Online Resources

COMPUTER/DIGITAL LITERACY

Northstar Digital Literacy– CLICK HERE
Location Code: R8MZ

Northstar Digital Literacy provides basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online. Online, self-guided modules assess the ability of individuals to perform tasks based on these skills. Included are basic computer digital literacy standards and modules in three main areas:

  • Essential Computer Skills – Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows OS, Mac OS
  • Essential Software Skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs
  • Using Technology in Daily Life – Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills, Accessing Telehealth Appointments, Supporting K-12 Distance Learning, Your Digital Footprint.

Northstar was developed in response to the needs of job seekers who may lack the digital literacy skills needed to seek, obtain, and retain employment, as well as to perform other tasks in daily life. Northstar allows end users to freely take assessments from anywhere and obtain the Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate when they pass assessments.

Certificates provide an important credential for employment, as even entry-level jobs increasingly require basic computer skills. Certificates also certify end user ability to complete computer skills needed in higher education, and demonstrate their ability to use social media and online information thoughtfully. If individuals do not pass, personalized assessment results provide a roadmap to relevant instruction, allowing them to retake the assessment once they have mastered the necessary skills.

Northstar also includes learning resources to support adult learners to master the standards outlined. Learning resources include classroom curriculum that can be used in person or remotely, and Northstar Online Learning, which provides self-directed instruction and practice for individuals.

DIGITAL LIBRARY

  • Need a library card? If you are a Washington resident, click here to fill out an online library card application. 
  • Your Library Account– view your account summary, set preferences, place holds, enable “check out history” and more. 
  • Acorn Catalog App– login with your library card and explore our catalog from your mobile device. You can place holds and renew items from here too! 
  • Libby– the one-tap reading app that makes borrowing eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines easier than ever. Be sure to have your library card ready!
  • Palace Project– a nonprofit library-centered platform and e-reader app for digital content and services. Use your Gunn Library card to check out audio and e-books on this app. All titles from Libby are integrated here too!
  • Connecticut State Library– Online Resources for all ages, including special research databases for students. Any Connecticut library card will gain access to these resources. 

    READER’S ADVISORY

    • Goodreads– an online community for readers. Members have virtual bookshelves where they can add books they have read, are currently reading, and would like to read in the future.
    • Likewise– provides a social networking service for finding and saving content recommendations for movies, TV shows, books, and podcasts.
    • New York Times Book Review– Weekday and Sunday offers book reviews, best seller lists and insights into new books.
    • Wowbrary- How would you like to get advance notice of popular titles coming to GML? Join our Wowbrary weekly E-Newsletter and always be in the know and at the top of the list! To see our latest additions to the collection click here .

    BUSINESS AND FINANCE 

    • Consumer Reports Consumer Reports is an American nonprofit consumer organization dedicated to independent product testing, investigative journalism, consumer-oriented research, public education, and consumer advocacy.
    • CT Business & Industry CBIA is the leading voice for business in the state, representing thousands of member companies, small and large, across a diverse range of industries. The CBIA offers valuable resources, information, and professional assistance, sharing expertise and best practices across a broad range of issues to help companies compete, grow, and succeed. Innovative, high-value products and member services, including insurance and employee benefits, business and HR resources, energy purchasing solutions, and more.
    • CT Department of Labor The Connecticut Department of Labor is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of Connecticut workers.The website has available resources for individuals to gather information regarding unemployment benefits, resources for job seekers and employers. Discover labor market information and how to remain competitive in the current economy.

    GENEALOGY & LOCAL HISTORY

    • Gunn Historical Museum- The mission of the Gunn Historical Museum is to collect, preserve, and share the objects and stories which illuminate the history of Washington, Connecticut. The Gunn Museum is open on Thursdays and  Fridays from 10am to 4pm and Saturdays from 10-3 pm. Free guided exhibit tours continue every Saturday from 1 to 2pm. Please call 860-868-7756 or email info@gunnhistoricalmuseum.org to register in advance. Tour groups are limited six people.

      The museum’s collection numbers over 10,000 items ranging from objects to archives, including research papers, family histories, maps, gravestone inscriptions, photographs, house histories, etc., to access our online catalog click here. We offer research and reproduction services, for more information click here.

