Click on any of the lists below to see our staff's all time favorites in these categories. You can also get a list of personalized reading recommendations by visiting Books Just for You.

Fiction and Nonfiction By Subject (or A to Z):

55+ 55+ Adult Fiction for Teens Adult Fiction for Teens From Novel to Graphic Tale African American Fiction African American Male Authors African American Women Authors Classic African American Fiction Street Lit Animal Fiction Books for Dog Lovers If you like Lillian Jackson Braun, try these.. Audiobooks Celebrity Memoirs Read by the Author Hit the Road: Audiobooks Tales for Two: Stories for Your Road Trip Books on Screen Best Selling Books Turned Into Movies Christian Fiction The Plain People Historical Fiction Bugles & Battles: Series about War Civil War in Fact and Fiction Historical Mysteries: 1920s-1950s Historical Mysteries: America Historical Suspense If you liked The Other Boleyn Girl.. It's Dark in Here! Mysteries Noir Novels About WWI Novels Based on Real Crimes Novels Based On Real People Novels of World War II Revisit Jane Austen's World Westerns for People Who Don't Like Westerns World War II Homefront Holiday Christmas Mysteries Christmas Stories Halloween Mysteries Thanksgiving Mysteries In the Kitchen Foodie Fiction International Locales Amore in Italy British Chick Lit Gaelic Mysteries If you liked The Other Boleyn Girl, try these.. Indian Authors Irish Tales It's Dark in Here! Mysteries Noir Latin & Central American Authors Mysteries: Dateline Africa Newer Books of the Middle East Revisit Jane Austen's World Literary Fiction Best of the Banned Books Black Humor Fiction Classic African American Fiction Latin & Central American Authors Love, Loss and Family Man Booker Prize 1977-2007 South Asian Authors Unique Literary Fiction Location, Location Amore in Italy Chicago Fiction European Mysteries Gaelic Mysteries Historical Mysteries: America Irish Tales Irish Suspense Mysteries: Dateline Africa Mysteries Set in Las Vegas Novels Set in Las Vegas Scandinavian Crime Fiction

Mystery Classic Tales of Mystery and Suspense European Mysteries Gaelic Mysteries Halloween Mysteries Historical Mysteries: 1920s-1950s Historical Mysteries: America If you like Brad Thor, try these... If you like Janet Evanovich, try these... If you like Lillian Jackson Braun, try these... It's Dark in Here! Mysteries Noir Mysteries: Dateline Africa Mysteries Can be Funny Too Mysteries Set in Florida Murder in an English Village Popular Mystery and Suspense Series Scandinavian Crime Fiction Short Stories of Mystery and Suspense Thanksgiving Mysteries Thrilling Short Stories of Mystery and Suspense Readalikes Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver Cedar Cove Readalikes Downton Abbey Readalikes Gone Girl Readalikes Harry Bosch Readalikes The Help by Kathryn Stockett (reading map) Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford If you like Brad Thor, try these.. If you like Janet Evanovich, try these.. If you like Lillian Jackson Braun, try these.. If you like Nicholas Sparks, try these.. If you liked 50 Shades of Grey, try these.. If you liked The Other Boleyn Girl, try these.. Revisit Jane Austen's World Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen Romance & Love Stories Amore in Italy British Chick Lit Cedar Cove Readalikes Chick Lit If you liked 50 Shades of Grey, try these.. Revisit Jane Austen's World Romantic Suspense Science Fiction Welcome to Dystopia Sports Fiction Fairway Fiction Round the Bases Summer Reads Beach Reads 2012 Summer Reading for Men Summer Reading for Men 2013 Summer Reading for Women 2013 Suspense/Thriller Classic Tales of Mystery and Suspense Crimes from the Past Historical Suspense Legal Thrillers Medical Thrillers Novels Based on Real Crimes Political Intrigue Popular Mystery and Suspense Series Psychological Suspense Romantic Suspense Short Stories of Mystery and Suspense Taken: Novels That Hold You Hostage Trade Comics From Novel to Graphic Tale Women's Fiction Cedar Cove Readalikes Favorite Book Club Selections Gentle Reads If you like Nicholas Sparks, try these... Issue-Driven Women's Fiction Mitford Series Read-alikes More Gentle Reads

Nonfiction

Our favorite books about...

• American History
• Biographies of Royal Women
• Budget Cooking
• Chicago Baseball
• Civil War in Fact and Fiction
• Cooking
• Cooking Memoirs and More
• Crafting
• Hospitals, Hope and Heroes
• In Their Own Voices: Celebrity Memoirs Read by the Author
• Investing & Personal Finance
• Laugh Out Loud Stories
• The Lives of Presidential Wives
• Memoirs
• Memoirs of People Overcoming Adversity
• More True Adventure
• Non-Fiction Summer Reading for Men
• Presidential Biographies
• Recent Books on the Civil War
• Travel Memoirs
• True Adventure
• True Crime

*Reading maps are a way to explore a book further. Find related books, movies, music and websites. For example, if you enjoyed the circus background of Water for Elephants, check out the list of books involving the circus.

Shirley Jensen, reference librarian and the selector of the magazine and newspaper collection, welcomes you to come in and browse our magazines on a variety of topics. Older issues of magazines can be checked out for two weeks.

Magazines A - Z Magazines by Subject Teen Magazines Kids Magazines Regional Magazines Union List of Serials - magazine, newspaper, and other local library periodical holdings Zinio E-magazines

Watch these specially selected movies with other film fans and join a lively staff-led discussion. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., movie starts at 7:00 p.m., except for bonus movies. Register online, at the Readers Services Desk or call 630/887-8760 ext. 239 for more information. Browse our list of past movie discussion guides.

Upcoming Movies

Find your next great movie by browsing through one of our Movie Lists of All Time Faves for recommended films. Suggest a topic by emailing the library at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Databases l Elementary & High School l College l Continuing Education l Educational & Vocational Testing

 

Databases

Educator’s Reference Complete is a selection of more than 450 full-text academic journals, hundreds of full-text reports, and many premier reference sources. Included content focuses on educational principles, child development and psychology, and best practices in education.

ERIC contains magazine articles on education topics.

Job & Career Accelerator is a resource to explore occupation profiles, build a resume and cover letter, and search for jobs. Sign up for a monthly newsletter to receive job search tips. Also contains tutorials for Microsoft Office products, Windows and Mac operating systems, Adobe Photoshop, and more.

LearningExpressLibrary contains complete online interactive practice tests for the ACT, SAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, and many career tests. Also, includes skill improvement tests for elementary, middle, and high school students. Tutorials for Microsoft Office products, Windows and Mac operating systems, Adobe Photoshop, and more.

