Genealogy & Reference

Genealogy Clubs

In-house Genealogy

Genealogy Club

The Sandwich Library offers a monthly Genealogy Club that takes place the 4th Wednesday at 6:30pm. Club is drop-in. Learn all sorts of new search techniques and explore your family history with peers. Varying topics are discussion and taught by different genealogists.

*NEW* : Genealogy 1-on-1 Sessions

Make an appointment for a 1-hour session with a genealogist to help you with your genealogical research! Registration is required. Appointments are available to reserve most Mondays at 10:30am or 11:30am.

Email Amy Vidlak-Girmscheid at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 815-786-8308 x212 to request a reservation.

Databases

Online Databases

Ancestry Library Edition | Genealogy resource for birth, marriage, death, military records and more. In-library use only.

Family Search | FamilySearch is a nonprofit family history organization dedicated to connecting families across generations. -FamilySearch.comCreate a free account and explore over 4 billion records, 4745 Family Search Centers worldwide, and 24/7 expert phone support. Create your own family tree, upload photos, create a family booklet and more. Expand your search today!

Local History

In-house Local History Collection

Microfilm

The Sandwich Public Library provides access to microfilm copies of local newspapers spanning from 1878 - 2013. Microfilm may be accessed by the microfilm machine located in the library. If you need assistance to work the machine, please ask library staff. Microfilm may not be checked out for personal use; however, copies of individual pages may be printed for $0.20 per page.

Microfilm Definition: a film bearing a miniature photographic copy of printed or other graphic matter, usually of a document, newspaper or book pages, etc., made for a library, archive, or the like. - dictionary.com

Accessible Copies of Newspapers via Microfilm:

The Sandwich Argus : Nov. 1878 - Oct. 1918	The Tri-County Today : Jun. 1976 - Sept. 1984
The Sandwich Free Press : Jun. 1890 - Jun. 1976	The Sandwich Record : Oct. 1985 - Dec. 2013

Local History Resources

Cyndi's List | Directory of genealogy and history websites. Also includes links for specific Illinois localities.

Dekalb County Illinois Genealogy | Explore local records that include cemetery listings, marriage/birth/death certificates, census information, family trees, newspapers, various organizations and more that will help you discover your ancestry and heritage.

Dekalb County Historical and Genealogical Societies : compiled list of historical and genealogical societies local to DeKalb.

Illinois Death Certificates 1916-1950 | An archive for the retrieval of Illinois death certificates between the years 1916-1950. Can request and order death certificates from this resource. Very useful resource for genealogy research and history.

Illinois Digital Archives | A portal to online exhibits and collections from libraries and museums across the state. A project of the Illinois State Library.

Reference

Have questions about a term paper, research interest, or general information, but can't seem to find the right answer? Let the library help! Your Sandwich Library's Reference and Reader's Services librarian will work with you to find credible, trustworthy, and authoritative information.

Here's how to get the information you need:

Phone: 815-786-8308 x204
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and/or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Reference Desk located in the library.

For larger projects or technology aid, please call to schedule an appointment with the Reference librarian in order to ensure the time and dedication.

Research consultations and appointments are available to everyone. Scheduled appointments are flexible within library work hours.

Library Hours

Catalog

Website