative, and accessible overview of/introduction to, and subject.
  • World Book
    Online research tools, including encyclopedia articles, primary source collections.
  • World Book Spanish
    Online research tools, including encyclopedia articles, primary source collections in Spanish.
  • World Book for Kids
    Encyclopedia articles for grades K-5.
  • Arch Daily
    Architecture articles, news, and interviews.
  • The Architect’s Newspaper
    Insider’s guide to the architectural and design community, including reporting & information about commissions, construction, real estate deals, transportation developments, politics, cutting-edge products, professional trends, gossip, culture, and more.
  • The Louvre
    The French art musuem’s website, featuring a “looking closer” section for many famous works from their collection.
  • National Gallery of Art
    Detailed information on thousands of works of art and their artists.
  • CHILTON Library  (Click here for video tutorial)
    Repair your vehicle, whether domestic or imported, car or light truck. Get repair and recall information, drawings, photographs, and diagrams from most major domestic and imported vehicle manufacturers. Covers models from 1940-present, including step-by-step repair instructions. Browse or search by specific make, model, and year.
  • Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws
    For new drivers or already licensed drivers looking to refresh their knowledge, this comprehensive document produced by the state of Ohio ensures Ohio drivers have the information they need to be safe and law-abiding on our roads. 
  • FuelEconomy.gov
    Established by the DOE and EPA, this site features updated fuel economy data for new and used passenger vehicles dating back to 1984, allows side-by-side vehicle comparisons, and offers fuel-saving tips. Also includes information about vehicle-specific air pollution emissions information and safety ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book
    Find used car values & new car pricing.
  • Teaching Your Teen to Drive
    This digital pamphlet, produced by the state of Ohio, helps guide parents as they teach and support new Ohio teen drivers. Includes information for parents and students, and reinforces the responsibility that comes with being a temporarily permitted, or licensed driver. Also includes a suggested lesson guide for parents and guardians.

  • EbscoHost Business Source Premier
    More than 1,000 journals covering business, finance, economics, management, and more.
  • LinkedIn Learning for Libraries (formerly Lynda.com) (GHPL card required)
    16,000+ video courses from experts with topics including business, technology, and creative pursuits. New videos every week to support your current job or a new career. For ages 16 & older.
  • AtoZdatabases
    30 million U.S. business and executive profiles (updated monthly) and over 200 million U.S. residents (updated continuously) to aid in job searching, market research, and locating friends and relatives.
  • Small Business Source
    Full-text for many top consumer small business reference books, plus tools to address many small business topics. Includes business videos, a help and advice section, and details on how to create business plans.
  • Value Line Research Center (GHPL card required)
    Provides financial information, including: current and historical market and financial data, analyst commentaries, price projections, analytical tools, and more.
  • CareerBuilder
    Search over 1 million Jobs on CareerBuilder.com. Find new employment or work. Fresh job listings posted daily.
  • Civil Service Commission: City of Columbus
    Find and apply for current civil service job openings available through the City of Columbus.
  • LearningExpressLibrary through OhioMeansJobs.com  (Click here for video tutorial)
    Standardized practice tests for elementary school through college levels, computer skills tutorials, job search and resume help, and professional licensing and certification tests. Plus, find job listings, financial information, career planning, and more.
  • LinkedIn
    Social networking service focusing on business and employment with more than 546 million users worldwide.
  • LinkedIn Learning for Libraries (GHPL card required)
    16,000+ video courses from experts with topics including business, technology, and creative pursuits. New videos every week to support your current job or a new career. For ages 16 & older. To sign into the mobile app, use oh0095 as the “Library ID” then enter your GHPL card number and pin.
  • LSS 211 Central Ohio (formerly HandsOn Central Ohio)
    Comprehensive, current information about social, health and government services for Franklin County residents. Services include assistance with emergency food, rent/housing, taxes, employment, and finance.
  • OhioMeansJobs.com
    Search thousands of job listings in Ohio and post your resume. Plus, find training and job skills assessment tests so you and potential employers can find careers best suited to your skills.
  • Peterson’s Test and Career Prep
    • Resources for job seekers and career transition, including: Resume writing, cover letters, interviews, job networking, and vocational exam practice tests (e.g., EMS, nursing, social work).
    • Information about 2- and 4-year degree programs and graduate schools, including: scholarships, financial aid tools, and SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, and MCAT practice tests.
    • International resources, practice tests, and information for U.S. citizenship and English proficiency for non-native English speakers.
    • Made possible in part from a donation to the library in memory of George and Esther Newell.  
  • Monster
    Biggest job site online featuring over a million job listings. Search for jobs by category, location or keyword.
  • Northstar Digital Literacy
    Learn basic computer, software, and technology skills for daily life, employment, and higher education. (Provided by OPLIN)
  • relink.org
    From addiction crisis services and counseling, to housing, employment, food, general support and faith based services, relink.org provides a free user-friendly, up-to-date, searchable platform, connecting those in need with local addiction & reentry resources.
  • Workforce Skills for 21st Century Success
    Get help with: Business writing and presentations; job searches and resume-building; computers and the Internet; professional licensing and aptitude tests; interviewing; basic reading, writing, and math skills for GED exams. email & password required. (Provided by OPLIN)
  • CNET
    Reviews, news, downloads, blogs, podcasts, and more for technology and consumer electronics.
  • Consumer Reports
    Expert, unbiased ratings, reviews, product comparisons, and buying guides for many consumer products.
  • Consumer Search
    Health & safety information from the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
  • FAFSA
    Apply for free student aid.
  • HelpNow
    Live, online homework help for students grades K-12 and adult learners.

