API? not sure how to accomplish this

Posting this here because I’m not sure what’s involved in making this happen and am looking for a broader explanation not code.

I’m decent with php, mysql and have experience with java, JavaScript and jQuery. Here is what I would like to do.

User inputs title of a book they have read and as they type suggested titles pop-up(suggested titles would come from outside source). the goal being if 2 users have read the same book I don’t want a spelling error to cause problems when sorting by title.

I am not sure where to start with this. Where can I find a database with this info.? I would also like to do similar things with movies and restaurants. …etc

I’m just a weekend warrior/hobby developer so if this is way out of my league feel free to tell me. Any information is appreciated.

Thanks