Consumer & DIY

Alternative health research database focused on complementary, holistic and integrated approaches to health care and wellness. 

Independent nonprofit consumer authority providing articles and ratings for Chicago area services and products.

Online automotive repair manuals covering thousands of domestic and imported models of cars and light trucks from 1940 onward. Includes wiring diagrams, videos, animations, and photographs.

Research before you buy, using this helpful information source. Interactive features and frequent updates make the online version even more useful than the print.

More than 1,000 art and craft video classes taught by design experts and artists.
Mobile App Available*

Access to Culinary Arts Collection is no longer available. See our new database Hobbies & Crafts Source.

Access to Gardening, Landscape and Horticulture Collection is no longer available. See our new databases Hobbies & Crafts Source and Home Improvement Source.

A DIY database of leading full-text hobby and craft magazines, hobby profiles, recipes and videos to inspire creativity and nurture extra-curricular interests. 

Access to Home Improvement Collection is no longer available. See our new database Home Improvement Source.

Detailed, user-friendly “how-to” information covering a variety of do-it-yourself home improvement and repair projects. 

Learn a new language by listening and repeating phrases from real life conversations. Languages include Spanish, French, Italian, Greek, Russian, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Polish and Japanese.
Mobile App Available*

The National Library of Medicine’s site for consumers – includes directories of doctors and dentists as well as in-depth information on diseases, conditions and treatments in multiple languages.

Search public records for new home purchases, new business starts, foreclosures, sales, and bankruptcies for Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties in Illinois.