Online Research: Genealogy

The Bensenville Community Public Library subscribes to a variety of online research products and databases that offer up-to-date, reliable information on a wide range of topics, including: genealogy, business, history, homework help, auto repairs, and more.

All of our searchable resources are available for use in the library or from home. Hover over the images below to see a description about each database. You may also narrow or filter your search by clicking on our list of research subjects.

• For some resources, you may be asked to enter the 14-digit barcode (starting with 21437…) on the back of your Bensenville Community Public Library card, along with your PIN number. Need help? Please call us at (630) 766-4642.

Ancestry Library Edition provides access to billions of historical documents, millions of historical photos, plus local narratives, oral histories, indexes and other resources spanning from the 1500s to the 2000s.

Full-text articles to support research in history and genealogy and lesson plans to support student learning.

The Illinois Digital Archives is a repository for the digital collections of the Illinois State Library as well as other libraries and cultural institutions in the State of Illinois.

Provides digital access to the archives of hundreds of Chicagoland newspapers. Includes full-page digital editions of The Daily Southtown and the Chicago Sun Times.

More Resources:

AfriGeneas: African Ancestor Genealogy – System of genealogy resources for researching African related ancestry.

Ancestry.com – Online resource for tracing family history; more than 500 million names contained in the collection of online genealogical databases.

Cyndi’s List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet – Largest index of links to genealogy resources on the internet.

DuPageCounty Genealogical Society – An incorporated, 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 1974. Provides education for genealogists, and assists in preserving and making available local records of genealogical interest.

Family Search Internet Genealogy Service – Extensive site from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

JewishGen: The Home of Jewish Genealogy – The primary internet source for researchers of Jewish genealogy; its components include the JewishGen Discussion Group and the JewishGen Family Finder.

The Mayflower Web Pages – Find information about family members who came over on the Mayflower here.

National Archives and Records Administration – Official government site; search for documents here.

ROOTS-L – Compile information from ROOTS-L, a mailing list for people who are interested in genealogy.

U.S. GenWeb Project – Links to state and county websites for genealogical information.

Research Subjects

Narrow and filter your search