By Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

I volunteer in our local library and sometimes even I forget everything that a library has to offer. And I don’t just mean the usual obituaries or microfilmed newspapers.

Not every library has the items mentioned below but most have a variety of databases for you to search AT HOME by simply putting in your library card number. How amazing is that? Not to mention, just going to the library and asking questions about genealogy or even the town’s history can yield amazing results!

There are two libraries that I happen to be able to be a part of because of how the two libraries divide by township. My township happens to be supported by both places so I am part of my own city’s library and the city next door. I love that.

So, what does that get me? Besides two wonderful libraries to explore of course 🙂

There are many online/computer accessible items I am lucky to have available:

  • Ancestry Library Edition
  • Fold 3
  • Heritage Quest
  • INSPIRE
  • Local paper’s archives
  • World Vital Records
  • American Ancestors
  • Local business groups
  • Digital Sanborn Maps
  • Indiana Genealogical Society
  • Indiana Newspaper Obituaries (from 1994 on)
  • Obituary Index for South Bend Tribune (1913 on)
  • Service Notes in the South Bend Tribune
  • Chicago Tribune Historical Archives
  • New York Times (current and historical)
  • Newspaper Archive

Some of these you actually have to go to the library to use – like the Ancestry Library Edition. But, as I already mentioned, that’s a wonderful idea anyway because SO much can also be available at your local library – old maps, city directories, county histories, and other treasures you may not have heard about. So go to your local library and ask them about their genealogy/local history section! You may be surprised by what that is there 🙂

As an aside, don’t forget to contact your local official about the closing of the ISL genealogy section. EVEN if you’re out of state, you can still contact the head of the Ways and Means Committee. Don’t know what to write?  Amy from No Story Too Small wrote a wonderful post about this and even gives her out-of-state example for a letter to write. Please, write to the representative and let them know how you feel (politely of course)!