TCGHS Society Library

After almost twenty years, our society's dream of owning our own building came true in the Spring of 1997 when Mrs. Ehrlicher donated the cost of purchasing our building  And, thanks to other donations, we were able to add a new gable roof in May of 2000.  Here's some picture's of the construction. Please stop by to see our new home!

The Society Library is located in the Ehrlicher Research Center at 719 N Eleventh Street in Pekin, Illinois. The library is open Monday 9 am-1 pm, Tuesday 9 am-1 pm & 7-9 pm, Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm, Thursday-Friday 9 am-1 pm, and Sunday 2-4:30 pm central standard time (closed on holidays and holiday weekends). The library is usually staffed with two trained volunteer genealogists.  Since we do depend on volunteers, unexpected closings can occur but are very rare.

Please sign the guest register as you enter the library.  Membership packets are located near the guest register.   Genealogical forms and publications may be purchased from the librarian.

The Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society has been collecting books and materials since 1979.  The volunteers are here to guide you in your onsite research.  Rare or fragile books must be retrieved by our library staff.

We currently have two computers with a shareable printer for our patron's use.  We have a large inventory of CD-ROM's that can be researched.  Internet access is also available.  Computer time is limited to 30 minutes when others are waiting.  Please reserve time at the librarian's desk.   Computer print-outs are 10¢ per sheet.

Several microfiche and microfilm readers are available in the microfilm room, including a state-of-the art Canon MS400 digital reader/printer & laser printer.  For your convenience, a coin box has been added to the reader/printer.  Microfilm copies are 25¢ per sheet.  A list of our holdings is posted in the computer room.

We also have a copy machine for our patron's use.   Copies are 25¢ per sheet.  A container for copy fees is located by the copier.

The Society welcomes gifts of family histories, research aids, church directories, other society's publications, and copies of Bible records, diaries, letters, photos, etc.  The library currently contains over 4000 volumes and is constantly growing.  Some of our many holdings include:

• Local Histories
• Atlases
• Family Histories
• Indexes of Local Family Histories
• Cemetery Books
• Over 200 Newsletters and Quarterlies from other societies
• Church Directories
• County Histories from Illinois Counties
• County Histories from other States
• Genealogical research publications from surrounding counties of McDonough, Fulton, McLean, Mason, Menard, & Peoria
• Surname Card File
• Family Correspondence Files
• Funeral Home Records
• Index to the TCGHS Obituary Collection
• Civil War Records including one of our most prized holdings: The War of the Rebellion. A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, 128 Volumes. Washington. 1882-1900.
• Tazewell County Marriage Records, Indexes 1827-1916
• Tazewell County Newspapers prior to 1926, excluding Pekin
• Tazewell County Birth & Death Records prior to 1916
• Selected Census Records for Illinois and some other states
• Illinois State Marriage Records
• Index to Report of the Adjutant General of Illinois for the Civil War
• Illinois Veterans Commission Honor Roll (Sangamon-Woodford Counties)
• Encyclopedia of American Genealogy by Hinshaw
• Naturalization records

We'll keep growing to serve you better!  Please stop by when you're in the area.  Do not hesitate to ask for assistance.  We want your visit to be profitable.