The Algonquin Library offers many resources to help you with genealogical research. We offer a number of online resources along with materials that you can check out. We can also help you locate obituaries. If you need more personal assistance, you may also contact one of our trained genealogy librarians for a 30 minute consultation.

Ancestry Library Edition
ProQuest has partnered with Ancestry.com to create one of the most comprehensive genealogical collections available.  Search U.S. and international records including census, vital, church, court, and immigration records. (Ancestry Library Edition is only accessible from inside the Library)

Heritage Quest
Search census records, family and local history books, genealogy periodicals (PERSI), and Revolutionary War Era Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Applications.

Family Search
One of the largest digital repositories of genealogical records from around the world including census, naturalization, and vital records.

Chicago Tribune 1849 - Present
Search the Tribune for obituaries, marriage notices, and articles about your ancestors and the world in which they lived.

Chicago Area Newspapers
Search the Chicago Sun-Times (1986-), the Daily Herald (1995-), the Northwest Herald (2005-) and over 100 other Illinois newspapers in full text.

Worldcat Catalog
Search libraries collections across the country for genealogical and local history books.

Fold3
While known for its excellent military collection, Fold3 also features resources for Native American research, as well as a wonderful collection of city directories, including Chicago from 1839-1923.

Newspapers.com
Newspapers.com is the largest online newspaper archive consisting of 300+ million pages of historical newspapers from 8,400+ newspapers from around the United States and beyond.

EveryoneThis resource is available to anyone from any location with an internet connection.
RestrictedThis resource is available to anyone in the Library or to AAPLD cardholders at any location.
In Library Access OnlyThis resource is only accessible from within an Algonquin Library location.
Card RequiredA valid AAPLD card number is required to use this resource regardless of location.

Don’t have an Algonquin Area Public Library card? Click here.

Additional Resources

  • Cyndi’s List
    A directory of links to genealogy web sites.
  • Ellis Island
    Free searchable database of passenger lists and photos between 1892-1924.  Free registration required.
  • Find A Grave
    Database of cemetery transcriptions including some photographs.
  • Illinois Digital Archives
    Digitized photographs and documents from Illinois history.
  • Illinois State Archives
    Search vital record indexes, land and veteran records.
  • National Archives
    Learn how you can use the resources at the National Archives to explore your family's ancestry.
  • Rootsweb
    Subscribe to message boards for surnames and counties you are researching.