    • Live assistance: Monday-Friday 2-11 pm.
    • Learning tools and resources: 24/7.
      • Lessons, videos, and tests.
      • Collaboration tools.
      • Writing lab where students can submit papers for editing.
      • Academic and standardized test preparation materials.
      • Assessment tests so students can see where they need more practice in a subject.
      • Foreign language labs.
      • Flashcard library that allows students to create their own flashcards for tests.
      • Cloud feature so students can keep documents that they can refer back to at any time.
    • Adult learners: GED prep, U.S citizenship test prep, resume writing, Microsoft Office support, and career resources.
  • LearningExpressLibrary through OhioMeansJobs.com
    Standardized practice tests for elementary school through college levels, computer skills tutorials, job search and resume help, and professional licensing and certification tests. Plus, find job listings, financial information, career planning, and more.
  • LinkedIn Learning for Libraries (GHPL card required)
    16,000+ video courses from experts with topics including business, technology, and creative pursuits. New videos every week to support your current job or a new career. For ages 16 & older. To sign into the mobile app, use oh0095 as the “Library ID” then enter your GHPL card number and pin.
  • Northstar Digital Literacy
    Learn basic computer, software, and technology skills for daily life, employment, and higher education. (Provided by OPLIN)
  • Ohio Graduation Tests – Ohio Department of Education
    Tests for English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies based upon Ohio’s Learning Standards.
  • Peterson’s Test and Career Prep
    • Resources for job seekers and career transition, including: Resume writing, cover letters, interviews, job networking, and vocational exam practice tests (e.g., EMS, nursing, social work).
    • Information about 2- and 4-year degree programs and graduate schools, including: scholarships, financial aid tools, and SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, and MCAT practice tests.
    • International resources, practice tests, and information for U.S. citizenship and English proficiency for non-native English speakers.
    • Made possible in part from a donation to the library in memory of George and Esther Newell.  
  • StudentAid.gov
    U.S. Department of Education’s college preparation resources: Loans, financial aid, eligibility requirements, repayment, forgiveness, and more.
  • The Student Loan Report
    Latest student loan and financial aid news and information.
  • African American Heritage
    Various resources, records, tools and strategies for researching African American family history and genealogy. (Provided by OPLIN)
  • Ancestry Library Edition (Available at the library and via library-provided WiFi) (video tutorial)
    Access billions of records in census data, vital records, directories, photos, and more for individuals from around the world. Start by visiting their learning center for tips, guides, and maps to aid your research, whether you’re new to genealogical research or ready to go beyond the basics. (Provided by OPLIN)
  • Cyndi’s List
    A trusted genealogy research site with comprehensive cross-referenced links to genealogical sites around the globe.
  • Ellis Island Foundation
  • FamilySearch
    Largest genealogy organization in the world with free access (free account required) to its resources and services online.
  • Find A Grave
    Search cemeteries and grave records from around the world.
  • Fold3  (video tutorial)
    Part of the Ancestry.com family of databases, Fold3 provides access to military and genealogical records including stories, photos, military records and personal documents for men and women who served. Features millions of records to discover your family’s past. (Provided by OPLIN)
  • HeritageHub
    Identify relatives, uncover new information, and potentially find unknown family members. Explore your family history with the premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices for in-depth genealogical research from 1704–Present. Includes deep coverage from all 50 states, hard-to-find content from the mid 1900s, and original obituary images.
  • HeritageQuest
    Now powered by Ancestry.com, HeritageQuest Online provides genealogical and historical sources for more than 60 countries around the world, dating back to the 1700s; includes content relating the US Federal Census, the Freedman’s Bank Records Collection, pension records from the Revolutionary War era, and more. (Provided by OPLIN)
  • Ohio Death Certificate Index
    Search Ohio death certificate indexes (1909-1953) and order copies from the Ohio Historical Society.
  • Ohio Genealogy
    Find indexes to Ohio Vital Records by county, Ohio death certificates, and other resources.
  • National Archives
    Get help finding Census Records resources to begin your genealogy search.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Reliable current news and information on various diseases. Includes educational and prevention materials and research details.
  • Consumer Health Complete
    Medical, health-related, and drug reference books; health and fitness articles; alternative health and wellness information. (Provided by OPLIN)
  • FamilyDoctor.org
    Health tips and medical information for the entire family.
  • HealthCare.gov
    Qualifying individuals and small businesses can register for Marketplace health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act.
  • Healthfinder.gov
    Consumer Health information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  • LSS 211 Central Ohio (formerly HandsOn Central Ohio)
    Comprehensive, current information about social, health and government services for Franklin County residents. Services include assistance with emergency food, rent/housing, taxes, employment, and finance.
  • Medline
    Search citations from more than 4,000 current biomedical journals.
  • National Institutes for Health: Health Information
    Topic database providing information on many diseases, conditions, symptoms, and procedures.
  • Trusted by generations of healthcare providers, Prescriber’s Digital Reference delivers innovative health knowledge products and services that support prescribing decisions and patient adherence to improve health. This network is made up of e-prescribing, electronic medical record (EMR), and electronic health record (EHR) applications, chain and independent pharmacies, and sponsors of healthcare-related education such as pharmaceutical manufacturers, health plans, payers, and pharmacy benefit managers.
  • Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
    Information for workers, employers, and occupational health professionals about workplace chemicals and their hazards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
  • relink.org
    From addiction crisis services and counseling, to housing, employment, food, general support and faith based services, relink.org provides a free user-friendly, up-to-date, searchable platform, connecting those in need with local addiction & reentry resources.

