Consumer Information

Library's Electronic Subscriptions

Outside the library, these resources are only available to Lincolnwood Library cardholders.

Chicago Consumers' Checkbook IN LIBRARY USE ONLY
Evaluations of local services, such as auto repair shops, plumbers, lawyers, dentists, veterinarians, banks, insurance companies, etc.. Consumers' Checkbook is an independent, nonprofit consumer organization founded in 1974 with the help of funding from the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs. They do not accept support from businesses.
Consumer Reports
Online companion to the Consumer Reports print magazine. Reviews, product comparisons and buying advice.

Edmund's
Trade-in and retail values.
Green Vehicle Guide -- EPA
The US Environmental Protection Agency's Green Vehicle Guide provides vehicle ratings based on emissions and fuel economy.
Kelly's Blue Book
Trade-in and retail values go back to 1989 models.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
This agency takes complaints about abusive, deceptive, and unfair financial practices. The agency enforces federal consumer financial protection laws, promotes financial education, and monitors financial markets for new risks to consumers.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Injury statistics, unsafe product reports, recalls, etc.
ENERGY STAR
Advice to homeowners and consumers about products, new homes, and home improvement. ENERGY STAR's aim is to help people save money and protect the environment.
Federal Trade Commission
Free annual credit reports, submission of complaints about companies, business practices, identity theft information, and other consumer help. You can also register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry here. FTC enforces consumer protection laws and antitrust laws.
State of Illinois -- Attorney General's Office
Consumer Fraud Hotline: 800-386-5438
TTY: 800-964-3013

ABLEDATA
Information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment. Covers everything from white canes and adaptive clothing to low vision reading systems, and voice output programs. Sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), part of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) of the U.S. Department of Education.
Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), U.S. Department of Labor
Assists workers in getting the information they need to exercise their benefit rights. EBSA protects the integrity of pensions, health plans, and other employee benefits.
Healthcare.gov
Read the health care law, The Affordable Care Act. Find public and private health insurance options, learn about your rights as a consumer, and how to navigate the health insurance marketplace.
Healthfinder
Consumer guides to help you make decisions about doctors, prescriptions, hospitals, long-term care, health insurance, and more from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Illinois Department of Insurance
Advice on different types of insurance. Consumer complaint forms for claims against insurance companies, and more.
Office of Consumer Health Insurance
Need help with health insurance problems? Contact this agency established by the Illinois Department of Insurance on January 1, 2000, as part of the new Managed Care Reform and Patient Rights Act.