The Harold Weary Genealogy Room
The genealogy and local history collection of the Mount Prospect Public Library offers many resources for researching family and local history. Below is a brief description of the kinds of materials that are available.
Finding Aids
Most genealogy materials are listed in the library’s catalog. Those items in the genealogy room have “GS” in front of the call number. On the lower shelf in the northeast corner of the room are several black binders that list what is available under different subjects. Also included here are detailed indexes of some census microfilm rolls, lists of microfilm and microfiche holdings, and a list of periodical holdings. Next to the binders is a beige plastic box that includes alphabetically arranged index cards with the periodical titles and pamphlet file subject headings.
Books
Along the east wall are the circulating books. Included are general and more specialized guides and resources. These materials may be checked out. Along the south and in the southwest corner are the Reference books. These are marked “GS/R” and may only be used in the library. There is a small separate collection of circulating and Reference books related to Illinois further down the east wall.
Periodicals
A variety of genealogy periodicals are shelved in maroon boxes along part of the west wall and along the north wall. They are arranged using a special numbering system. The index cards in the plastic beige box indicate which number is associated with each periodical title. A listing of all the genealogy periodicals is available in a binder on the same shelf as the beige box and at the Reference Desk.
Pamphlet File
In cabinets just below the periodical shelves along the north wall are miscellaneous brochures and handouts. These are filed under different subjects and geographic areas. The subject headings are listed in the beige index box Each file folder has information donated by genealogists that they found helpful in their research. Also in these cabinets are charts, forms, and other free handouts.
Microfiche and Microfilm
In the south half of the room are the microform cabinets. These house the genealogy microfiche and microfilm collection as well as the Daily Herald, Chicago Tribune, Mount Prospect Journal, and Mount Prospect Times microfilm rolls. The microfiche collection includes the Family History catalog, Illinois Marriage Index, back issues of some periodicals and fiche on miscellaneous topics. The microfilm collection includes Chicago City directories and census films. Detailed indexes of some of the census microfilm are found in the black binder finding aids. There are two microform reader/printers available, one in the genealogy room on the north side and one in the southwest corner of the library near the windows. Copies made be made for free.
Local History File
In the cabinets along the south wall under the Reference shelves are files related to various aspects of the history of Mount Prospect and the surrounding area. In the southwest corner under the last Reference shelving range are cabinets housing the Oral History collection. These cabinets are kept locked. Check with the Reference librarian to obtain access to these files.
Computer Access
The Library has subscriptions to many databases including Heritage Quest and Ancestry Library Edition that are accessible at any public Internet computer. Genealogy patrons may sign up to use one of the two computers in the southeast and southwest corners of the genealogy room at the Reference Desk.
Please ask at the Reference Desk for assistance with any of the resources in this room. Happy researching!
Map of the Harold Weary Genealogy and Local History Room
