Research Tools

Search across millions of documents, or narrow your search to one of over 30 specialty databases. A great starting point for researchers at any level.

Explore your family history with the premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices for in-depth genealogical research from 1704 - today.

HeritageQuest provides access to thousands of local and family histories, the complete U.S. Federal Census, Revolutionary War Pension & Bounty Land Warrant Application Files, Freedman's Bank Records, city directories, and more.

Search full-text (text only) local news in the Illinois Times, with coverage from 2003 to the present.

Browse and search the digitized version of the Illinois Times, with coverage from 1975-2014. Available for in-library use only. 

An interactive investment database with information on stocks, mutual funds and ETFs. This database provides independent analysis, charts, portfolio building tools and investment education. Allows for only one user at a time. 

Online access to 4,000+ historical newspapers from the early 1700s into the 2000s. Includes thousands of well-known, regional and state titles to small local newspapers in the United States and other countries.

Get the most out of your Lincoln Library card with video and/or text tutorials for many of the online services we offer. You can also find tutorials on basic computer skills, social media, and more! 

Discover great books for children from kindergarten through grade 8. Browse lists of award-winning titles, or search for books by grade level or Lexile score.