Internet Resources
Arts and Humanities
Requires a Nesmith Library card to log in and access this resource. Explore American food culture with thousands of articles on the regional cuisines and etiquette. Browse by state, region, or ethnic group, including Cajun, Creole, and more. Under the Recipes tab, you can find more than 2,000 recipes that include classic dishes, sides, and desserts. The Historical, Ingredients, and Reference sections of AtoZ Food America contain helpful articles, conversions, tips, and other tools to make your culinary journey a joy. Access a tutorial to learn more about A to Z Food America provided by Nesmith Library through Niche Academy.
Requires a Nesmith Library card to log in and access this resource. Learn about 175 countries: their culture, customs, food, religion, language, maps, points of interest --- even recipes and crossword puzzles! Additionally, travel requirements, information, and suggestions are available for any destination in the world!
An internet search engine for art, your guide to great art online, including links of where to view artists' works in museum collections.
This database provides access to digital collections of primary sources (photos, letters, diaries, artifacts, etc.) that document the history of women in the United States.
Browse over 25,000 quotes online from over 6,700 famous authors. In Famous Quotes and Authors you'll find the wit and wisdom of men and women from all walks of life and from all ages - from Benjamin Franklin to Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln to William Shakespeare, Margaret Mead to Garrison Keillor.
This copy of Shakespeare's First Folio is a rarity because it has not been rebound or restored during the almost four centuries since it was first received by the Bodleian Library (the main research library at the University of Oxford) in 1623.
Explore archival collections. Access [thousands of] descriptions of personal papers, manuscripts, photographs, oral histories, films, works of art, and organizational records.
The definitive Internet reference source for urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation. Check on researched topics to confirm how likely they are to be true.
Explore the history of American social reform and social services.The Social Welfare History Image Portal brings together photographs, pamphlets, artifacts and documents chronicling the history of the nation's response to human need. This history includes the work of volunteer organizations, reform movements, social workers, and government legislation and systems.
Automotive
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book has been one of the best-known names in the auto industry. Today, KBB.com extends the tradition, with trusted values and a reputation for innovation, including resources to help you research, price and shop for the car you've been looking for.
Biography
Every life has a story. Biography.com captures the most gripping, surprising and fascinating stories about people. With biographies and daily features that highlight newsworthy, compelling and surprising points-of-view, we are the digital source for true stories about people that matter.
Books, Books, Books
Kent District Libraries' What's Next: Books in Series database helps you search series fiction. A series is two or more books linked by character(s), settings, or other common traits.
The Isinglass Teen Read Award was begun in 2001 by the Barrington Public Library and the Barrington Middle School in order to promote teen reading, the participation of teens in the creation of their own reading list, and to honor those authors whose works speak to youth. The award is now open to all New Hampshire students in grades 7-8. Voting is done annually in April.
The Flume: NH Teen Reader’s Choice Award was created in 2005 in response to a New Hampshire teen’s request to have a book award geared towards high school students. This award is a state-wide venture led by a collaborative effort from school and public librarians. Each year teens nominate titles, published within the last two years, they think deserve to be recognized. Librarians narrow the group of titles to a shorter list. Teens then vote for the winning title from that list.
The Great Stone Face Book Award is given annually to an author whose book receives the most votes from 4th through 6th graders throughout the state. In April, New Hampshire children vote for their favorite book from a list of 20 recently-published titles that are chosen by the Great Stone Face (GSF) Committee. The purpose of the award is to promote reading enjoyment, to increase awareness of contemporary writing, and to allow children to honor their favorite authors.
The Ladybug Picture Book Award is designed to promote early literacy and honor the best in recent children's picture books. A committee of children's librarians from around the state selects 10 picture book titles each spring. Then, during November, New Hampshire children from preschoolers to those in third grade choose the award winner.
Check the New Hampshire State Library online catalog for items available in New Hampshire libraries.
For over 25 years, the biennial NH Literary Awards have recognized published works written about New Hampshire as well as works that are written by New Hampshire natives or residents. Winners are selected in each of five categories — Fiction, Non-fiction, Middle Grade/Young Adult, Children’s Picture Books, and Poetry.
The mission of the NH State Library is to assist the libraries and the people of New Hampshire with rapid access to library and informational resources through the development and coordination of a statewide library/information system, meet the informational needs of New Hampshire state, county, and municipal governments and its libraries, and serve as a resource center on New Hampshire research topics.
