Peoria Public Library - Local History Collection

July 11 at 10:30am - Join the Peoria Public Library Local History and Genealogy Collection for a full day of learning about using military records for family history research with a bonus lecture on writing and publishing your family history. Offered at the Lakeview Branch Library on July 11, 2026, beginning at 10:30am, the Peoria PublicLibrary welcomes one of the country's leading military family history researchers and lecturers, Craig Roberts Scott, MA, CG®, FUGA, for a full day of practical and engaging sessions.

Along with his extensive research and teaching experience, Craig is also a writer, publisher, and owner of Heritage Books. He will present three lectures on records and sources that can help participants identify and research their military ancestors, and the day will conclude with a question-and-answer session on writing and publishing family history materials. Lunch will be on your own, and guests are welcome to attend all or part of the day. This event is FREE and open to the public.

To register for this FREE workshop visit

Family History Workshop - America 250 We’re excited to welcome one of the country’s leading military family history researchers and lecturers, Craig Roberts Scott, MA, CG®, FUGA, for a full day of practical and engaging sessions. Along with his extensive research and teaching experience, Craig is also a writer, publisher, and owner...

Honor the stories of Central Illinois veterans and heroes at the opening of Central Illinois Heroes Who Answered the Call, a new Peoria Historical Society America 250 exhibit. Join us Saturday, May 16 from 1–3 PM at the Peoria Public Library Main Library as we celebrate the local individuals and military units who shaped our nation’s history. The exhibit is free and open to the public through June 6.

Don't forget that Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 10 - but if you do, find a local store giving free gifts to Mom and take her there! See ads like this one from May 1959 by using NewsBank at the Library (or at home if you have a Peoria Public Library card!).

Remember when we could only mail our tax returns? You may not have to make a trip to the post office anymore, but you do have to meet tomorrow's deadline.

Photo from April 16, 1981 Peoria Journal Star

This unusual picture passed as an April Fool's joke in 1964! How do we know? We discovered such a dubious prank by searching our newly available online access to the Peoria Journal Star. With the help of the Friends of Peoria Public Library, the Peoria PublicLibrary now offers digital access to the Peoria Journal Star back to 1951. Come to the library and use our public computers, or explore from home if you have a Peoria Public Library card!