 

Elementary & High School

Choosing The Right School

Area Schools
A directory of public and private schools in our area.

Chicago Tribune School Rankings
View the top Chicago area elementary and high schools based on test scores. DATABASE SEARCH: Enter an address to find schools within 20 miles ranked by test score, class size, etc.

Digest of Education Statistics
Find statistics from 1990 to the present on schools and libraries in America.

DuPage Regional Office of Education
Provides information for job fairs and educational institutes.

Education Corner
Links to over 145,000 Education sites covering early childhood to college to adult continuing education.

Interactive Illinois Report Card from Northern Illinois University
A Northern Illinois University and Illinois State Board of Education cooperative site which contains standardized assessment scores, funding information, and other evaluative information on elementary, middle and high schools in Illinois.

GED

GED Testing - College of Dupage
COD offers GED preparation, GED testing, and college courses all in one location.

Homeschooling

Homeschool Resources
Check out this list of resources that Kids & Teens have compiled

Teachers and Educators

Illinois Association of School Administrators
Links to job openings and information about teacher certification.

Illinois Certification Testing System
Free downloadable study guides for Illinois teacher certification tests.

Illinois State Board of Education
Provides links for school report cards, teaching/education job openings, and teacher certification.

Teacher Resources
A list of resources for teachers.

 

College

Choosing a College

Brain Track
Most complete online directory of the world's universities and colleges.

College Board
Search for colleges, financial aid, and college entrance exams and test dates.

IIE Passport Study Abroad Directories
Find out about international study options from the Institute of International Education. Contains information about universities and private institutions that sponsor education abroad programs for U.S. students and adult learners.

Illinois Board of Higher Education
Find college degree programs throughout Illinois by searching for institution type and degree programs, with subject/geographic limits.

Institute of Education Sciences (IES) College Navigator
The National Center for Education Statistics provides information about colleges and universities across the U.S.

Peterson's Open Choices
Links to colleges, financial aid sources, test preparation, and online college applications.

Princeton Review Best 361 College Rankings
View 62 rankings lists, organized into 8 categories, based on student feedback.

U.S. News and World Report - Education
U.S. News' annual rankings of graduate and undergraduate programs plus information on colleges and financial aid.

Financial Aid

College Illinois Prepaid Tuition Program
Information on the prepaid tuition program administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

EduLender.com
Compare student loan interest rates.

FastWEB.com
Offers free searches to some 400,000 scholarships.

Federal Student Aid
Apply online for student financial aid through the U.S. Department of Education web site. Fill out the FAFSA online.

Textbooks

Amazon.com
Do not overlook this well-known bookseller when searching for affordable new and used textbooks.

Bigwords.com
Another vendor with inexpensive books.

DealOz.com
Search over 500 online stores (including Amazon and Half.com) at once for the best prices on books.

Half.com by eBay This site boasts great deals on textbooks.

 

Continuing Education

Back to College
Resources include information about where to get discount textbooks, career planning, financial aid, scholarships, and online degrees.

ChicagoLearningGuide.com
A directory of professional, personal, and recreational classes for the Chicago area.

College of Dupage Continuing Education Program
Learn about the wealth of continuing education classes offeres by COD.

Local Computer Classes from Indian Prairie Public Library
View descriptions of the library's computer classes.

Lyons Township Adult and Continuing Education
Lyons Township High School offers many courses for adults. View the current catalog.

 

Educational & Vocational Testing

ACT: American College Testing
College entrance exam

DAT: Dental Admission Test
Measures general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability for admission to dental school.

GMAT: Graduate Managment Admission Test
GMAT evaluates applicants from many educational backgrounds for business schools.

GRE: Graduation Record Examination
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking and analytical writing skills for graduate school admissions.

LSAT: Law School Admission Test
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a half-day standardized test required for admission to all ABA–approved law schools, most Canadian law schools, and many non–ABA–approved law schools.

MCAT: Medical College Admission Test
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess the examinee's problem solving, critical thinking, writing skills, and knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine.

NCLEX-RN/PN: National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses/Practical Nurses
An exam used in licensing nurses.

Praxis: Teacher Certification Tests
The Praxis Series™ assessments provide educational tests and other services that states use as part of their teacher licensure and certification process.

SAT Scholastic Aptitude Test
Nearly every college in America accepts the SAT or Subject Tests as a part of its admissions process.

TOFEL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
The TOEFL test is the most widely accepted English-language test in the world.

Databases | Websites | Literacy Computer | English Conversation Group | Volunteer | Local Classes & Tutors | Life Skills Collection

 

LEARN: Libraries English and Reading Network
Provides information on resources in the western suburbs of Chicago for ESL students, tutors, and librarians who purchase ESL materials.

 

Databases

Mango Languages is a language-learning system for foreign languages and ESL.

 

Websites

• Dictionaries
• General
• Grammar and Writing
• Listening, Understanding, and Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Online ESL Journals and Magazines
• ESL Sites for Instructors
• TumbleBooks

Dictionaries

Dictionary.com
Online dictionary, thesaurus, grammar, usage & style, and writing resource.

Glossaries by Language
A wide variety of bilingual dictionaries and topical glossaries categorized by language.

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
Provides a free online dictionary, thesaurus, audio pronunciations, word of the day, word games, and other English language resources.

General

Dave's ESL Cafe on the Web
Helpful pages on idioms, slang, test preparation advice, and links to other ESL websites.

EnglishClub.com
Lessons, games, quizzes, forums, chat, lesson plans, jobs, & more for ESL learners & teachers.

Karin's ESL Partyland
This site has over 75 interactive quizzes, 15 discussion forums, interactive lessons on a variety of topics, a chat room, and lots of great links.

Ohio ESL
English student resources from Ohio University including grammar, reading, writing, listening, speaking, special topics, and additional resources.

TOEFL
The official website for the Test of English as a Foreign Language.

Grammar & Writing

Activities for ESL Students
This website has over 1,000 activities to help study English as a Second Language including quizzes, tests, exercises, and puzzles.

Chomp Chomp: Grammar Bytes
This site, created by a community college instructor, includes terms, interactive exercises (with answers/explanations), handouts, and guidelines for quickly improving grammar ability. Appropriate for both GED students and instructors.

Funbrain
Review math facts or parts of speech. Includes many interactive, online games to practice basic math and language arts concepts.

Grammar Handbook from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Provides explanations and illustrations of the basic grammatical rules concerning parts of speech, phrases, clauses, sentences and sentence elements, and common problems of usage.

OWL: English as a Second Language (ESL) Resources, Handouts, and Exercises
Includes various materials for English as a Second Language (ESL) students and teachers, which include resource pages, handouts, and exercises as well as links to over 60 additional grammar-related handouts and exercises.

