What JPL has to Offer...
The Genealogy/Local History collection at the Ottawa Street Branch, includes:
Researching Your Family History
Visit the Ottawa Street Branch and search items in our Genealogy/Local History collection. Microfilm copies can be made at no charge.Library staff will search microfilmed editions of Joliet newspapers for obituaries, marriage and birth announcements, or other articles of interest. Due to the large number of pages published by Joliet newspapers, we can only do a search if you can give us the month and year that the event occurred.
Requests can be made by calling the Adult Services department of the Ottawa Street Branch at 815-740-2666, or by using our online Reference Request form.
Genealogy Databases
Free Genealogy Resources
These free resources can help you build your family tree:
History of the Ottawa Street Branch
COMING SOON
Joliet History: Historic Summary of the Mexican Population in Joliet
This document was written by Navor Rodriguez and translated by Rebeca Ulloa and describes the history of the early Mexican population in Joliet. The author writes about social clubs, religion, the Depression Period and activities from 1905-1953.
Joliet History-Ottawa Street Branch Blue Prints
COMING SOON!
This collection of photographs from the Burnham side of the building, or the original 1903 building, showcases the original blue print plans.
Joliet History: Grand Masquerade Grand Masquerade
Photocopies of the invitation for the Joliet Library Associations "Grand Masquerade" on February 7, 1877. The event was a fundraiser to buy books for the library.
Joliet History: Postcard Collection
COMING SOON!This collection of post cards features many historic Joliet elements including the I&M Canal, Old Jefferson Street Bridge and of course the Joliet Public Library.
Joliet History: Tour Brochures
This collection features information brochures and literature from different organizations in Joliet collected over the years.
Joliet Cemeteries
Catholic Diocese of Joliet
16555 Weber Rd, Crest Hill, IL
815-221-6100
St. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery
St. John's Cemetery
St. Joseph's Cemetery
St. Patrick's Cemetery
Mount Olivet Cemetery
Family Service Center
1320 E. Cass St.
815-726-7444
Joliet Cemeteries
Oakwood Cemetery
St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery
1024 E. Cass Street
St. Peter Lutheran Church
310-350 N. Broadway St.
815-722-3567
Woodlawn Memorial Park I
2306 W. Jefferson Street
815-725-3489
Woodlawn Memorial Park II (Hills of Rest Cemetery)
Biblioboard Library of Illinois: Browse 150+ books from Arcadia Publishing and the History Press about Chicago and Illinois History. 30+ Illinois community collections and many more free books, video and audio. Digital Public Library of America: Search 44 million images, text, video, and audio from cultural institutions across the United States. Europeana: Search millions of books, music, artwork, and more from cultural institutions across Europe. Google Books: Search 40 million books and magazines; download books in the public domain and search others. Hathi Trust Digital Library: Search 17 million books, periodicals, and more; 39% of the collection is available for download. ILGenWeb History Project: The compilation is a special project devoted solely to the history of the state. Internet Archive: Search millions of books, videos, audio, and more; pre-1926 books are available for download. Lewis University Digital Archives: Includes local artwork, I&M Canal research papers, and historic Joliet photographs. World Digital Library: Search more than 19,000 historically significant books, maps, manuscripts, and more. Sanborn Maps: Detailed maps of U.S. towns and cities from the 19th and 20th centuries. |