  • Creativebug (GHPL card required)
    Nurture your creative side with 1000+ video classes in painting, knitting, crafting, sewing, & more.
  • Home Improvement Source
    Full-text content from leading home improvement magazines, images not found anywhere else online, and videos of popular home repair projects.
  • Hobbies & Crafts Source
    Instructions and creative ideas for many hobbies. Includes arts, crafts, home & garden, collecting, indoor & outdoor recreation, and performing arts topics.
  • CultureGrams
    Concise and up-to-date information on the daily life, history, and customs of the world’s countries and people. (Provided by OPLIN.)
  • Explora Primary School
    Homework help for students grades K-5. Search by topic, event, or person to find encyclopedia entries, magazine articles, and primary source documents. (Provided by OPLIN.)
  • Explora Middle School
    Homework help for students grades 6-8. Search by topic, event, or person to find magazine articles, newspaper articles, images, videos, and primary source documents. (Provided by OPLIN.)
  • Explora Secondary School
    Research paper and assignment information for students grades 9-12. Search by topic, event, or person to find magazine, journal, and newspaper articles. (Provided by OPLIN.)
  • Gale in Context: Elementary
    Easy-to-use digital resource featuring age-appropriate, reliable, curriculum-related content covering a broad range of educational topics.
  • HelpNow
    Live, online homework help for students grades K-12 and adult learners.

