Phone Numbers

One of the most frequent reference calls we get at Dayton Metro Library is a request for a phone number. Sometimes, someone needs a number they can't find in the phone book. Sometimes, there isn't a phone book handy. Other times the caller will want to know who is attached to a particular phone number. If you've a mind to find out on your own and an Internet connection, here are some links to free websites that you can access yourself:

First, if you have a valid library card, you can access Reference USA here. We pay to subscribe to this service so that you can access phone numbers of businesses and people across the country. This is like all the US phone books accessible through your computer with NO ADS! You can search by first or last name or even phone number if you are looking for a person. If you are looking for a business, you can search by company name, state, city or phone number. If you are looking for a business, the database will also give you some further information about the company.

You can do similar searches on the Internet at switchboard which is maintained by the "Yellow Book" people and anywho which is maintained by AT&T. These sites make their money through ad revenue, so there are some ads. If your search has no results, they will direct you to other parties who will require payment to further your search. There are tons of sites out there that SAY they offer free searches for this type of information. Most of those just offer you a minimum of info and ask you to pay for more. The sites mentioned above are your best BETs.