Find resources and help guides for accessing the NH Downloadable Books digital collection of ebooks, audiobooks, and more. The New Hampshire State Library manages the eBook, audiobook, and digital magazine service (OverDrive/the Libby app) on behalf of the state's participating public libraries. Patrons are encouraged to visit their local New Hampshire public library to obtain a library card, seek in-person assistance, and request items to be added to the digital collection.
The Sarah Josepha Hale Award, presented annually since 1956, is a New England award given by the trustees of the Richards Free Library, Newport, New Hampshire, in recognition of a distinguished body of work in the field of literature and letters.
The Lexile Framework for Reading is a scientific approach that places both the reader and text on the same developmental scale, making it easy to connect your child with books targeted to their reading ability.
A site which tracks lists to help you find out what's next in young adult book series. Search, or browse by author, series name, or title.
Business
Requires a Nesmith Library card to log in and access this resource. Search for people, look for a job, or find out about businesses.
The Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States, provides the nation with a safe, flexible, and stable monetary and financial system.
Information and guides about personal finance, investing, retirement, markets, and the economy.
Starting your business is easy in New Hampshire with QuickStart. An online solution that lets you not only look for a business name, but also guides you through setting up your business with the Secretary of State in no time.
Each year, 3,000 small businesses in approximately 200 New Hampshire communities benefit from the advising and educational programs offered by the NH SBDC. Since 1984, our mission has been to recognize those differences and help small businesses by providing expert guidance and education.
Our office provides help with SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. We can also connect you to our partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.
A business-to-business resource connecting buyers and suppliers on ThomasNet.com to inform strategic decision-making, build supply chains and grow businesses.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the federal agency for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks. Access information about patents, trademarks, and learning resources.
Requires a Nesmith Library card to log in and access this resource. Smart research, smarter investing. Investment ideas, market research, summary and opinion, and more. Access the same resources as the print binders we have at the library.
Community Services
2-1-1 is New Hampshire’s first statewide, comprehensive, information and referral service. Thanks to a unique coalition of non-profit, government, corporate and volunteer partners, New Hampshire residents need only dial 2-1-1 to be connected, at no cost, with trained Information and Referral Specialists who can provide them with the health and human service information they need to get help, give help or discover options.
A grant making foundation serving the Derry area of New Hampshire, including the towns of Derry, Londonderry, Windham, Chester, Hampstead and Sandown.
The Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS) provides a variety of social and long-term supports to adults age 60 and older and to adults between the ages of 18 and 60 who have a chronic illness or disability. A variety of social and long-term services and supports can be accessed through the ServiceLink Resource Centers and the NH DHHS District Offices.
The most comprehensive website and visualization engine of public US Government data. Data USA tells millions of stories about America. Through advanced data analytics and visualization, it tells stories about: places in America—towns, cities and states; occupations, from teachers to welders to web developers; industries--where they are thriving, where they are declining and their interconnectedness to each other; and education and skills, from where is the best place to live if you’re a computer science major to the key skills needed to be an accountant.
The most recent edition of Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors published by the U.S. Deparment of Veterans Affairs, available in PDF format. Use the menu to visit other resources for veterans and families provided by the US Department of Veteran's Affairs.
The New Hampshire Department of Energy administers energy-related programs and conducts research to support the state’s goal of providing affordable, efficient, innovative, sustainable, and secure energy options to the state and its citizens. Fuel, Electric, Gas, Weatherization, and other programs.
If you or a loved one are experiencing violence or abuse you are not alone. Caring advocates are standing by to listen and to help. New Hampshire's Statewide Helpline: 1-866-644-3574 The NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence creates safe and just communities through advocacy, prevention and empowerment of anyone affected by sexual violence, domestic violence, stalking and human trafficking.
A statewide network of locally-administered, community-based resources for seniors (Medicare help!), adults with disabilities, and their families. It is free, they can answer your questions, and connect you to appropriate services. Their toll-free number is 1-866-634-9412.
Education Resources
From Microsoft Office and email, to reading, math, and more—GCFLearnFree.org offers more than 200 topics, including more than 2,000 lessons, more than 1,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely free.
Requires a Nesmith Library card to log in and access this resource. LearningExpress Library is an online resource that helps you advance your educational, professional, and personal life. Explore many structured courses that are grouped into various Centers, including one entirely in Spanish. Each course can contain tests, ebooks, courses, tutorials, and articles. LearningExpress has what you need to prepare for an exam, explore a new career path, and improve your basic writing, math, and computer skills. Access a tutorial to learn more about LearningExpress provided by Nesmith Library through Niche Academy.
