The Algonquin Library offers many resources to help you with genealogical research. We offer a number of online resources along with materials that you can check out. We can also help you locate obituaries, or if you need more personal assistance, you may also contact one of our trained genealogy librarians for a 30 minute consultation.
Additional Resources
For additional resources and guidance, please visit our genealogy blog.





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Algonquin Area Obituaries Index
Search for obituaries appearing in the Algonquin/LITH Countryside and Northwest Herald newspapers.
America’s Obituaries and Death Notices (HeritageHub)
HeritageHub provides access to hundreds of years of obituaries and death notices from thousands of newspapers across the United States. Click here to learn how to use HeritageHub
Ancestry: Library Edition
A comprehensive source of information for genealogical and local history research, with access to billions of records in more than 3,000 databases.
Archive Grid
Search historical collections held by thousands of archives, libraries, museums and historical societies around the world.
Chicago Tribune 1849 - 1998
This historical newspaper provides genealogists, researchers and scholars with online, easily-searchable first-hand accounts and unparalleled coverage of the politics, society and events of the time.
Chicagoland News
Research topics in business, education, politics and more from over 200 Illinois news sources, including Chicago Sun-Times, Crain’s Chicago Business, Daily Herald, Northwest Herald, Algonquin Countryside.
Digital Past
This collection features books and pamphlets, photographs, and maps related to the history of Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, and McHenry County. Each book includes a text transcription and is fully searchable by keyword.
FamilySearch
One of the largest digital repositories of genealogical records from around the world including census, naturalization, and vital records.
Findmypast
Discover your global ancestors by searching millions of records across the world. Delve through records from Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Ireland in one place.
Fold3
Provides convenient access to US military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served.
HeritageQuest Online
Indexed, full-image census records from 1790-1930 make genealogy research easier than ever before!
Illinois Digital Archives
Books, pamphlets, photographs, and maps related to the history of Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and McHenry County. All featured titles are held in the possession of the Algonquin Area Public Library.
New York Times Online
Enjoy complimentary 72 hour access to NewYorkTimes.com. Click this link, click REDEEM, create an account, and read away. Access also includes over 150 years of archives through the TimesMachine. Mobile version available after account is created.
Newspapers.com - World Collection
Newspapers.com is the largest online newspaper archive consisting of 300+ million pages of historical newspapers from 8,400+ newspapers from around the United States and beyond.
U.S. Major Daily News
Search full-text articles, classifieds, obituaries, marriage notices, and more from the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and WSJ Magazine (dates vary).