    • Live assistance: Monday-Friday 2-11 pm.
    • Learning tools and resources: 24/7.
      • Lessons, videos, and tests.
      • Collaboration tools.
      • Writing lab where students can submit papers for editing.
      • Academic and standardized test preparation materials.
      • Assessment tests so students can see where they need more practice in a subject.
      • Foreign language labs.
      • Flashcard library that allows students to create their own flashcards for tests.
      • Cloud feature so students can keep documents that they can refer back to at any time.
    • Adult learners: GED prep, U.S citizenship test prep, resume writing, Microsoft Office support, and career resources.
  • NoveList K-8 Plus
    Find fiction and nonfiction authors & titles with this readers’ advisory resource. Includes an easy-to-use author read-alikes section to find authors similar to your favorites. Search 200,000 titles, including picture books, children’s “chapter” books, young adult titles.
  • Scholastic Teachables
    Printable activities for any subject: math, science, reading comprehension, STEM, writing, and beyond. Download printable lesson plans, reading passages, games and puzzles, clip art, bulletin board ideas, and skills sheets for kids in any grade.
  • Vox Books
    Reserve fiction & nonfiction read-along books that include an audio player & headphone jack, so your child can listen as they read. Listening to books being read aloud helps build vocabulary, increases comprehension, gives kids education independence, and helps new readers gain confidence with learning new words.
  • World Book’s Early World of Learning
    Narrated stories, games and more. (Provided by OPLIN.)
  • World Book for Kids
    Encyclopedia articles for grades K-5.
  • NoveList Plus  (Click here for video tutorial)
    Find fiction and nonfiction authors & titles with this readers’ advisory resource for all ages. Includes an easy-to-use author read-alikes section to find authors similar to your favorites. Search 200,000 titles, including picture books, children’s “chapter” books, young adult titles, and books for adults.
  • American and English Literature
    Find full-text works of American and English poetry & drama, 18th-century English fiction, 11 editions of Shakespeare, and dozens of versions of the Bible in English. (Provided by OPLIN)
  • Project Gutenberg
    40,000+ e-books in various formats and languages available for download.
  • Library Reads
    The top 10 books published this month that librarians across the country love.
  • Literary Reference Source
    Research an author, novel, or poem for school or personal interest. Learn more about a literary movement for book discussions. (Provided by OPLIN)
  • NoveList K-8 Plus
    Find fiction and nonfiction authors & titles with this readers’ advisory resource. Includes an easy-to-use author read-alikes section to find authors similar to your favorites. Search 200,000 titles, including picture books, children’s “chapter” books, young adult titles.
  • Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society
    Images, maps, personal stories, articles, and more from the Society’s local history and reference collections.
  • History Walks (free app)
    Take self-guided walking tours of Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff. Explore fascinating local history, inspiring landmarks, and notable people. Download the free app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Created by a partnership between the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society and the Grandview Heights Public Library. New tours added frequently.
  • INTERACTIVE HISTORICAL TIMELINES
    • Historical Timeline: Final Salute
      Publication of the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society commemorating local residents who died in service to our county. Also on view on the Interactive Historical Timeline touchscreen on the second level of the library. Created by a partnership between the library and the Society.
    • Historical Timeline: Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff
      Interactive website featuring local historical images and information. Also available as a touchscreen on the second floor of the library. Created by a partnership between the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society and the Grandview Heights Public Library.
    • Historical Timeline: Grandview Heights Division of Fire (NEW!)
      The Division of Fire and the Grandview Heights Public Library celebrate 100 years of serving the community in 2024! Explore images and photos featuring the fascinating history of fire & EMS service in our city. A collaborative project between the City and the Library.
    • Historical Timeline: Grandview Heights Public Library (COMING SOON!)
      Explore a special online timeline with photos and stories about the library to celebrate the library’s 100th anniversary. Created by a partnership between the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society and the Grandview Heights Public Library. Share your library snapshots! Selected photos will be used in this timeline.
  • Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society Collection
    Ongoing project consisting of pamphlets, photographs, and other documents collected by the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society and scanned by the Grandview Heights Public Library.
  • Grandview Heights High School Yearbooks
    12,000+ pages of images from 1915-2019. Created by the Grandview Heights Public Library and funded by an LSTA Grant project. Thanks to the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society and the Grandview Heights High School for supplying some of the yearbooks.
  • Grandview Heights High School Centennial Commencement Oral History Project
    Created by the Grandview Heights Public Library, this collection of 11 video interviews celebrates the Centennial Commencement of Grandview Heights High School in 2015. Alumni share their memories of growing up in Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff over the past decades – going to school, living in a small town, and reflecting on how things have changed.
  • Columbus Citizen-Journal and Columbus Citizen Newspapers Collection
    This collection contains nearly 30,000 photos of Ohio people, places and events from the 1912-1985 issues of the discontinued Columbus newspapers, Columbus Citizen-Journal and the Columbus Citizen. Initial scanning of this collection was made possible by a grant to the Grandview Heights Public Library.
  • VR3 Cruise Book 1964
    Pictorial essay of the 1964 VR3 Squadron of the Military Air Transport Service of the U.S. Naval Reserve. Photographed, edited, and published by squadron member Alan E. Zink.
  • Access World News

