What would you like to know today?
The Reference Department is your ideal stop for any information or help you require. Our reference department consists of the Reference Desk, where our staff can help you find what you’re looking for, be it in digital or print format; our Reference computers, where you can look up information yourself, check your email or fill out job applications; and our Reference Collection — not just dictionaries and encyclopedias written on many hundreds of subjects, but also online databases, which you can access at the library or from home. Whether you’re looking for a phone number for a company, want to use a computer, or need help researching a school topic, the Reference Department is here to help!
Computer-Based Services
The Library staff can help you learn to use our computers to create resumes, file unemployment claims, practice for standardized tests, use e-mail, renew your state licenses online, and explore many other computer resources.
- 13 internet stations: 60 minutes/day with your library card number and 6 digit pin.
- Don’t live in our district? Ask for a visitor pass, good for 60 minutes/day.
- Public scanner available
- Low Vision/ADA computer station
- 5 DWD stations available for filing unemployment, using IndianaCareerConnect, & job hunting
- Need to Print? $.20/page black & white, $1.00/page color
Here’s a list of the most-requested links at the Reference Desk!
Indiana Department of Workforce Development - File for unemployment, check your benefits
Indiana Career Connect - File for unemployment, check your benefits
Indiana Department of Revenue - File income taxes online, get forms & info
Indiana Statewide Voter Registration - Register to Vote
Indiana State Do Not Call list - Stop unsolicited calls on your home, cell, and fax phones
Indiana Attorney General - File consumer, fraud, insurance, medical, or mortgage complaints
Indiana Department of Natural Resources - Explore the outdoors
Indiana Outdoor Online Licensing - Purchase a DNR hunting, fishing, or trapping license
Search the Indiana Sex & Violent Offender Registry or perform a Limited Criminal History Search
Indiana State Police - Check road and weather conditions, access Amber Alerts, license a firearm
Indiana Family & Social Services Administration - Apply for Hoosier Healthwise, Medicaid, Food Stamps, and other benefits
Indiana Judicial Branch - Find court forms, case histories, and much more
Indiana General Assembly – Find your state legislators, access the Indiana Code (Indiana laws), or the Indiana Administrative Code
Indiana Pro Bono Commission - Get free legal assistance
Indiana Department of Education - Access State Academic Standards, ISTEP+, homeschooling information, and much more
The Social Security Administration
The Centers for Disease Control
FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
United States Patent and Trademark Office
United States Copyright Office
United States Treasury Department
United States Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
National Archives and Records Administration
United States Army Corps of Engineers
United States Federal Court System
United States Citizen and Immigration Services
United States Central Intelligence Agency
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Not sure what agency you need? Try USA.gov, the U.S. Government’s Official Web Portal, to browse government agencies and services by topic or interest: www.usa.gov
Income Tax Forms & Assistance
Most federal & state forms are available at the Library, as well as online:
Federal Income Tax Forms: Internal Revenue Service
State Income Tax Forms: Indiana Department of Revenue
Free tax preparation, if you made less than $50,000 last year: Community Connections: VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
Federal Bankruptcy forms & information: Federal Bankruptcy Information & Forms
Indiana State Forms (other than income tax forms): Indiana State Forms Online Catalog
Do-It-Yourself (Pro Se) Legal Forms:
- Court forms for Attorneys
- Indiana Self-Service Legal Center
- Indiana State Child Support Calculator
- Gale Legal Forms Database (your password is your HCTPL library card barcode)
- Indiana Advanced Directives (Living Will/Health Care Representative forms)
- Indiana Voter Registration form
Would you like to borrow an item that we don’t have but another library does?
Use Inter-Library Loan (ILL) to get it!
Bring your library card to either HCTPL location, and ask the library staff about requesting items through our Inter-Library Loan Service! Call or stop by the Reference Desk for more information.