The NHDOE is committed to helping students, parents, and educators (including teachers, principals, superintendents, and school communities) meet the educational needs of each student. This site provides a wealth of data and information about the NHDOE's programs, services, and initiatives at the fingertips of every citizen.
The Bureau of Special Education Support is charged with providing oversight and implementation of federal and state laws that ensure a free appropriate public education for all children and youth with disabilities in New Hampshire. Given this charge, the Mission of the Special Education is to improve educational outcomes for children and youth with disabilities by providing and promoting leadership, technical assistance and collaboration statewide.
Employment Resources
The Southern New Hampshire Area Health Education Center Program (AHEC) is committed to helping you identify a health career that is just right for you.
A resource for performers to find work while helping talent-seekers move their projects forward. Casting tools allow performers in film, theater, TV, commercials, modeling, voiceover and other mediums to customize and manage their careers. Filmmakers and casting directors use Backstage to find actors and performers.
CareerOneStop is your source for career exploration, training & jobs. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this site provides a variety of resources for preparing for jobs and other tools.
Requires a Nesmith Library card to log in and access this resource. Cypress Resume is a service that helps you create a professional resume, cover letter, or reference sheet, broken down into simple steps. No need to pay for a resume generator from the wider internet: sign in and export your resume with just your library card! Access a tutorial to learn more about Cypress Resume, provided by Nesmith Library through Niche Academy.
"There's a government job for everyone." Find resources and assistance in navigating the application process for a federal job opening. Learn how to find federal job postings and what to expect from the hiring process, and then visit USAJobs.gov when you are ready to start applying.
Requires a Nesmith Library card to log in and access this resource. Job seeker resources, as well as the AtoZU Training Center to learn strategies for job searching. Access a tutorial to learn more about AtoZdatabases, provided by Nesmith Library through Niche Academy.
Requires a Nesmith Library card to log in and access this resource. LearningExpress has what you need to prepare for an exam, explore a new career path, and improve your basic writing, math, and computer skills. Visit the Career Preparation Center investigate career options, job searching, workplace skills, and to prepare for licensing exams for various professional roles. Access a tutorial to learn more about Cypress Resume provided by Nesmith Library through Niche Academy.
Learn to use LinkedIn for job searching, networking, hiring, and more. Your LinkedIn profile can include a general overview of your experience, education, and professional achievements, and a strong profile will help you make more impactful professional connections over time. This tutorial is provided by Nesmith Library through Niche Academy, available to all.
LocalJobNetwork.com is part of Circa, which consists of over 600 locally-focused employment and diversity websites. New Hampshire sites include Concord Jobs, Manchester Job Network, and Nashua Jobs.
Offers an online database of available jobs for individuals searching for a career in radio or television, as well as the opportunity to post a resume online.
EDjobsNH is the official job vacancy site of the New Hampshire School Administrators Association, with the most complete job listing service for education jobs opportunities in New Hampshire’s schools.
Information about occupational licenses, certifications, or registrations issued by state boards, commissions, and departments in New Hampshire, to individuals.
NH Works is committed to assisting every New Hampshire citizen in their search for a job that fulfills their goals. In addition to job listings, our many NH Works career centers throughout the state offer education and training resources at no or minimal cost.
Explore 10 steps that you can follow on the path to a new job (from employer and job searches through résumé writing and interviewing), find local employers who are hiring, and more.
The Peace Corps is a service opportunity for motivated changemakers to immerse themselves in a community abroad, working side by side with local leaders to tackle the most pressing challenges of our generation. From a former Peace Corps volunteer: "Peace Corps service transforms both the Volunteer and the community members they serve."
This is a nationally recognized source of career information, describing working conditions, training and education required, expected earnings, and job prospects. The BLS Jobseekers page is especially helpful for those searching for employment, combining statistics about the occupational outlook with resources, suggestions, and assistance.
Resources for changing jobs/industries, compiling a non-standard resume, and more topics of interest to older workers. The Workforce 50 Library has especially helpful resources written by experts on a variety of topics.
Genealogy
With Family Search, you can create a family tree for free, which you can then print into a booklet and share with famly members.
Online digital copy of this "Bible" of Windham genealogy and history!
The New Hampshire State Library houses approximately 2400 titles of published family histories for New Hampshire and New England. In addition, they offer links to resources on their website along with research assistance.