Self-Study Quizzes for ESL Students
A very large collection of quizzes for English study.

UsingEnglish.com
This site has numerous detailed handouts and quizzes for all levels of English grammar--from beginner to advanced. Many are in PDF format and most include answer sheets.

Listening, Understanding & Speaking

Phonetics Flash Animation Project
Created at the University of Iowa, this site contains animated libraries of the phonetic sounds of Spanish and English. It is intended for students of phonetics, linguistics, and foreign language.

Reading Comprehension

CNN Interactive Learning Resources
Great adult literacy site provided by CNN. Read, view, or listen to current news stories. Includes reading and vocabulary activities with each story.

The New York Times Learning Network
Current event stories, quizzes, crossword puzzles, and other vocabulary and knowledge building resources for students, parents, and instructors.

Online ESL Journals & Magazines

English Teaching Forum
English Teaching Forum is an online quarterly journal published by the U.S. Department of State for teachers of English as a foreign or second language. The website contains articles from issues of the Forum dating back to 1993.

The Internet TESL: For Teachers of English as a Foreign Language
A monthly, online journal for ESL teachers that contains lesson ideas, conversation questions, as well as links for students.

Topics: An Online Magazine for Learners of English
In this online magazine "learners of English as a second language express their ideas and opinions on topics of interest to them." It features accounts of international foods, festivals, dances, superstitions, proverbs, and more. Also includes a description of class projects from around the world.

ESL Sites for Instructors

Center for Adult English Language Acquisitions
Focuses its efforts on literacy education for adults learning English as a second language. Major content is the ERIC Digests--concise articles on topics relevant to adult ESL literacy instruction.

Literacy Connections
Provides a wealth of information on reading, teaching and tutoring techniques, ESL literacy, and adult literacy.

National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy
"A federally funded research and development center focused solely on adult learning. NCSALL's efforts are dedicated to improving practice in educational programs that serve adults with limited literacy and English language skills, and those without a high school diploma."

National Institute for Literacy
Highlights outstanding adult education and literacy-related sites on the World Wide Web.

ProLiteracy Worldwide
A nonprofit international literacy organization that was formed by the 2002 merger of Laubach Literacy International and Literacy Volunteers of America.

 

Learn English on a Computer!

If you would like to make an appointment for one-on-one instruction to learn how to use software available on the Literacy Computer, call Joe Popowitch at 630/887-8760 ext. 240, or stop by the Ask Us Desk on the first floor.

Software programs include:

• Accent Coach English Pronunciation Trainer
• Learn to Speak English v. 8.1
• Let's Talk English Vocabulary and Pronunciation: Interactive Skill Builder
• Reading Horizons
• Ultimate Phonics Reading Program

The Adult Services computer literacy program includes:

• One-on-one computer instruction (by appointment)
• Communication Skills
• Grammar
• Pronunciation
• Reading

*The computer was purchased using funds from the Illinois State Library under the federally funded Library Service & Technology Act (LSTA).

 

English Conversation Group

Practice your English pronunciation and conversation skills guided by a volunteer from Literacy DuPage. The English Conversation Group meets at the library on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 10 a.m.-noon.

Call cosponsor Literacy DuPage at 630/416-6699 for details.

 

Volunteer

You can make a difference by volunteering some of your time. The groups that help teach English in our area are constantly in need of volunteers. An hour or two each week could go a long way toward helping someone learn English or learn to read. The following groups are currently looking for volunteers:

• College of DuPage's People Educating People (PEP) Volunteers

• Literacy DuPage

• Literacy Volunteers of Western Cook County

• Morton College's Project CARE

• School on Wheels

 

Life Skills Collection

The Life Skills Collection helps people learning to read, speak, and understand English. The collection offers materials for both students and tutors and includes the following topics: English as a Second Language (ESL), grammar, reading comprehension, pronunciation, business English, vocabulary, culture and more. For questions or suggestions, please contact Joe Popowitch at the Adult Desk at 630/887-8760 ext. 240.

Materials in the Collection

• Books, CDs, CD-ROMs, & DVDs
• Newspapers: News for You and Elizabeth Claire's Easy English News
  
• Tumblebooks
• World Book Online
  Includes information on employment, health, transportation, etc. After entering your library card number, click on "World Book Discover" at the right. Next, click on "Go to the Life Skills Center" under the "Life Skills" section along the left.

Recommended Resources

• Literacy DuPage's
• Literacy Volunteers of Western Cook County's
  

Brochures

• Life Skills for Your Job
• Espanol

Genealogy Group | Databases |General Sites | lllinois & Chicago Resources | Immigration Records | Naturalization Records | Death & Cemetery Records | Obituary Index

Beginner's Genealogy Class

FamilySearch

Find a Grave

National Center for Health Statistics—Where to Write for Vital Records

USGenWeb Project

RootsWeb WorldConnect Project

Ancestry Library Edition

 

Genealogy Group

Local genealogists share their tips on doing research. The group meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 1 - 3 p.m. View the 2013 schedule. If you are unable to attend a meeting, check the IPGG blog for copies of handouts from the programs.

 

Databases

Ancestry Library Edition is a premier genealogy resource. Includes U.S. Census records, immigration files, plus much more. In library use only.

Chicago Area Newspapers contains the full text of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1986 to the present, plus The Doings, Suburban Life, Daily Herald, SouthtownStar, and much more.

Chicago Tribune contains the full text of the Chicago Tribune from 1849 to present. Search all of the Tribune, choose the historical newspapers to search 1849-1987, or choose Chicago Tribune to search 1985 to present. Another option is to limit search to obituaries.

Chicago Tribune Historical Archives contains the full text of the Chicago Tribune from 1849 to 1985. Browse front pages by date, search obituaries by name, and explore the news archive by date, era, or presidency.

HeritageQuest Online is a genealogy and local history collection with access to the federal census 1790-1930, PERSI, Revolutionary War files, Freedman's Bank Records, and more.

 

General Sites

AfriGeneas
Census records, slave data, and other sources for those researching ancestors of African descent.

Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com has over 2,500 genealogical databases available. Some of the databases are free; others are part of Ancestry's subscription service. Many of the subscription databases are available at the library through Ancestry Library Edition.

Family Search
A genealogist's must! Free access to thousands of resources--including digitized records.

National Archives
Visit the National Archives' genealogy page for information about its census, naturalization, immigration, and military records.

Genuki: UK and Ireland Genealogy
Use Genuki to research your English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh ancestors.

Linkpendium
Links to over nine million U.S. genealogical resources arranged by state and surname.

NCHS - Where to Write for Vital Records
Use the National Center for Health Statistics' free website to find out how to order vital records (birth, death, marriage).

