Genealogy Databases

Ancestry Library Edition
A premier genealogy resource that includes the U.S. and worldwide census, immigration, military, and vital records collections.

  • In-Library Access -  Search Ancestry Library edition without a library card at the library.

Family Search
Worldwide genealogical records. With your free FamilySearch account, you can gain access to images and documents, which are only available at the library.

Fold3
Fold3 provides quick and easy access to over 500 million indexed and digitized military records, including service records, documents, photos, and draft cards for those who served.

Heritage Quest Online
Search for census records, public directories, federal census 1790-1940, PERSI, Revolutionary War files, Freedman's Bank Records, and more through Heritage Quest online. 

Newspapers.com - World Collection
Newspapers.com Library Edition is an extensive online database of 3,000+ historical newspapers from the early 1700s into the early 2000s. It contains a diverse blend of well-known regional and local newspapers in the U.S. and other countries.

Resources

Indian Prairie Genealogical Group (IPGG) - IPGG presents monthly programs for people interested in genealogical research and family history. Local genealogists share their tips on doing research. They meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at 1 p.m., except for November, when they meet on the 3rd Thursday and no meeting in December.  

Microfilm/Fiche Scanner - The library has a ScanPro 3000 All-in-One Microfilm/fiche Scanner with AutoScan Pro software and a collection of microfilm/fiche.

General

  • Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers - Search America's historic newspaper pages from 1777-1963 or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. 
  • NCHS - Where to Write for Vital Records - Use the National Center for Health Statistics' free website to learn how to order vital records from state vital records offices.
  • One-Step Web Pages - Find immigration, census, and vital records using Steve Morse's one-step search pages.
  • USGenWebProject - Search volunteer-maintained county pages to discover genealogical records and depositories.

Death & Cemetery Records

  • Chicago Community Collection

    Chicago Community Collection

    Explore and stay informed on local topics, people, and events in areas such as business, health, education, jobs and careers, political & social issues & more. Features a wide variety of credible, vetted news sources spanning the Chicago area including the Chicago Sun-Times, Daily Herald & Daily Southtown & more. Available remotely 24/7 on any device.

  • Chicago Tribune Historical Archives

    Chicago Tribune Historical Archives

    Provides full text obituaries and death notices from 1860-1984; contains major stories of events and issues from 1920s-1984.

  • Global Newsstream

    Global Newsstream

    A resource of over 6,000 publications from around the world, featuring the full-text of many major metropolitan newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune, New York Times,

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  • Find a Grave - Search 105 million volunteer-transcribed grave records by surname or by cemetery. Entries may include names, birth and death dates, and possibly a photo of the deceased.
  • Interment.net - Search records of 1,800 cemeteries worldwide by location or by burial record. It also has links to obituaries online.
  • ObitsArchive.com - Free indexes to U.S. newspaper obituaries. You can pay to view the full text of the obituary or inquire at the Ask Us Desk about borrowing a microfilm of the newspaper containing the obituary.
  • Obituary Index, 1972-2018 - A searchable .pdf file of people who resided in Burr Ridge, Darien or Willowbrook. The index also includes obituaries of individuals whose funeral services were held in Burr Ridge, Darien or Willowbrook. Gaps exist in the index due to missing newspaper issues. The index is updated throughout the year but published annually online.
  • Online Searchable Death Indexes and Records (USA) - Handy directory to websites with online death indexes.

Illinois & Chicagoland Resources

Immigration & Ship Passenger Records

  • Ancestry Library Edition

    Ancestry Library Edition

    A premier genealogy resource that includes U.S. and worldwide census, immigration, military, and vital records collections.

Naturalization Records