Gale Virtual Reference Library
Browse research materials for tons of categories!
PowerSearch
PowerSearch makes it possible to find subjects from A-Z in one or several of the Gale’s periodical databases in a single search. This is especially good for subjects that may be covered more than one database, such as diets, careers, etc.
Genealogy Resources
Available in the Library only
Ancestry Library Edition
Ancestry provides access to millions of unique, full-text primary sources and enhanced images, including U.S., U.K. and Canadian Census records; Canadian genealogical records; U.S. military records; and immigration, passport, and naturalization records.
Heritage Quest Online
Provides from-home access to the U.S. Census, City Directories, the records of the Freedman’s Bank, and much more.
News: 2025 Federal funding cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services had a significant impact on the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. This led to MBLC’s decision to terminate its support of public library access to a wide range of databases, including HeritageQuest Online. The leadership Holyoke Public Library has now restored access for one year to HeritageQuest Online. This resource is available to HPL Library cardholders only (from home) or to anyone from a Library computer.
For more links to genealogical resources, please see the History Room’s Genealogy Page.