JewishGen ShtetlSeeker Search the database containing the names of all the localities of Central and Eastern Europe; plus localities of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Great resource for people researching Eastern European ancestors.

USGenWebProject
A great site for the "armchair" genealogist, the USGenWeb volunteer maintained websites offer genealogical resources at the county level such as historical societies, county marriage records and cemeteries.

 

Illinois & Chicagoland Resources

Computer-Assisted Genealogy Group of Northern Illinois
Check out great genealogy tips, links and a guide to regional genealogy library resources around the Chicago area.

Cook County Genealogy Online
Search for birth certificates (75 years or older), marriage licenses (50 years or older) and death certificates (20 years or older). Free registration required.

DuPage County (IL) Genealogical Society
Search a variety of genelogical databases for DuPage County.

Illinois State Archives Online Databases
Search across databases including statewide marriages, military records and land sales.

Linkpendium-Illinois Genealogy and Family History
Check out hundreds of Illinois and county-specific genealogical websites.

A Look at Cook
Indexes Cook County censuses from 1870-1940, including enumeration distritcts for the 1930 census. Also links to the Chicago Historical Society's Polk directories for 1928-1929 and 1909 and 1911 Chicago street name changes.

Newberry Library
Before you visit the Newberry, read about their genealogy resources and collection guides.

 

Immigration & Ship Passenger Records

AncestorsonBoard.com
The U.K. National Archives and findmypast.com have partnered to create a free index to 30 million outbound passenger lists from 1890-1960. You must pay to view the transcript and digital image of the passenger record.

Ancestry Library Edition
(In library use only) Explore Ancestry Library Edition’s “Immigration & Travel Collection.” Useful databases in the collection include "New York Passenger Lists," "Border Crossings: From Canada to U.S.," and " Passenger Ships and Images", plus much more.

Die MAUS: Family History and Genealogical Society of Bremen--Bremen Passenger Lists
Search the 3,017 departure records from Bremen for 1920--1939--all other lists from Bremen were destroyed in WW II. The Bremen Lists also contain the names of many Slovak immigrants.

Library and Archives Canada
Explore the Canadian Archives' digitized passenger lists from 1865 to 1935. Lists are organized by port and date of arrival. These lists are also available through Ancestry Library Edition which allows you to search the lists by name.

CastleGarden.org
Search eleven million records of immigrants who passed through the U.S.’s first official immigration center from 1820 to 1892.

Danish Emigration Archives
Emigration records were compiled by the Copenhagen Police from 1869-1940 to combat scams perpetrated against emigrants. The database includes transcriptions of 394,000 records from 1869 to 1908.

Digital Resources Netherlands and Belgium
Select Passenger Lists from the left side menu for links to free websites of departure lists from the Netherlands and Belgium. The lists are divided into records up to 1736 and after 1736.

Ellis Island
View images of ship records to discover where your ancestors emigrated from, who they traveled with, and who was meeting them at their destination. For an easy one-page search form, also try searching the Ellis Island Database in one step.

FamilySearch.org
Scroll down the home page and select "United States" records then search the “Migration & Naturalization" collection.

Find Your Roots in Germany
Select “Passenger Lists” from the menu for a comprehensive guide to online and print sources, including the Bremen and Hamburg lists.

German Roots
Click on “Emigration & Immigration Records” for a detailed list of ports and their records, tips on finding records offline as well as a wonderful introduction to NARA’s passenger lists holdings. The site has many helpful links for German genealogical sources.

Immigrant Ships Transcribers Guild
Search over 5,000 ship passenger lists by date, ship name, port of arrival and by surname.

National Archives
Visit NARA's genealogy page to discover what immigration records NARA owns including ship passenger lists.

Norway Heritage
Provides information on ships, passenger departure lists from 1825 to 1925, and passenger arrivals published in U.S. newspapers.

Olive Tree Genealogy
Search over 2, 500 transcribed ship passenger lists for free.

The Ships List
Locate passenger lists as well as information about steamship lines.

Naturalization Records

Ancestry Library Edition
(In library use only) Explore Ancestry Library Edition’s “Immigration & Travel Collection.” Useful databases in the collection include "Citizenship & Naturalization," "Passenger Lists," and "U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925."

FamilySearch
Scroll down the home page and select "United States" records then search the “Migration & Naturalization" collection.

National Archives
Learn more about the naturalization process as well as what citizenship records are available through NARA and its regional facilities.

Online Searchable Naturalization Indexes and Records
The German Roots website provides an excellent guide to understanding and locating naturalization records.

Roots Web’s Guide to Tracing Family Trees: Pledging Allegiance: Naturalization Records
Provides helpful background on the history and process of naturalization records.

United States Citizenship and Information Services
The USCIS has naturalization files from 1906 to 1956. Download the Genealogy brochure for information on how to request records.

Death & Cemetery Records

Cass Cemetery
Search the Cass Cemetery records online.

Find a Grave
Search the non-famous database of over 16 million volunteer-transcribed records by surname or by cemetery. Entries include name, birth and death dates, and possibly a photo of the deceased. Icons indicate if someone has added notes or virtual flowers to the gravesite.

FuneralNet
Use this site to locate existing funeral homes and cemeteries. You may also find obituaries that a funeral home may have uploaded to the site.

Interment.net
Search records of 1,800 cemeteries worldwide by location or by burial record. Also has links to obituaries online.

Legacy
Search the last 30 days of obituaries taken from 800 U.S. newspapers for free.

ObitsArchive.com
Free indexes to U.S. newspaper obituaries. You can pay to view the full text of the obituary or inquire at the Ask Us Desk about borrowing microfilm of the newspaper containing the obituary.

Online Searchable Death Indexes and Records (USA)
Handy directory to websites with online death indexes.

RootsWeb Cemetery Records
Search over 900,000 cemetery records by surname only, or limit the surname search by first name and/or location.

RootsWeb Obituary Daily Times
Volunteers "adopt" a newspaper for which they index the published obituaries. To decipher the newspaper abbreviation used in the entry, click on "Back to the Obituary Times" link, and then click on "Publication List."

 

Obituary Index, 1972-2012

An index of obituaries for people (.pdf) who resided in Burr Ridge, Darien or Willowbrook. The index also includes obituaries of individuals whose funeral servies were held in Burr Ridge, Darien or Willowbrook. Gaps exist in the index due to missing issues. The index is updated throughout the year, but published annually online.

Contact the Ask Us Desk by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 630-887-8760 ext. 241 for assistance.

Databases | Federal | Illinois | DuPage | Local | Elections

To search for all your elected officials by address, visit the DuPage County Election Commission.

 

Databases

Public Records is a database of new homeowners, new businesses, foreclosures, and bankruptcies for Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.

