Reference and Adult Services

Overview

Need Information? Ask Us!

Email Reference Service: Librarians of the Manchester Public Library Reference Department will receive and answer your brief factual questions. Please help us by being as specfic as possible. Email will be read daily (Monday through Saturday) and will be answered in a timely fashion. If you need an immediate response or if your question is complex, please call 860-645-0821 or visit us in the Reference Room. To answer your questions, we need your name, phone number, and email address. Contact us at reference@manchesterct.gov.

female reading in library aisle

E-Books and Databases

All databases require a valid Manchester Public Library card for access.

E-books

hoopla
Download movies, music, eBooks, audiobooks, tv shows, and graphic novels with a valid Manchester library card. No waiting, no need to place holds - hoopla allows multiple people to download the same content simultaneously. Valid cardholders are allowed 10 FREE downloads per month.

Click here for how to register and hoopla basics(PDF, 469KB) .

Overdrive
Download ebooks, eaudiobooks, and emagazines with a valid Manchester Public LIbrary card. Many items available right away; some may have to be placed on hold.

Scholastic BookFlix
Online literacy resource for children in kindergarten through Grade 3. Requires a valid Manchester Public Library card.

NEW DATABASE! 

Craft & Hobby

Looking to learn a new craft, increase a craft skill, learn a new hobby, or jump back in to an old hobby? Craft and Hobby will help you with that! Learn cake decorating, how to quilt, woodworking, and more! Some courses are in Spanish as well. Free for Manchester residents. 

Mango Languages

Looking to learn a new language? Manchester Public Library now has access to Mango Languages, one of the world's foremost experts in language learning. Learn over 70 languages when convenient for you in a friendly and useful format. Download the Mango Languages app and learn on the go! Sign-up for Mango Languages with your valid Manchester Public Library Card. 

Weiss Financial Ratings

Do you love Valueline, but also want more financial information that would help you? Weiss Financial Ratings gives you access to stocks, mutual funds, exchanged traded funds, and Medigap information, as well as financial guides. Improve your financial literacy with this free information, available to you with your valid Manchester Public Library card. 

AtoZdatabases - Find a Person, Find a Business, Job Search and resume templates with interview do's and dont's videos, Mailing lists and sales leads, Criminal and background checks and Genealogy. 

Ancestry.com
Access to 2,000 databases, information added daily, genealogy help and magazine articles

Digital Literacy Training Classes online
Want to learn computer basics? How about how to use Facebook? Need to buy a plane ticket online? A growing collection of FREE interactive courses is available with pdf downloads of lessons and the estimated time needed to complete.

Driver Education Program online
Includes CT-specific information: 11 car practice tests, 9 motorcycle practice tests, 10 CDL practice tests, 3 driver's manuals (car, motorcycle, CDL) and an FAQ section with detailed answers to 100+ DMV-related questions.

Hartford Courant Gap Years (1923-1991)
Hartford Courant for other years can be accessed through the State Library at researchIT CT

JobNow! - Live Job Assistance
Tip of the Month - There's no better way for jobseekers to prepare for an interview then practicing with a live coach on JobNow. Written transcripts of the interview can be saved. Sessions are available between 3 and 11 pm, 7 days a week. No appointment necessary.

Magill's Medical Guide Requires library card barcode login. Links to Salem Press titles owned by Manchester.

Manchester Newspaper Database - Searchable database of Manchester news, current and historical. Information is being converted from a card file. See a Librarian for help. 

Reference Shelf - special topics in History. Requires library card barcode login. Links to Salem Press titles owned by Manchester.

ResearchItCt- provided by the Connecticut State Library, ResearchItCt has access to newspapers, databases, magazines, e-books, and digital collections. Free to use, but you may have to input your valid Manchester Public Library card for access. 

Value Line - Stock market and investment information (Remote Access requires Manchester Library card barcode login). Getting Started with ValueLine(PDF, 2MB) .


Computer Classes

Call 860-645-0821 to make an appointment for one-on-one instruction. We recommend calling and making an appointment to guarantee staff time for your needs.

The one-hour basic Internet computer class provides instruction on the use of the library's catalog and navigating the Internet.

Need help with your resume and/or cover letter? Ask for Michelle

Need instruction on how to create a basic Word document? Ask for Michelle

Need instruction on how to use your Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Android phone? Ask for Ed, Michelle, Elaine, or Jenn

Need instruction on how to download e-materials on to your device? Ask for Ed, Michelle, Elaine, or Jenn

Looking for help with a job application? Ask for Michelle

Staff will always try to help with other computer needs - online employment applications, setting up an email account, etc. BUT STAFF TIME MAY BE LIMITED in order to serve all patrons.