How to get information from an old Illinois newspaper... http://www.state.il.us/hpa/lib/#NEWSPAPERS [and other spots on the same web site] Newspapers 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. The Library's newspaper collection has been cataloged through the nationwide program funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Researchers may borrow newspapers on microfilm through interlibrary loan. Also see our Newspaper Search Policy. Interlibrary Loan Newspaper microfilm and some books may be borrowed on interlibrary loan. Requests may be made on OCLC or ALA loan request forms. The Library is a member of ILLINET and the Rolling Prairie Library System; holdings information is available through Rolling Prairie Library System online catalog, ILLINET Online, and on OCLC. Photographs, films, microfiche, manuscripts, and Lincoln materials are not available for loan. NEWSPAPER SEARCH POLICY Since our newspapers are not indexed, all search requests must include specific information for a search to be performed. Those specifics include the full name(s), exact date (day, month, and year), and exact location (city and county) of the occurrence. If such information is unavailable and you live in the continental United States, you may borrow newspaper microfilm on interlibrary loan through your local library to do your own research. Each search consists of looking for articles on one occurrence (obituary notice, birth announcement, marriage announcement, etc.) for one person. Each letter must be accompanied by a self addressed, stamped, business sized envelope. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Illinois State Historical Library. A response will be sent for successful and unsuccessful searches. Do not send a second letter until you have received a response to your first. Illinois Residents: A non refundable copy fee of $1.00 must accompany each letter. Each letter must be limited to no more than two (2) search requests. Non Illinois Residents: A non refundable fee of $10.00 per search must accompany each search request. Each letter is limited to no more than four (4) search requests. Cheryl Rothwell clrothwell@mindspring.com