    • Connecticut’s Digital Library – ResearchIT CT (iCONN) The digital collections feature materials from the Connecticut State Library, the Museum of Connecticut History, and the Connecticut State Archives. Connecticut Digital Collections presents a collection of historical photographs, maps, manuscripts, oral histories, and more from Connecticut libraries, museums, and historical societies. Remote access for Connecticut public libraries and their card holders.
    • Connecticut Historical Society Find authoritative information for collecting, preserving and interpreting the history of Connecticut.
    • Connecticut State Library History & Genealogy Resources The state’s comprehensive online reference resource will assist with searches related to genealogy, history, legal and environmental archives, all related to the state and the people who have lived in it. Remote access for Connecticut public libraries and their card holders.
    • Family Search Discover your family’s history through the largest collection of free family history, family tree and genealogy records in the world.
    • Connecticut’s Notable Trees Project Established in 1985, the Notable Trees Project collects and offers information about Connecticut’s largest and most historic trees, both native and introduced. The online database includes records of 3458 individual trees in the state. Information can be found for each tree which includes size, location, ownership, and condition.

    GOVERNMENT

    • Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Libraries The Law Library System of the Connecticut Judicial Branch will provide prompt professional guidance, access to reliable and comprehensive information to individuals who are researching or pursuing legal and remedies.
    • CountyOffice.org Search and locate information on government offices in your county.
    • ImmigrationHelp.org A legal-aid nonprofit founded at Harvard University with the goal of helping low-income immigrants prepare their immigration forms online for free. They provide pro bono help with work permits, DACA, and citizenship applications, as well as an online learning center of educational guides to the immigration process.
    • Interactive Connecticut State Register and Manual A valuable resource and reference tool for anyone interested in the State of Connecticut and its government. Available in this resource is information on local, county, state and U.S. government and branches as well as historical information from past publications.
    • Project Vote Smart Research and look up the background and records of political candidates and elected officials to discover their voting records, campaign contribution, public statements, biographical data (including their work history), and evaluations of them.
    • State of Connecticut The official site for the state of Connecticut.
    • THOMAS (Library of Congress) Congress.gov is the official website for U.S. federal legislative information. It provides access to accurate, timely, and complete legislative information for Members of Congress, legislative agencies, and the public.
    • Town of Washington– the town of Washington’s official website. 

    HEALTH

    • Assisted Living Research Institute– an industry-leading research organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults by compiling comprehensive research, the latest studies, and real-world insight from experts, caregivers, and seniors into easy-to-understand actionable guides and resources.
    • Connecticut Physician Profiles The Department of Public Health on the State of Connecticut’s official website allows you to search for licensing information and background history on Connecticut physicians.
    • Department of Public Health Information on keeping Connecticut healthy. Through the Connecticut Department of Public Health website you find what services and programs, regulation & licensure, vital records, up to date news, statistics and research, publications and forms.
    • Medline Plus Authoritative information from the National Institutes of Health and other government agencies and health-related organizations. Easy access to medical journal articles, extensive information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials, and the latest health news.

    LOCAL LINKS

    • Region 12 Schools- Provides information on the schools in the Washington area that also includes Bridgewater and Roxbury. 
    • Washington Environmental Council– information in the local group advocating for leadership to protect and enhance the environmental quality of the town of Washington and surrounding areas.
    • Literacy on the Green– provides free English literacy instruction to adults in Litchfield and northern Fairfield Counties so they can participate fully in the communities we share.
    • United States Census Bureau- Explore an overview of our state, county, or place all in one location. Census.gov provides high-level statistics about our area regarding people and population, race and ethnicity, families and living arrangements, health, education, business and economy, employment, housing, and income and poverty. Click here to explore!

    NEWSPAPERS

    • researchIT CT – Newspapers- researchIT CT provides free, full-text coverage of leading newspapers such as Hartford Courant, Historical Hartford Courant, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post. Remote access for Connecticut public libraries and their card holders.
    • Associated Press Photo Archive– AP Images provides access to the world’s largest collections of historical and contemporary photographs.

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

      • PLANTS Database– The PLANTS Database provides standardized information about the vascular plants, mosses, liverworts, hornworts, and lichens of the U.S. and its territories. The resource offers plant identification and classification from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture including color photographs, fact sheets and guides.
      • Mango Language– Mango Languages is an online language-learning resource available to you with your Gunn Library card! Over 70 world languages are available for you to learn on your computer or mobile device. Mango adapts to your unique learning style, so you pick up on new vocabulary, intuit unfamiliar grammatical structure, and train your pronunciation, all while boosting your cultural IQ.