Use of Materials
Reproduction and Use of Materials
Responsibilities of User
Research Requests
Research Assistance
Internet Resources
Genealogy Resources
The library has an extensive collection of books, original manuscripts, histories, rare county plat books, census and biographical information, cemetery records, city directories, school yearbooks, newspapers, journals, maps, photographs, and other materials to assist you in your genealogical research.
Use of Materials
Researchers are welcome to use the genealogical materials during library hours. Given the special nature of these materials, visitors and researchers are asked to conform to security and handling precautions to protect the library's holdings. Some materials are available on open shelving, all others must be retrieved from the archives by staff. You will be asked to provide current photo identification and a current address and phone number before receiving materials. All materials are to be used only in the library.
Reproduction and Use of Materials
Publication of reproduced material or use of quotations or images from original archival material requires separate written permission and use of an approved credit line.
All images used in printed, electronic or digital publications, on film or video, on web sites and in exhibitions must be credited with the following: "Courtesy: Archives of the Galesburg Public Library, Galesburg, Illinois." In those cases where images are being used on an internet page, or the equivalent thereof, the citation should be made into a link to the Galesburg Public Library's homepage at "www.galesburglibrary.org." Please consult with the archivist at (309)343-6118 during library hours or via email for additional information.
Not all materials may be photocopied. Photocopies and reproductions may be obtained for a fee if the physical condition of the material permits reproduction. A photo reproduction and use form is available online. Additional information may be obtained from the archivist.
Responsibilities of User
Patrons are expected to use all materials with care and respect. Pencils only may be used for writing when working with these materials.
Researchers and users assume full responsibility for conforming with the laws of privacy, copyright and literary property rights which may be involved in the use of these materials.
Research Requests and Fees
Library staff will perform city directory, obituary and cemetery record searches for a fee of $10 an hour, not to exceed two hours. Send your request (be sure to include exact names and dates) and an initial payment of $10 in check or money order by mail to the library at 40 East Simmons Street, Galesburg, Illinois 61401. Requests library staff are unable to handle may be referred to the Knox County Genealogical Society.
Questions about our genealogy and local history resources may also be sent via email using the Genealogy Question Form.
Research Assistance
A member of the Knox County Genealogical Society is available at the library to aid and assist individuals doing genealogical research every Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The service is free and no appointment is necessary. The Archivist and reference staff will be happy to help you any time during regular library hours.
Internet Resources
When using the Internet for genealogy, it is important to consider the source. There is often no way to tell if the information has been properly researched and accurately documented. You may want to view this information as simply a starting place for your own research adventure.
Here are a few good starting places for genealogy research on the Web:
Christine's Genealogical Website
Resources and information for African American genealogy research.
See also the library's downloadable bookmark listing online and organizational resources for tracing African American
family history.
Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites
Compiled by Cyndi Howells, Cyndi's list
is one of the most comprehensive
genealogy sites. See the
Illinois section for links to
online vital records, newspapers,
immigration records, and more.
Ellis Island Records
Free access to the Ellis Island records; genealogy research tips and free downloadable charts and forms
to organize your family history research.
Family Search
The Church of Latter Day Saints
maintains this useful genealogy site. Among other things, it provides research tips and free access to the 1880 U.S. Census data.
Illinois Department of Vital Records
Search by county the Illinois Deparment of Health Database records for birth, adoption, marriage, divorce and
death records. Years of coverage vary.
Illinois Historic
Preservation Agency, formerly known as the Illinois State Historical Library.
Repository for materials relating to the history and people of Illinois.
Illinois Trails
A non-profit organization dedicated to providing free access to genealogical and historical records online.
National Park Service Database
of Civil War Soldier Records
Names and other basic information from the 6.3 million records of the National Archives about Civil War soldiers and sailors from both sides.
RootsWeb: Knox County, Illinois
Part of the US GenWeb project, this site
provides links to many resources
for genealogy research.
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Galesburg Public Library, 40 East Simmons Street, Galesburg, IL 61401; Telephone (309)343-6118.
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Updated July 14, 2008.