The Irad offices are reopening! don't forget the link to their global database search: http://www.sos.state.il.us/GenealogyMWeb/globsrch.html IRAD at Northeastern Illinois University to Reopen on February 14, 2006 The Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD), located at the Ronald Williams Library at Northeastern Illinois University, will be temporarily closed until February 14, 2006 due to a fire that occurred at the library. The fire occurred on the evening of November 28th in the lower level mechanical room of the library. No one was injured and the fire was quickly extinguished. Illinois State ArchivesÂ’ staff have inspected the IRAD collection housed at the library and is pleased to report that there was no damage to any of the local government records stored in the library. Over the past couple of months, the library building has undergone extensive professional cleaning and repairs. Ronald Williams Library is now scheduled to reopen on February 14, 2006. The regional depository at Northeastern Illinois University will also reopen on February 14, 2006. Our depository staff will begin working on a backlog of requests that were received while the library facilities were closed. We ask for your patience and understanding for any delays in responding to requests resulting from this backlog. Recarpeting portions of the Illinois Regional Archives Depository on the Lower Level of the library will not be completed until mid-March due to special demands of compact shelving. Access to the IRAD collection will be somewhat limited until this work is finished. Researchers wishing to visit the depository during this period are encouraged to call ahead before planning a visit. The telephone number for IRAD at Northeastern Illinois University is (773) 442-4506. Ellen Plourde http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~opindex/