Reference Desk
Do you need a quick question answered? Library staff may be able to find the answer for you. Ask in person or send a question by email and we’ll attempt to find the answer or point you in the right direction for further research.
Library staff can’t answer questions of a financial, legal, or medical nature. We also can’t tell you what form you need if you don’t know the form number or title yourself.
Research Databases
Through our partnership with the Allegheny County Library Association, we’re able to provide access to a number of databases at no cost to library card holders.
Get started at EINetwork’s eLibrary, or check the other sections for direct links to individual research resources.
Chat with a Librarian
If Dormont Library’s staff isn’t available to answer your question, try the statewide Chat with a Librarian service, provided by PA POWER Library.
Different librarians specialize in helping out Pennsylvania K-12 students, college students, and members of the general public.
Chat with a Librarian is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Magazines
Consumer Reports
Library card holders can access the Consumer Reports magazine, annual Buying Guide, and reviews archive with a library card.
Libby eMagazines
Libby eMagazines provide free access to hundreds of titles, covering news and world events, fashion, entertainment, outdoors life, sports, art, and just about anything else you can think of.
Newspapers
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
While in the library or connected to our Wi-Fi network, access to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is free of charge.
Pittsburgh Press Archive
Take a look at the archives of the former Pittsburgh Press, in print from 1884 to 1992.
Gale OneFile News
Full-text archives of more than 2300 U.S. newspapers. You will need to log in with your library card to access this service. (Don’t have a card? Check out “My Card”.)
Libby eBooks
Libby is an ebook and audiobook platform available for web browsers, iOS and Android devices, and Kobo eReaders. Libby can also deliver books to Kindle apps and eReaders. The service is free to use for all library card holders. (Don’t have a card? Check out “My Card”.)
Hoopla Digital
Hoopla offers eBooks and audiobooks, streaming audio and video, and an expanding comic book and manga section.
EBSCO eBooks
Search from over 16,000 non-fiction titles, on topics from medieval Scandinavian music to carnivorous marsupials to the birth of new stars.