    Explore and stay informed on local, national, and international topics, people and events in areas such as business, health, education, jobs and careers, political and social issues and more. Features a wide variety of credible, vetted news sources from around the world to around the corner, including The Columbus Dispatch.

  • Black Life in America

    The experience and impact of African Americans as recorded by the news media.

  • The Columbus Dispatch Collection (1871-current)

    Explore Columbus history through local news, events, and people with the Columbus Dispatch Collection. Search current and archived issues 1871-current with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles, and content only published online. Also available remotely 24/7 on any device.

  • Consumer Reports

    Expert, unbiased ratings, reviews, product comparisons, and buying guides for many consumer products.

  • EbscoHost Research Databases (mobile version)

    Subscription-only periodical & pamphlet databases, including: 40 U.S. & international newspapers (Newspaper Source), 1,700 periodicals and pamphlets (full text, searchable), and 3,600 periodicals (abstracts & indexing). Provided by OPLIN.

  • Digital Downloads: Magazines

    Browse 3,000+ popular magazines online from Digital Downloads, which also includes a large collection of e-books and e-audiobooks. Titles include Good Housekeeping, The New Yorker, Architectural Digest, Us Weekly, and many more. Magazines in this collection have no waiting lists and do not count toward your Digital Downloads maximum loans. New titles will continue to be added, so check back frequently for the latest magazines.

  • New York Times Digital Access

    Inside the library: Click the link above and sign up or for a free account (or log in if you already have one) for unlimited access.

    Outside of the library: Click the link above, enter your library card number, and redeem your 72 hour access code.  Then, sign up for a free account or log in if you already have one. You’ll have unlimited access to articles for three days (72 hours). After the code expires, you can click the link again to redeem it again, and as often as you like. GHPL card required.

  • Points of View Reference

    Resources representing multiple sides of an issue. Good for students developing persuasive arguments and essays. (Provided by OPLIN)

  • The Wall Street Journal

    Enter your email address to create a free account (or log in with an existing account). Your access will be available for 3 days. After the 3 days, you can click the link again using the account you created to redeem again, as often as you like. GHPL card required.

  • Washington Post Digital Access

    Click here if you’re outside of the library
    Enter your email address to create a free account (or log in with an existing account). You will receive an email in your inbox to unlock unlimited access to articles for one week (7 days). After the week expires, you can click the link again to redeem again, as often as you like. GHPL card required.

    Click here if you’re inside the library
    Sign up or for a free account (or log in if you already have one) for unlimited access.

The library requests federal, state, and local paper forms from the IRS; call Reference at 614-486-2951 for available paper forms available at the library. See below for online forms, instructions, and available assistance. 

IRS 1040 FORM, SCHEDULES, AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER POPULAR IRS FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS

STATE/LOCAL FORMS AND ASSISTANCE

Free Tax Help for Qualifying Individuals:

  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs
    • VITA offers free tax help to people who generally make $56,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
    • TCE offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
  • Online tax assistance from United Way