 

Federal Government

Budget of the United States Government
Browse or search the budgets of the federal government back to 1997.

C-Span: Congress/Legislative Resources
Locate federal, state, and local officials; track current legislation; search officials' voting records, etc.

Congress.org
Directory information, the status of legislation, and voting records. Congress.org To Go allows you to track your Senators' and Representative's votes by email. Includes weekly information on: • Key votes by your two Senators and U.S. Representative. • Links to send email to your members of Congress. • Upcoming votes, and a chance to offer email input before they vote.

Congressional Directory
The official directory to the U.S. Congress contains brief biographies of the members of the House and Senate.

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports
The University of North Texas Libraries provides searchable access to many full-text Congressional Research reports.

Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President is an annual report written by the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors. It overviews the nation's economic progress using text and extensive data appendices.

Federal Citizen Information Center
A guide to federal agencies and their toll free numbers.

FEDSTATS
The Federal Interagency Council on Statistical Policy provides easy access to over 70 federal agencies that produce statistics of public interest.

FedWorld.gov
Provides a gateway to federal agencies' websites.

GovSpot
Includes links to federal agencies' websites as well as to a number of other government related sites.

THOMAS: Legislative Information on the Internet
Provides House and Senate directories, guides to legislation, committee information and roll call votes.

USA.gov
The U.S. Government's official web portal. Browse popular topics, read the blog, and discover how to contact government agencies and elected officials.

U.S. House of Representatives
Official website of the U.S. House of Representatives. Find your representatives and read about the latest House issues.

U.S. Senate
Official website of the U.S. Senate. Find your senators and keep up with the latest Senate issues.

White House
Provides information on the Executive office, tours, and the White House Library.

 

Illinois

Cash Dash
From the State Treasurer's office. Find cash or valuables owed to you in the State of Illinois.

FindIt
Your portal to Illinois governmental and library information on the Web!

Illinois Digital Archives
View digital images of Illinois history and view every Illinois Blue Book back to 1900.

Illinois Secretary of State's Gateway
Provides information on the Secretary of State's services and departments.

Illinois General Assembly
Links to Illinois Senate and House of Representatives, pending legislation, and the Illinois Compiled Statutes.

Illinois State Telephone Directory
The State Telephone Directory is available online to provide contact information for state agencies, boards and commissions, as well as for most state employees.

Illinois.gov
Links to Illinois government, state agencies, public services, and tourism.

State and Local Government on the Net
Provides links to U.S., state, and county government websites.

University of Illinois Extension Programs and Resources
Links to the University of Illinois' regional and county Cooperative Extension offices.

 

DuPage County

DuPage County Illinois Government Website
Links to county officials and agencies, county board agendas, and meetings.

• Access DuPage
  Access DuPage is a collaborative effort whose mission is to provide access to medical services to those people in DuPage County who lack access because of economic reasons.

• Building Codes
  The Building Codes are available in PDF format.

• Code of DuPage County

• Community Resource Information System (CRIS)
  Access to the most current, accurate, and comprehensive social service information available for DuPage County.

• DuPage Housing Authority
  Provides rental assistance vouchers through a program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Housing Choice Vouchers allow income eligible families and individuals, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities to live in decent, affordable rental units. Participants locate a private market unit for rent. The participant pays no more than 40% of his or her adjusted monthly income towards rent and utilities.

• DuPage Human Services
  Mission: to enable and equip people with needs in DuPage County to become self-sufficient and lead enriched productive lives.

• Financial Reports (Quarterly)

• Minutes and Agendas of the DuPage County Board and Committees

• Sheriff's Office
  Links to a list of registered child sex offenders, victim's assistance, and information for senior citizens.

• Zoning
  Link to DuPage County's Zoning Ordinance.

 

Local Government

Burr Ridge, Village of, IL
The official website of the Village of Burr Ridge includes village officials, news, and village board agendas and actions.

• Budgets and Financial Reports
• Code of Burr Ridge
• Comprehensive Plan
• Minutes
• Zoning Ordinance

Darien, City of, IL
The official website of the City of Darien includes city officials, community calendar, local ordinances, etc.

• Budget and Financial Report
• Code of Darien
• Minutes

Darien Park District
The official website of the Darien Park District includes programs and events, information on parks and facilities, etc.

• Budget
• Minutes

Downers Grove Township
Information about Downers Grove Township. Click on "Assessor" to perform a tax parcel search by address or parcel number.

Downers Grove Sanitary District
The Downers Grove Sanitary District is responsible for providing sanitary sewer service for the Village of Downers Grove, the portion of the Village of Westmont west of Cass Avenue, and portions of Woodridge, Lisle, Oak Brook, and Darien, Illinois.

• Board Meeting Schedule, Agendas & Minutes
• Financial Report
• Five Year Financial Plan (pdf)

Willowbrook, Village of, IL
The official website of the Village of Willowbrook contains a list of village officials, police department, and community development information.

• Budget and Financial Report
• Code of Willowbrook
• Minutes of the Board

 

Elections

Congress.org: Elections, Candidates, Issues
Select Illinois from the U.S. map to browse federal and statewide races.

DuPage County Election Commission
Provides voter registration information and sample ballots.

FactCheck.org
Excellent at debunking false claims and myths promoted by both sides in the election.

Illinois State Board of Elections
The website is organized into five categories: campaign disclosure, election information, voting information, about the board, and county clerks and election commissioners.

League of Women Voters of Illinois
The League offers non-partisan voter information, as well as links to national and local league chapters.

Politics 1
This non-partisan website contains the most comprehensive listing of the federal and state candidates along with candidate profiles, information about current political issues, and news.

Project Vote Smart
An excellent non-partisan guide to current elected officials and candidates.

General Information | Taking Action | Gas Saving Tips | Library Actions

 

General Information

Ebsco's GreenFile
This free research database covers the relationship between humans and the environment. Search this database for information on such subjects as recycling and alternative fuel or any of the many related areas. Search books, magazines and scholarly journals, pamphlets, government reports as well as trade publications.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Learn about the latest technology in renewable energy from the Department of Energy.

EnergySaver.gov
Browse ways to save energy and money, use calculators, and read the blog from the Department of Energy.

Environmental Literacy Council
Provides high quality background information on environmental issues such as climate change.

Green Power Network
The Green Power Network (GPN) provides news and information on green power markets and related activities. The site provides up-to-date information on green power providers, product offerings, consumer protection issues, and policies affecting green power markets. From the Department of Energy.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Find information about the National Renewable Energy Laboratory as they help meet the growing demand for clean energy. Includes general information, how they operate and do business, and how you can do business with NREL.

