Hello, As some of you may be aware, about a year ago or so, the Illinois State Historical Library suspended their interlibrary loan services and reference and researches services. They did this in anticipation of moving their holdings into the new Abraham Library in Springfield. There has been a delay in the completion of the library (the latest being heating and air conditioning problems) and the Abraham Lincoln Library will not be open until sometime in 2004. Therefore (from the ISHL web site): http://www.state.il.us/HPA/lib/default.htm ******************************* "The Illinois State Historical Library (ISHL) continues to be open to the public for onsite reference and research services: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. underneath the Old State Capitol in downtown Springfield. The ISHL has not moved into its new facility, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. No date has been announced for the start of the move. "The ISHL will RESUME its interlibrary loan services and mail reference and research services on July 7, 2003. "Please continue to visit our website for updated information. Thank you. Kathryn M. Harris, Director" ******************************* This is wonderful news for genealogical researchers. The library's newspaper collection is a true treasure trove. "The Library's 4,900 newspaper titles are preserved on nearly 73,000 microfilm reels. As the mandated newspaper repository in Illinois, the Library holds titles from all 102 counties. Many of the newspapers date from the early and mid-nineteenth century, and more than 300 newspapers are currently received through subscription." Visit their website to find out about the "search" policy and details. http://www.state.il.us/hpa/lib/Microfilm.htm Good Luck, Karima List Administrator Illinois Discussion List (ILROOTS-L) http://www.rootsweb.com/~illinois/Illinoismailinglist3.html Southern Illinois Discussion List (SOIL-L) http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilsoil/welcomeSoil.html Jackson County, IL Discussion List (ILJACKSO-L) http://www.rootsweb.com/~illinois/JacksonCoWelcome.html IL GenWeb Unknown Illinois County Web Site http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilunknow/ --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.501 / Virus Database: 299 - Release Date: 7/14/2003