Useful Links
Building Codes
International Codes The I-Codes are a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety and fire prevention codes. (2015)
International Building Code Used by the City of Ennis (2009)
The Leviton Captain Code Portal Provides NEC® content beyond a basic listing of Code changes. It allows you to search by Code Article, Product Solution or by Application. You can view the NEMA Code Adoption Map to see which Code cycle is in effect in your area. Also provides links to applicable Code solution videos and more.
Businesses
Start a Business in TX Overview, Business Structure, Tax Responsibilities, Licenses and Permits, Employer Requirements, Governor's Small Business Handbook
Governor's Small Business Handbook "This handbook has been compiled to provide business owners and entrepreneurs with the information and knowledge necessary to start or grow a small business in Texas. It contains information from various state agencies to give you a straightforward approach to your new or existing business. From registering your business to obtaining your HUB certification, this resource has been produced to demystify the process of doing business in Texas."
Thomas Register The Thomas Register of American Manufacturers, now ThomasNet, is an online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing in the USA and Canada.
Cars
ChiltonLibrary Get the detailed information you need to tackle vehicle maintenance and repairs.Fuel Economy The official U.S. government source for fuel economy information. Features updated fuel economy data for new and used passenger vehicles dating back to 1984, allows side-by-side vehicle comparisons, and offers fuel-saving tips. This website also contains vehicle-specific air pollution emissions information and safety ratings and provides links to car buying websites. 2025 Fuel Economy Guide
Kelley Blue Book Which cars can you afford? How do trade-in values compare to private-sale values? Which car is right for you? Is it the right time to buy or sell? Kelley Blue Book’s tools can help.
DefensiveDrivingDFW.com State approved for ticket dismissal and insurance discounts
TexasEasyDefensiveDriving.com Texas State Approved for all courts
E-Books
Educational/Teaching Resources
Accredited Online Colleges A comprehensive and informative resource that ranks each university in America by size, degrees offered, tuition costs, admission rates, graduation rates, and retention rates.
Affordable Colleges Online Includes a unique list of accredited not-for-profit institutions offering online programs, sorted by affordability. Also has direct links to the specific online departments, or e-campus, of each institution.
Excel -A fully illustrated Excel tutorial (including VBA programming) + 300 examples.
Learning Express This online test-prep and career development resource is provided through TexShare.
Test Prep Preview Practice tests for ASVAB, CLEP, GED, Nursing, SAT and others
Texas Home School Coalition THSC provides articles and information on many home schooling topics including success stories, curriculum reviews, local and state events, and more!
Government Resources
Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. It is published daily when Congress is in session. FDsys contains Congressional record volumes from 140 (1994) to the present. At the back of each daily issue is the "Daily Digest," which summarizes the day's floor and committee activities.
Earlier Records Starting in 1789
Federal Student Aid Present a series of handouts, presentations, videos, and other resources on preparing for college, types of aid and other eligibility, the FAFSA, and loan repayment basics. FAFSA PDF form
FEMA Flood Maps The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official online location to find all flood hazard mapping products created under the National Flood Insurance Program, including your community’s flood map.
Identity Theft A one-stop Identity Theft resource from the Federal Trade Commission, where individuals can learn how to minimize their risk of becoming a victim and identity theft victims can learn how to limit damage.
USA Gov Official information and services from the U.S. government. This site has information about loans, financial aid, food stamps, credit reports, visas, immigration, health care, employment, legal forms, laws, voter registration, etc.
World Factbook The Factbook provides information on the history, people, government, economy, energy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities.
Health
Consumer Drug Information Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Go4Life Go4Life is the exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH. Find exercises to do, safety tips, and ways to be motivated!
HealthCare.gov Use the Health Insurance Marketplace to enroll in affordable, quality health coverage.
MedlinePlus Find information on health conditions, wellness issues, and more in easy-to-read language on MedlinePlus, the up-to-date, trusted health information site from the National Library of Medicine, the world’s largest medical library,
PDR Physicians' Desk Reference is the most recognized drug information reference available in the U.S.
WebMD The leading source for trustworthy and timely health and medical news and information.
Health Insurance
Job Resources
Neuvoo A job search engine that indexes jobs directly for free from companies' career websites, placement agencies and job boards.
Occupational Outlook Handbook A guide to career information about hundreds of occupations!
Legal Resources
Gale LegalForms Thousands of free legal forms available including Official, State Specific, Federal, Business, Personal, Real Estate and General forms covering hundreds of legal subjects and issues.ImmigrationHelp offers low-income immigrants free legal services for work permit and citizenship applications, as well as useful guides to the immigration process.
Legal Aid of Northwest Texas The largest part of Legal Aid's work is providing legal services to individual low income people to solve individual problems such as public assistance denials, divorce and child support, evictions, foreclosures, domestic violence, and consumer fraud.
TXAccess This web resource is intended to provide information to non-custodial parents about their rights to take part in the lives of their children. This site has legal forms.
Texas Law Help Your one stop, online resource for free and low-cost civil legal assistance in Texas.
This site has legal forms.
On This Day
Britannica See what happened on this day in history!
Mobile Devices
GCFLearnFree.org Get to know the functions and features of mobile devices, including tablets and smartphones.
Tax Resources
Get Ready Get ready today to file your 2019 federal income tax return.
Free Tax Refund Calculators Using free tax calculators is an easy way to estimate your tax return. Don’t let tax reform catch you by surprise this tax season – see what’s in store for your return.
Tax-Aide Site Locator AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free, individualized tax preparation for low-to moderate-income taxpayers - especially those 50 and older - at more than 5,000 locations nationwide. Find a location near you by searching your zipcode.
Texas
Ennis Daily News UNT's ongoing Digitization Project. Searchable collection ranging from 1970-2014.
Portal to Texas History "From prehistory to the present day, you can explore unique collections from Texas libraries, museums, archives, historical societies, genealogical societies, and private family collections." Includes books, maps, photos, and newspapers.
State Symbols Includes the state symbols & icons, cities & towns, parks, landmarks, and historical markers.
TechBoomers "Here, you'll find tutorials on the most popular and useful websites on the Internet, from social networks and dating sites to everyday tools for getting directions and knowing what the weather's going to be like. You can even learn how to listen to music, watch videos, and have phone calls right on your computer through the power of the Internet! Plus, we have special resources dedicated to 50+ adults."-website
Texas Vital Records Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, Marriage Verification, and Divorce Verification
Voting
Voting in Texas -Vote 411: find what's on your ballot, find your polling place, and register to vote.
You Count -Log in to check your voter registration status, poll location, early voting locations, registration information, and key election dates.