"Genealogy, local history and historical research in New England and other interesting places." Also includes the Nesmith Library weathervane in "Weathervane Wednesday".
Search for deeds dating back to the 17th Century. Records of land sales, deeds, mortgages, liens, and attachments are accessible.
The Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps Online Checklist provides a searchable database of the fire insurance maps published by the Sanborn Map Company housed in the collections of the Geography and Map Division. The online checklist is based upon the Library's 1981 publication Fire Insurance Maps in the Library of Congress and will be continually updated to reflect new acquisitions.
Local history and genealogy in the digital collections at the University of New Hamphire.
A state-by-state listing of where to write for Vital Records, along with the costs involved.
A Windham teenager, Derek Saffie, launched this website dedicated to the history of Windham. He has been collecting documents, pictures and postcards and has included stories and pictures of New Hampshire people and places from the 1700s through the 1900s.
Health
"AA is not a religious movement." Its sole purpose is "to help the alcoholic who wants to stop drinking and stay stopped."
Helps you find how many calories you need for attaining or maintaining specific weights.
Sponsored by the National Institute of Health, other Federal agencies, and the pharmaceutical industry. Includes summary of the purpose of the study, recruiting status, criteria for patient participation, location of the trial, and contact information.
A site for reliable information on health topics, diseases, drugs, herbals, wellness issues, symptoms and more! Also offers videos on medical procedures and anatomy, plus links for Men, Women, Seniors, and Children.
Goal is to provide the "most accurate and comprehensive nutrition analysis available...and to make it accessible and understandable to all." Learn to read food lables and discuover the nutritional effects of freezing, drying, and cooking various foods. Find recipes, nutritional content of foods, and more. May have to close ads, but there's lots of information here.
The Physicians' Desk Reference, more commonly known as PDR, is the premier drug information reference book that was in print for over 70 years. No longer issued in print format, the PDR is available online and through the PDR app.
Language
With more than 1,000,000 human-edited definitions, Acronym Finder is the world's largest and most comprehensive dictionary of acronyms, abbreviations, and initialisms.
American Rhetoric provides access to speeches with full-text audio and video versions, including American political speeches, memorable Hollywood movie speeches, and more!
RhymeZone not only gives you rhyming words, it also is good for synonyms and antonyms, definitions, and more.
Legal
Stanford University offers a comprehensive site for understanding this complex issue, and for helping you to avoid plagiarism.
The Family Division handles cases involving divorce. It also handles parenting actions between unmarried persons.
IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government’s one-stop resource for identity theft victims. The site provides streamlined checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process.
The NH Pro Bono Referral Program coordinates private attorneys who volunteer (are unpaid) to help low-income people with non-criminal legal problems and needs.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States.
This site provides links to the superior, probate, district and family court that has jurisdiction for each locale in New Hampshire.
Mental Health Resources
"MentalHealth.gov provides one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information."
"Comprised of a network of affiliate chapters and support groups, staff and volunteers, we provide information, education and support to all families and communities affected by mental illness."
"NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness."
"The mission of the National Center for PTSD is to advance the clinical care and social welfare of America's Veterans and others who have experienced trauma, or who suffer from PTSD, through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders."
"Transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses."
Nature and Gardening
Learn about butterflies, find children's crafts, and enjoy beautiful photographs of butterflies.
"As a key part of the Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4), the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) oversaw the production of this stand-alone report of the state of science relating to climate change and its physical impacts. The Climate Science Special Report (CSSR) is designed to be an authoritative assessment of the science of climate change, with a focus on the United States, to serve as the foundation for efforts to assess climate-related risks and inform decision-making about responses."
Find information about landscape design, gardening, organic gardening, plants, pests, and more.
From bee keeping to pest control, firewood-purchasing tips to invasive plants, there's plenty of information for the consumer and farmer at this government website.
New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Division of Resources has an interactive map of the State's historical highway markers.
"USDA's Local Food Directories help you locate farmers markets, on-farm markets, CSAs, and food hubs."
"There are people who are unwilling to compromise. People who take the extra time and effort to make something just right. People who take pride not only in what they make, but also how they make it. These are their products and services."
Topographical maps, NH Boating and Fishing access map, bathymetry (underwater topography) maps, and more!
