Library cardholders can access online databases for articles on specific subjects!

• Good Starting Points
• New Immigrants
• People with Disabilities
• Women

Good Starting Points

• Calendars of World Holidays

• Earth Calendar
  This site lists holidays and celebrations around the world. You can view holidays by country, specific date or religion.

• Interfaith Calendar
  This calendar lists the dates of sacred times for world religions. It includes information for the current month through the year 2014 as well as archived data back to January 2001. Click on the "definitions" link to see a brief explanation of the religious observance.

• Diversity Database
  The database, compiled and maintained by the University of Maryland, includes resources on specific issues such as age; class; gender; national origin, race and ethnicity; religion; and sexual orientation.

• Racial Issues and Identities: A Guide to Resources on the Web
  A collection of links from the New York Times. Note: Free registration is required to view the page.

• Tolerance.org
  Dedicated to promoting understanding and acceptance and to fighting hate, Tolerance.org provides news, information and educational games in sections devoted to children, teens, parents and teachers.

• Multicultural Human Services
  Northern Virginia Family Service describes the mental health, social, educational and language services provided to immigrants and refugees in multiple languages. NVFS is a nonprofit organization located in Falls Church, Virginia.

• Newcomer Community Service Center
  A nonprofit organization providing immigration, English language, employment, health and other services to immigrants and refugees in the metro area. NCSC has offices in Washington, DC and Falls Church, Virginia.

• TOEFL: The Test of English as a Foreign Language
  Schedules and information on test formats such as the new Internet-based testing program. You can download the information bulletin to view or print using Adobe Reader. This site is offered by the Educational Testing Service, the producer of TOEFL.

Note: Adobe Reader is required to view these PDF files on this Web site.
To obtain a free Reader, follow this link:


• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  (Formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service or INS.)
  The USCIS Web site provides forms, laws and regulations, information on naturalization, information and study materials for the U.S naturalization test and more.

  Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants, a publication for new permanent residents, is available online in many languages.  Along with a basic introduction to the U.S. system of government, it provides practical information to help immigrants settle into life in this country.

Note: Adobe Reader is required to view these PDF files.
To obtain a free Reader, follow this link:

• Access Services from the Fairfax County Public Library
  The Fairfax County Public Library System is committed to making services accessible to everyone. Through its Access Services department, library services are available for people with physical disabilities. Access Services works directly with library patrons throughout Fairfax County, and with all branches of the Fairfax County Public Library system.

• Disability-Related Resources on the Internet
  Links to Web sites, discussion lists and electronic newsletters related to disabilities and organized by subject. Maintained by the University of Washington.

• DisabilityInfo.gov
  Part of the New Freedom Initiative (see below), this site serves as a Web portal to federal government disability-related resources on such topics as civil rights, education, employment, housing, health, income support, technology, transportation and community life.

• disAbilityNavigator.org
  Information about organizations and resources available to Virginia residents. Search by zip code and keyword to find local agencies, or browse by topic to see articles and links on topics such as health; housing; community support and resources; legal and financial issues; advocacy; recreation, travel; life skills and more.

• ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia
  ECNV is a community-based resource and advocacy center managed by and for people with disabilities. ECNV promotes the independent living philosophy and equal access for all people with disabilities. Individual Independent Living (IL) services are available for persons with disabilities who live in Northern Virginia, and ECNV also provides services such as advocacy, information and referral, and community services for consumers, family members and other interested people.

• Electronic Curbcuts for the DisABLED
  A wide range of links and also bulletin boards for posting and viewing messages.

• Fairfax Area Disability Services Board
  The board represents persons of all ages with physical and sensory disabilities in Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. The Web site provides information about housing, transportation and other services and resources in Fairfax County and more.

• A Guide to Disability Resources on the Internet
  Compiled by the Disability Resources Monthly.

• Metropolitan Washington Ear
  This nonprofit organization provides free reading and information services to blind, visually impaired and physically disabled people. Readings of current, national and local newspapers, magazines and bestsellers via closed-circuit radio and telephone are just a few of the many services offered.

• RoadMap to Services
  A directory outlining the various health and human services available to Virginia's elderly and people who have disabilities or long term illnesses. Produced by the commonwealth of Virginia.

Note: Adobe Reader is required to view this PDF file.
To obtain a free Reader, follow this link:


• Virginia Easy Access
  The Virginia Easy Access Web site was originally designed by the commonwealth of Virginia as a gateway to information for adults with disabilities, older adults, caregivers and providers. However, the usefulness of the links and information presented will be of value to everyone in Virginia. It is a service of the No Wrong Door Initiative, which links public agencies and private service providers.

• Virginia Relay
  Virginia Relay enables people who are deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind or speech disabled to communicate by TTY (text telephone) or another assistive telephone device with anyone who uses a standard phone.

• Women and Gender Studies Web Sites
  Developed and maintained by the Women's Studies Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries.

• Women's Studies/Women's Issues Resource Sites
  Provided by the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.