 

Taking Action

DuPage County Green Initiatives & Recycling
Learn about electronics and other recycling services. Explore the recycling guide for information on where to dispose of hazardous and other types of solid waste. Get details about local recyclying events.

Earth 911
A rich, authoritative site with information on where to recycle everything from used motor oil to paint to fax machines in your neighborhood, plus consuming products responsibly. Or call 1-800-CLEANUP.

Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Change Site
The EPA’s Climate change site has basic information on the issue plus actions you can take. The "What You Can Do" section has a personal greenhouse emissions survey. Find out what you can do at home, at the office or school, and on the road using their short lists of actions.

Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Energy Site
EPA’s Clean Energy site can help you understand: How does energy use affect my environment? How clean is the energy I use? How can I reduce my impact?

Environmental Protection Agency's Green Building Site
Learn about green, or sustainable, building: the practice of creating and using healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition.

Freecycle
A large nonprofit network of groups consisting of people giving and getting free materials (from furniture to appliances and electronics). Emphasizes reusing and keeping those items out of landfills. Local coverage.

Green Guide
The National Geographic Society’s site on “living green.”

Greener Gadgets
Provides information on living and buying green. It includes a calculator for determining your energy use and a way to search for recycling centers by zipcode.

Illinois Solar Energy Association
The Illinois Solar Energy Association is a non-profit organization that promotes the widespread application of renewable energy through education and advocacy. As the Illinois chapter of the American Solar Energy Society, it is the local resource for educational classes, events, renewable energy related policy developments, local news and access to local renewable energy vendors.

Learner.org
Ideas, practices and information about reducing hazardous, solid and sewage wastes.

Planet Green
A blog-based site with information on greening your Fashion and Beauty, Food and Health, Home and Garden, Technology and Transport, Travel and Outdoors, and Work.

Recycle Bank
Offers a points system for recycling, which you can then use for discounts and merchandise. The site boasts more than 2 million users.

 

Gas Saving Tips

Edmund's
Edmund’s car buying site offers fuel economy advice.

FuelEconomy.gov - U.S. Department of Energy
Gas mileage tips from the U.S. Department of Energy.

 

Library Actions

Here’s what the library is doing:

• Paper Retriever in the parking lot. Available to the public.
• Used Illinois Clean Energy Foundation Lighting Grant funds for upgrade to energy efficient lighting bulbs and fixtures.
• Recycle paper, plastic, and aluminum in building.
• Front stairs resurfaced with recycled rubber.
• Reusable canvas bags available for purchase for "frequent shoppers."
• Several new trees planted.
• Use of online databases replaces print resources.

Databases l Alternative Medicine l Doctors & Hospitals l Government Health Information |

Health Sites l Medical Centers & Libraries

 

Databases

Health & Wellness Resource Center contains up-to-date material on diseases and conditions, alternative medicine, drugs, and herbal remedies.

Medline via FirstSearch contains articles on medicine, dentistry, and nursing.

 

Alternative Medicine

American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
Search the official site of the AAMA to learn more about acupuncture and to locate an AAMA certified acupuncturist in your area.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The National Institutes of Health created the NCCAM division to study complementary medicine and to educate both practitioners and consumers on these therapies.

Office of Cancer Complementary Alternative Medicine
This division of the National Cancer Institute provides information on the use of alternative and complementary cancer therapies.

WholeHealthMD
Using board-certified doctors and experts, this site offers an integrative approach to medicine with a Healing Center, Healing Kitchen, and Reference Library.

 

Doctors & Hospitals

AMA Physician Select Online Doctor Finder
Search the American Medical Association's database of licensed M.D.s and D.O.s in the U.S. You may also search by medical specialty and/or geographic area.

Illinois Department of Professional Regulation - Physician Profile Search
Search for doctor by name to see whether or not the person has received a disciplinary action, plus specialties, certifications, and affiliations.

Illinois Hospital Report Card
From the Illinois Department of Public Health. Access quality and safety data, learn how to choose a health care facility, and research Illinois laws related to consumer protection and healthcare.

Illinois Hospitals
From the Illinois Hospital Association. Get information on nearly 200 Illinois hospitals, including services provided.

U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospital Finder
Ranks over 6,000 hospitals by specialty. Search for a hospital by region, or browse the top-ranked hospitals.

 

Government Health Information

Centers for Disease Control
Supplies information on health related travel warnings, cruise ship inspection scores, and other health topics.

ClinicalTrials.gov
Find information on current clinical trials from the National Institute of Health.

HealthCare.gov
Read articles and watch videos to help determine insurance and preventitive care options. Managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Medline Plus
A goldmine of good health information from the world's largest medical library, the National Library of Medicine.

National Institute of Health for Seniors
Featuring health information from the National Institutes of Health.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Consumer Health Information
Timely, reliable information from the Food and Drug Administration.

 

Health Sites

AARP Internet Resources on Aging - Health and Well-Being
Provides links to over 70 Web sites dealing with health and well-being for seniors.

Familydoctor.org
The American Academy of Family Physicians provides information on a wide variety of topics related to health and medicine.

Getting Well Network
Sponsored by the publishers of the Physicians Desk Reference, this site offers information on diseases, drugs, and clinical trials.

Imaginis
An award-winning site for information on women's health issues, such as breast and cervical cancer, HRT, heart disease, and much more.

Mayo Clinic First-Aid Guide
First aid information from this respected source.

MyWebMD
Consumer friendly medical information on diseases, symptoms, drugs, medical tests and other health related issues.

Spine-Health.com
The only independent spine medicine portal that supports the education of patients through a combination of 100% original, peer-reviewed content and comprehensive information and services.

United States Pharmacopeia
The United States Pharmacopeia sets ingredients and safety standards for vitamins, herbs and other dietary supplements. The organization gives marks of quality to those supplement makers that meet the standards.

 

Medical Centers & Libraries

Health on the Web
Non-commercial sources selected/evaluated by health science libraries in the Midwest (collaborative project).

Kidshealth
Up-to-date health information about and for children and teens.

MayoClinic.com
Medical input from Mayo Clinic physicians and health care staff. Includes archive of newsletters.

OncoLink
For cancer patients and their families. Includes up-to-date, reliable information on most current treatments for all types of cancer.

Pubmed
A service of the National Library of Medicine providing access to over 11 million MEDLINE citations back to the mid-1960s.

Databases | Calculators & Tools | Sites

 

Databases

Business Insights: Essentials contains company profiles, brand and industry information, rankings, investment reports, company histories, and articles.

Financial Ratings Series is a premier resource which provides independent ratings of life and annuity insurers, property and casualty insurers, plus health insurers. It also rates banks and credit unions, plus stocks and mutual funds. From Weiss Ratings and TheStreet Ratings.