Native Land Digital strives to create and foster conversations about the history of colonialism, Indigenous ways of knowing, and settler-Indigenous relations, through educational resources such as the interactive map and Territory Acknowledgement Guide. You can use [the map] directly by entering your address, or by mousing or clicking around on the map to see the relevant territories in a location. Once you click, a number of links will appear with different nation names. By clicking on those links, you will be taken to a page specifically about that nation, language, or treaty, where you can view some sources, give feedback, and learn a little more.
Read and download New Hampshire City and Town Annual Reports in PDF format as gathered by UNH Library Digital Collections.
New Hampshire Community Profiles provides information on the 234 incorporated cities and towns in the state of New Hampshire.
UNH Cooperative Extension’s Education Center offers great answers and practical solutions to everyday questions for the citizens of New Hampshire.
Names and websites for New Hampshire's Representatives and Senators in Washington, D.C.
Answers to questions about lawns and gardens, water quality, family finances, parenting, and much more.
Political Science
Database of, and index to, 5000+ full-text, audio, and video versions of public speeches , sermons, legal proceedings, lectures, debates, interviews, other recorded media events, and a declaration or two.
The Congressional Budget Office produces "independent analyses of budgetary and economic issues to support the Congressional budget process." The Office "is strictly nonpartisan."
Puzzled about how the Electoral College works? The National Archives and Record Administration has built a site to explain this little-understood feature of the U.S. electoral system.
A "Snopes" for politics, factcheck.org tries to monitor the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. politicians.
This archive holds over 117,000 documents related to the study of the Presidency, including, but not limited to, executive orders, state of the union addresses, inaugural addresses, college commencement addresses, and FDR's Fireside Chats.
USAFacts is a new data-driven portrait of the American population, our government’s finances, and government’s impact on society. We are a non-partisan, not-for-profit civic initiative and have no political agenda or commercial motive. We provide this information as a free public service and are committed to maintaining and expanding it in the future. We rely exclusively on publicly available government data sources. We don’t make judgments or prescribe specific policies. Whether government money is spent wisely or not, whether our quality of life is improving or getting worse – that’s for you to decide.
Real Estate
House plans are fun to look at (you do, however, have to pay for the actual plans). Click on styles from A-frame to Victorian!
Moving! It can be stressful, but this website can help you through the whole home-buying, moving, and settling-in process.
Recreation in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Folklife website is a resource for learning about folklife and traditional arts in New Hampshire.
An online trail guide for New England : The goal of this website is to provide free information for people hiking, walking, or snowshoeing in New England. They "currently offer over 200 trail reports – written both by the Webmaster as well as other outdoor lovers. These guides are usually pretty detailed and include a description of the hike, trail distances, a difficulty rating, and driving directions; often photos or trail maps are also provided."
Fishing, hunting, education for children and adults, wildlife, maps, and so much more.
Tax Forms
The IRS encourages everyone to use the Tax Withholding Estimator to perform a quick “paycheck checkup.” This is even more important following the recent changes to the tax law for 2018 and beyond.
The Estimator helps you identify your tax withholding to make sure you have the right amount of tax withheld from your paycheck at work.
There are several reasons to check your withholding:
- Checking your withholding can help protect against having too little tax withheld and facing an unexpected tax bill or penalty at tax time next year.
- At the same time, with the average refund topping $2,800, you may prefer to have less tax withheld up front and receive more in your paychecks.
Tech Help
Great "large-print" calculator with different modes: basic; simple; scientific; root; and percentage.
"If you are new to computers, haven't used them for a while, are a little unsure and uncomfortable, or just need a bit of a refresher, we have the tools to help you tackle technology at your own pace and gain the confidence you need to succeed." Each lesson runs between 5 and 22 minutes and covers such topics as: Intro to Email; Being Safe Online; Creating Resumes; Microsoft Word; Intro to Facebook; and many more.
More than 1,000 lessons in technology, math, reading and more!
"TechBoomers.com is a free educational website that teaches older adults, and other inexperienced Internet users, with basic computer skills about websites that can help improve their quality of life." For example, there are tutorials for the following websites: Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Ebay; Amazon; PayPal; and many more.
Windham, NH
A listing of various community services and businesses, maintained by the Town of Windham.
Family resources, welfare assistance, transportation assistance, Senior Center, and more.
Here you will find links to the 2015 revaluation of Windham properties.
A Windham teenager, Derek Saffie, launched this website dedicated to the history of Windham. He has been collecting documents, pictures and postcards and has included stories and pictures of New Hampshire people and places from the 1700s through the 1900s.