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World Culture

Online Resources

You will need your Rolling Meadows Library card to access many of our online resources if you are not using them in the Library. Need help? Stop by or call the Reference Desk at 847-259-6050 x130.

See every online resource the Library has to offer on the A–Z Online Resources page.

Use from home = Use from home

Library Card Required = Library card required

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America's News: International Issues

Use from home Library Card Required  Current and archived full-text articles from news sources nationwide. Browse topics like culture, economics, education and politics for countries worldwide.

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AtoZ Food America

Use from home Library Card Required  The world's largest database of American food, culture, and recipes. Browse by enthnic group to explore how food across the world has blended with american cuisine.

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AtoZ World Food

Use from home Library Card Required  Recipes and food culture from around the world. Features traditional recipes for over 174 countries with lavish photos and ingredient breakdowns.

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AtoZ World Travel

Use from home Library Card Required  Information about world cities; including points of interest, foods, culture, language, and more. Find resources on communication, geography, healthcare, language, money, and transportation for over 200 world cities.

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Business Source Premier

Use from home Library Card Required  Thousands of articles from leading business publications. Includes topics like diplomacy, international economic relations, cross-cultural studies, and more.

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Explora for Public Libraries

Use from home Library Card Required  High quality collection of popular full-text magazines, reference books, and videos. Access information on countries of the world and world heritage sites.

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Learn About the World

Use from home Library Card Required  These carefully selected, kid-friendly titles explore the people and places that shape our world. Read about famous athletes, holidays, cities and cultures.

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Mango Languages

Use from home Library Card Required  Learn practical language skills with fun and engaging interactive lessons for over 70 world languages.

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The New York Times

Redeem 1 day of subscription access. Read the World section of the NYT for world news from every continent. Users will need to create a free account and access subscription through the link sent to your email.

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Newspaper Source Plus

Use from home Library Card Required  Cover-to-cover full text for hundreds of national, international and regional newspapers. Search for articles about world cuture, cultural relations, cultural identity, and more.

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Points of View Reference Center

Use from home Library Card Required  A balance of materials from all viewpoints about controversial issuses including topics like global issues, foreign policy, race and culture, and more.

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World Book Timelines

Use from home Library Card Required  (Grades 5+) Hundreds of timelines on continents, countries, and regions. Timelines cover various periods in history and influential people in each region.

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Catalog Spotlight

To browse books on world culture, ethnic studies, and global civilization in the library, ask for help at the Adult Reference Desk.

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
How the World Thinks: A Global History of Philosophy by Julian Baggini The Tipping Point How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell

Digital Magazines

Find magazines in the library in Adult Reference. Or search the online catalog External Link to browse and place holds on magazines. 

Digital Library of IL Magazines

ARCHAEOLOGY
The Paris Review Whetstone Magazine

Website Links

BBC Country Studies External Link
History, politics and economic background of countries and territories around the world.

Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets External Link
Facts about the land, people, history, government, political conditions, economy, and foreign relations of independent states, some dependencies, and areas of special sovereignty.

Google Earth External Link
See the world from above with high-resolution satellite imagery, explore 3D terrain and buildings in hundreds of cities, and dive into streets and neighborhoods with Street View's 360° perspectives.

Interfaith Calendar External Link
Population estimates and projections for 227 countries and equivalent areas US Census Bureau.

Library of Congress Country Studies External Link
The Country Studies Series presents a description and analysis of lesser-known countries or regions.

United Nations External Link
Intergovernmental organizations whose stated purposes are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and serve as a center for harmonizing the actions of nations

The World Factbook External Link
Information on history, people, government, economy, energy, geography, environment, communications, transportation, military, terrorism, and transnational issues for 266 world entities.

Past Virtual Events

Watch all recorded events on the RML YouTube Channel External Link

All Things British
Wondered why the flag is called the Union Jack? Confused about the United Kingdom, Great Britain and the British Isles? Learn the answers in a fun and informative way!

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Christmas Markets in Prague and Germany
Visit amazing Christmas markets in Prague and four cities in Germany. This trip shows mostly locals enjoying good food, good friends and a festive atmosphere.

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Myths and History of the Great Highland Bagpipe
Kevin Chapman introduces the rich history of bagpipes. Dressed in full regalia, he gives a stirring demonstration of his piping skills and we’ll learn about the origins and types of bagpipes.

Watch Now External YouTube Video Link

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