Access these premium online Research Tools for free using your MRSPL card number. Available content includes full-text newspapers, magazines, journals, and reference material on a wide range of subjects.
Some of the Research Tools below may require both your MRSPL card number and PIN/password to log on. MRSPL cards by default use your phone number on record as your password. However, you can personalized your PIN/password anytime by logging into your account through our online catalog. If you have questions about your card or PIN/password, please Contact Us by email or call our Circulation Desk at 703-248-5031 (TTY 711).
General Research Tools: A-Z
The Library of Virginia is pleased to provide Virginians free public access to select Virginia-related content from Ancestry.com. Through an agreement with Ancestry.com, the commonwealth's citizens can access digitized and indexed records and materials that would otherwise require a paid Ancestry.com subscription.
Career Transitions is an online career guidance center that walks users through the job-search process from beginning to end. It brings together all the tools needed to explore and take the leap to a new career. Career Transitions employs a step-by-step approach to help people: explore new career possibilities; assess their interests and experience; identify ways to improve their prospects, including networking and education; prepare for a job search; and search and apply for jobs. Includes resume and cover letter writing tools.
Access 1000+ ratings, reviews, expert buying advice, product comparisons, and more from Consumer Reports. Also, view articles published in Consumer Reports magazine.
This easy-to-use online tool supports successful research by providing access to reputable articles, essays, and primary source documents on topics ranging from arts and literature to science and math. Includes over 60,000 Associated Press videos. Explora also offers three school level breakout databases geared toward specific grade levels:
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Provides a wide selection of state-specific (and multi-state) legal forms across the most popular legal areas. Includes real estate contracts, wills, pre-marital agreements, bankruptcy, divorce, landlord tenant and many others. Also included is a comprehensive attorney state directory and a dictionary of legal definitions explained in laymen’s language.
Search and view
The Mustang, George Mason High School's yearbook, from 1952-1977. Also includes
The Jeffersonian, Jefferson High School's yearbook, from 1935, 1937, 1939, and 1945.
HeritageQuest
Search census, military, immigration, and grave records, as well as city directories and genealogical books.
Browse easy-to-read, curriculum-based content on a wide range of topics for elementary school students.
Local History Digital Collection & Index
Access our growing collection of historic photos and death notices from the Mary Riley Styles Public Library's Local History Room, along with searchable indexes to Falls Church related newspapers, newsletters, and clipping files.
The most comprehensive and valuable collection of full-text general interest resources. This authoritative general information database is the best place to start your research.
View reports and analysis on mutual funds, stocks, and industries. (Using Morningstar in the library?
Click here for faster access without having to enter your card and PIN.)
Can’t decide what to read next? Need a recommendation for a child, student or family member? Use Novelist to discover your next favorite author, series, or title! Browse thousands of fiction and nonfiction suggestions by genre, subject, or reading level. Includes "read-alkes" recommending other authors similar to ones you already like!
NoveList K-8 Plus is a comprehensive reading resource for fiction and nonfiction. With a fun and intuitive interface, and extensive proprietary content, NoveList K-8 Plus will help you integrate reading across the curriculum and support your young readers.
Proquest Newspaper Core
Search and read full-text articles (often with full digital reproductions of the actual newspaper page) from
The Washington Post (1877-present),
The New York Times (1980-present),
The Wall Street Journal (1889-present), the
Los Angeles Times (1881-present), and
The Christian Science Monitor (1908-present), and
The Chicago Tribune (1985-present).
Practice Reading Skills with Read It! Read It!™ Helps students with a basic foundation in English grammar and reading who need adapted reading material for many subjects and is also a great tool for English Language Learners.
Speak and understand a new language better. With 12 languages to choose from, including American Sign Language, Rocket Languages also features modules in Spanish and Chinese to learn English. Rocket Languages is perfect for the business or traveler learner, as well as extra practice for students.
High quality, online courses covering a wide range of subjects to help you learn the skills needed to achieve your goals. Courses include lessons, exams, assignments, discussion boards and actual assessments of your progress to help you master the learning outcomes.
Washington Consumer Checkbook
(Available in Library Only)
Research rankings, reviews, and tips for a wide variety of local services and products.
Early World of Learning, World Book Online’s early childhood digital resource, is a child’s first encyclopedia, eBook, and introduction to core early concepts. With read-aloud across all functions, the 60 stories in “World of Reading” and “Trek’s Travels” tie learning together through videos, games, and printable activities.
Ebsco eBook Collections
This collection features more than 17,000 world history e-books to meet the content needs of students in their research. Titles encompass a variety of subjects, including medieval history, history of music, history of science, law in history, history of philosophy, art history, history of technology, history of business and economics, history of religion, military history and more. Notable publishers include Harvard University Press, Oxford University Press, McGill-Queen’s University Press, Ashgate Publishing Ltd., University of California Press and State University of New York Press.
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This package contains more than 10,000 e-books that support a quality learning experience across all academic subject areas, including history, language, literature, science and technology. Content includes a selection of classic literary works, important historical documents and general reference materials. The collection also features a selection of teacher resources to support educators and administrators. Titles align with Common Core Curriculum Standards (for participating U.S. states).
The eBook K-8 Collection contains more than 13,000 titles chosen to support a quality learning experience for K-8 students across all subject areas taught in elementary and middle schools, and content aligns with Common Core Curriculum Standards (for participating U.S. states). The collection also features a selection of teacher resources to support educators and administrators.
The eBook Cricket Media Collection includes more than 400 titles in e-book format and is suitable for Children grades Pre-K through 8th. Cricket is an internationally recognized education company with award winning print content for children, families and educators. Cricket is focused on engage children in a wide variety of subjects and disciplines helping them explore and expand their worlds.
Other Downloadable Resources
Download and read up to 6 ebooks a week! In addition to fiction, nonfiction, biographies, self-help, comics, and romance, includes Lonely Planet Travel Guides, SparkNotes Study Guides, and over 1000 titles in Spanish. Titles are always available and can be checked out for up to 2 weeks.
Download and keep 5 free songs each week. Choose from over 13 million songs in MP3 format. Also includes over 50,000 downloadable music videos!
Download books and audiobooks to read on your tablet, e-reader, tablet, or computer.
Download and read or listen to a wide range of titles, including works from many classic authors (like Jane Austen). Compatible with Apple, Android, and Kindle Fire devices (and also Macs and PCs).
Popular magazine titles – like The New Yorker, The Economist, and Rolling Stone – available to download and read (even offline) on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Also includes access to a variety of downloadable ebooks and eaudiobooks.