Investor's Business Daily contains stock market news and analysis. In library use only.

Morningstar Investment Research Center is a resource which provides real-time access to comprehensive data and independent analysis on thousands of investments, spanning mutual funds, stocks, exchange-traded funds, and closed-end funds. Visit the Help & Education section for the investment classroom and guides, video tutorials, glossary, and more.

Public Records is a database of new homeowners, new businesses, foreclosures, and bankruptcies for Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.

S&P NetAdvantage is a comprehensive source of business and investment information, offering online access to popular Standard & Poor’s research products such as Industry Surveys, Stock Reports, Corporation Records, Company Profiles, The Outlook, Mutual Fund Reports, and more.

Value Line Investment Survey contains information about stocks, including small and large cap companies.

Calculators & Tools

BankRate.com
Use calculators for mortgage, retirement, car loans, investment, and more.

CNN.com
Calculate retirement, real estate, financial planning, and more.

Kiplinger.com
Investment tools for stocks and bonds, taxes, family finance, retirement, and living.

SmartMoney.com
Worksheets on cars, college, debt, insurance, retirement, and much more.

 

Sites

About.com: Financial Planning
Learn how to create a budget, build wealth, and protect what you have.

Bank Rate Monitor
Check on the safety of your bank, and search for loan and CD rates.

Big Charts
Comprehensive charting site with historical quotes offered back to the 1980s.

CNN Money: Money 101
A step by step guide to gaining control of your financial life. Includes 23 lessons.

Google Finance
Search for stocks, mutual funds, and public and private companies. Features interactive charts and news.

MarketWatch
Premier source for current financial news and current quotes.

MyMoney.gov
Pulls information from various government sites for budgeting, buying a house, investing, etc.

National Foundation for Credit Counseling
Association of non-profit organizations that provide education and counseling in credit and debt management. Find contact information for local offices.

Oprah's Debt Diet Action Plan
Follow the step by step guide to financial freedom. Find expert advice on getting out of debt and staying out of debt.

Superstar Investor
11,600 of the best investing sites: annual reports, financial news, etc.

TreasuryDirect
Includes information on savings bonds.

Wise Bread: Living Large on a Small Budget
A community of bloggers gives advice on ways to save.

Yahoo! Finance
Timely stock and mutual fund quotes with links to company fundamentals, charts, and news.

Databases | Job Search Sites | Chicago-Area Job Sites |
Job Hunting & Career Guides | Community Resources

 

Databases

AtoZdatabases is a premier reference and marketing directory including 30 million business profiles & 220 million residents. Ideal for sales leads, mailing lists, market research, employment opportunities, finding friends and relatives, and much more!

Job & Career Accelerator is a resource to explore occupation profiles, build a resume and cover letter, and search for jobs. Sign up for a monthly newsletter to receive job search tips. Also contains tutorials for Microsoft Office products, Windows and Mac operating systems, Adobe Photoshop, and more.

LearningExpressLibrary contains complete online interactive practice tests for the ACT, SAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, and many career tests. Also, includes skill improvement tests for elementary, middle, and high school students. Tutorials for Microsoft Office products, Windows and Mac operating systems, Adobe Photoshop, and more.

 

Job Search Sites

CareerBuilder.com
Search over 1 million jobs at the U.S.'s largest online job site.

Indeed.com
Indeed makes it easy for you to drill down by keyword and location to jobs that fit your requirements precisely. Find jobs from job sites, newspapers, associations, and company career pages.

Jobs 4.0
Job opportunities for candidates 40 and over.

LinkUp.com
Searches over 20,000 company websites.

Monster.com
Lists over a million jobs as well as resume management and career guidance. Get advice on job hunting strategies, resumes, interviews, networking, and more.

Simply Hired
A job search engine. Search millions of job listings from across the web.

SnagAJob.com
Part-time, restaurant, hourly, summer jobs; listings, resources, guidance, advice. Youth oriented, but not exclusively.

USA Jobs
The official source for jobs with the U.S. federal government.

Work 4 Illinois
View job postings and application procedures for State of Illinois employment opportunities.

 

Chicago-Area Job Sites

Local Job Ads: Chicago Sun-Times | Chicago Tribune | Daily Herald

ChicagoJobTalk
Get the classified ads from Chicago newspapers, develop leads through local associations and find links to area networking and support groups.

Chicago Job Fairs
Lists job fairs, career fairs, employments fairs, and open houses in the Chicago metro area.

ChicagoJobs.com
Job search engine focused exclusively on Chicagoland's 11-county area.

College of DuPage - Career Services
Search for jobs, get job search training and employment assistance.

Illinois Department of Employment Security
Links to information about unemployment insurance, IllinoisJobLink.com (match your skills to Illinois job openings), and State of Illinois jobs.

MetroChicagoJobs
Find local jobs and career resources.

WorkNet DuPage Career Center
Provides employment counseling and training services for county residents.

 

Job Hunting & Career Guides

About.com: Job Searching
Read a job search blog from expert Alison Doyle. Check out articles on job search advice, resumes, cover letters, networking, and much more.

CareerOneStop
Sponsored by the US Department of Labor. Provides resources for job seekers and students. Explore careers, get tips on writing resumes, interviewing, networking and finding jobs. The Skills Profiler helps you identify existing skills and to match those skills to job titles.

CIS CLICK (Illinois Career Information System)
From the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Has information on more than 700 different careers in the state of Illinois.

College Grad Job Hunter
Interview tips, resume preparation, and job postings directed toward the first time job hunter.

LinkedIn.com
Join the network of over 120 million professionals to connect with colleagues and classmates and to explore job opportunities. Visit the official LinkedIn YouTube channel for tips on everything from creating your account to discovering new features.

MSN Careers with CareerBuilder: Interview Tips
Helpful articles to guide your job interview. Check out CareerBuilder.com's related resume and cover letter writing sections.

O*Net Online
Developed for the U.S. Department of Labor. Interactive Web site to explore occupations related to a person's skills. Descriptions of occupations are also included. Also check the Occupational Outlook Handbook for career descriptions, requisite training and education, estimated earnings, and projected job openings.

The Riley Guide
One of the best sites for online job searching, resume advice, networking, and just good "how to search for a job" information.

Susan Ireland.com
Resume and cover letter advice from the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Resume.

 

Community Resources

College of DuPage Career Services Center
Career and job assistance is provided to students, alumni and residents of Community College District 502. College Central Network lists job postings online--free registration required. DuPage Executive Network offers career transition help to senior-level executives and professionals.

ChicagoJobTalk: Networking & Support Groups
Find networking and support groups by geographic location. Includes contact information and meeting times.

