Research & Learning

Welcome to our digital collection! These resources provide access to published information not readily available anywhere else – as well as downloadable books and magazines, customizable courses in technology and other fields, and streaming options for movies, tv shows, and music. You’ll need a Boise Public Library card to access the collection. (If you don't have a card already, click here to get started.)

Please keep in mind...

The materials made available through these resources are subject to copyright restrictions.
Your login info (username, password, PIN, etc.) is for you only – please don’t share it with anyone.
We work with third-party vendors to deliver our digital content. Click here for an important note on Privacy and Third-Party Vendors.

Find a Resource by Category

Find a Resource by Name

Show All

Genealogy Resources
Boise City Arts & History Department Featured Database	If you're interested in public art displays around Boise, including traffic box art, cultural programs, grant opportunities or the history of downtown buildings and landmarks, the Boise City Department of Arts and History site is a great place to start.
FARRIT Featured Database	FARRIT -- Finding All Resources Relating to Idaho Topics -- includes information about natural resources, books, maps, and food.
HeritageQuest (ProQuest) Featured Database	Explore a weath of genealogy tools for the beginner and professional: maps, research aids, the U.S. Federal Census 1790-1950, the PERSI subject index, 25,000+ family and local history books, and much more.
Idaho History Clipping File Index Featured Database	The Idaho Index provides references to pamphlets and articles (primarily from the Idaho Statesman) in the Idaho Collection clipping file. Searching the index allows you to determine if a file exists on a given topic. Library staff can then retrieve the folder for you to use in the library.
Idaho Statesman Articles 1864-present Featured Database	Read today's paper in its entirety - choose the "image" format. You can also search and read articles, advertisements, obituaries and more from previous papers. Coverage from July 26, 1864 through today.
Obituary Index Featured Database	Identify dates of obituaries and death notices published in The Idaho Statesman, from 1957-2017. The index provides the date of the obituary or death notice. For copies, please come to the Library or fill out our obituary request form.
Sanborn Maps Featured Database	Sanborn fire insurance maps are the most frequently consulted maps in libraries. Sanborn maps are valuable historical tools for urban specialists, social historians, architects, geographers, genealogists, local historians, planners, environmentalists and anyone who wants to learn about the history, growth, and development of Idaho cities, towns, and neighborhoods. Get started here.
Chronicling America - Historic American Newspapers 1836-1922	Search America's historic newspaper pages from 1836-1922 or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present.

Research & Learning

Genealogy Resources