IDES (Illinois Department of Employment Security) -- Bolingbrook Office
Open to anyone seeking unemployment benefits. If you are seeking unemployment compensations benefits, you may go to any of the Illinois Department of Employment Security Offices.

Illinois workNet
Offers resources for use throughout the job search process (researching jobs, preparing for and conducting the search, locating training opportunities and work support services). It has recruitment and training information for business owners plus resources for job seekers with disabilities. There’s also extensive information about current hot careers.

Lisle Township Job Club
The Lisle Township Job Club is open to anyone and meets Mondays at 10 a.m. at the Woodridge Public Library for help on resume writing. The club cosponsors the Support and Networking Group which meets Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at the Community Center in Naperville. For more information, call 630/968-1880.

People's Resource Center - Westmont
Job Search Assistance helps low income residents of DuPage County secure and maintain employment. Searching for a job can be very difficult. To make the process easier, the Job Search Assistance Program provides clients with one-on-one mentoring at every step along the way.

WorkNet DuPage
Located in Lisle, the workNet DuPage Career Center is DuPage County’s premiere location for training, developing, and connecting the local workforce.

Databases

Mango Languages is a language-learning system for foreign languages and ESL.

 

Sites

Babel Fish Translation
Enter up to 150 words for translation or translate entire Web pages.

BBC Languages
Includes beginning and advanced courses in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Greek; has links to news in 33 languages and teaches international slang.

e Language School.net
Describes itself as "the largest website for learning multiple languages on the Internet."

Google Translate
Translates either blocks of text or entire Web pages. Includes audio.

ILoveLanguages
Includes over 2400 links. Click on the Languages tab, select the language you want and read the annotations to find the most helpful links.

Language Learning Library
Learn the very basics of the following languages: Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Chinese, and Russian. Includes common phrases, alphabet, dictionary, grammar, and more.

Word2Word Language Resources
Includes online dictionaries, language courses, translation services, forums, software, and more.

Databases | Find a Lawyer | Legal Forms, Codes, and Case Law

 

Databases

LegalTrac contains major law reviews, legal newspapers, bar association journals, and international legal journals. Included materials are selected based on criteria from the American Association of Law Libraries.

 

Find a Lawyer

ARDC: Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois
Check this site to discover whether an attorney has had a complaint or disciplinary action filed against him/her.

DuPage County Bar Association-Find a Lawyer
Use this service to find a lawyer by area of practice and meet for a 30 minute free consultation.

Illinois Lawyer Finder
Search the Illinois State Bar Association's list of member attorneys who are in good standing.

Lawyers.com
Search for over one million lawyers and law firms nationwide by name, type of practice, or location.

Martindale.com
Use the online version of Martindale's directoryl to search nationwide for attorneys and legal firms.

Prairie State Legal Services
Provides free legal services to low income people and to individuals over 60 years old.

 

Legal Forms, Codes, and Case Law

Cook County - Clerk of the Circuit Online Court Forms
Click on the "Court Forms Search" to search for forms.

DuPage County Online Court Forms
Downloadable court forms from the Clerk of the Circuit Court, including the "Small Estate Affidavit" form.

Illinois Compiled Statutes
Search the Illinois General Assembly's "unofficial" text of the Illinois Statutes.

Illinois Legal Aid
Browse articles, watch videos, and print legal forms. Enter your zip code to get more information specific to your location.

Opinions of the Illinois Supreme and Appellate Courts
Contains Illinois Supreme and Appellate Court decisions from 1996 forward.

United States Code
Use the U.S. House of Representatives interface to search the U.S. Code.

United States Supreme Court Cases from FindLaw
Access U.S. Supreme Court Opinions from 1893 forward.

The library has gathered the histories of our communities together online. Burr Ridge, Darien, and Willowbrook have their own pages with articles about historical people, places, and events. Through partnerships with the Darien Historical Society, Flagg Creek Heritage Society, and the Village of Willowbrook, the library has also created collections of historical images on Flickr. If you have any historic photos you would like to share,  contact Mary Krekelberg at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone the Ask Us Desk at 630/887-8760 ext. 240.

IPPL Local History Blog: Visit the Burr Ridge, Darien, and Willowbrook pages to discover their unique and interesting histories. Photos: From Indian Prairie's Flickr photostream, view historic sets of photos. Obituary Index, 1972-2012: Search obituaries for people who resided in or whose funeral services were held in Burr Ridge, Darien and Willowbrook. The index is updated throughout the year and published online annually. Veterans History Project: Read over one hundred interviews recorded from area veterans as part of the Veterans History Project.

 

Bike Paths & Trails l Donating Goods l Local News l Recycling l Shelters & Housing l Food l Transportation l Volunteering

 

Bike Paths & Trails

Cook County Forest Preserve Trails
View trail maps for the forest preserves in Cook County.

DuPage County Bikeways and Trails
Learn about the 52 miles of trails in DuPage County as well as bikeways on streets.

Illinois Bike Paths and Maps
A listing of bike paths in Illinois

Illinois Trails & Maps
View maps of Illinois trails throughout the state compliments of the League of Illinois Bicyclists.

 

Donating Goods

Amvets
Accepts clothing and household items. Call 708/388-7800 to arrange a pick up or find a drop off location near you.

Downers Grove Area FISH, Inc.
Accepts donations of food and clothing. Located at 4340 Prince St., Downers Grove, IL 60515, 630/964-7776

Goodwill Industries
Accepts clothing, appliances, furniture, computers, and vehicles. Drop off at 6300 Kingery Highway, Willowbrook, IL 60514 or to arrange a pick up 630/323-9186.

Hinsdale Community Service
Accepts donations of food, clothing and furniture. Memorial Building 19 E. Chicago Ave., Hinsdale, Illinois 60521, 630/323-2500

The Hope Chest
Accepts donations of clothing to benefit the Constance Morris House a shelter for abused women and children. Located at 717 West Hillgrove Avenue, La Grange, IL.

The Salvation Army Oakbrook Terrace Family Thrift Store Accepts donations of clothing, automobiles, furniture and other resalable items. 17W687 Roosevelt Rd., Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, 630/889-8780 or call 888/574-2587 to schedule a pickup.

 

Local News

Burr Ridge Patch
Get Burr Ridge news and photos, learn about local businesses and events, and participate in discussions.

Darien Patch
Get Darien news and photos, learn about local businesses and events, and participate in discussions.

The Doings
Local paper serving Burr Ridge, Darien, and Willowbrook.

Suburban Life
Local paper serving the Chicago suburbs.

Trib Local: Burr Ridge/ Willowbrook
Your spot on the web to find out about local news and events as well as where to shop or dine - all brought to you by local experts: you and your neighbors.

Trib Local: Darien
Your spot on the web to find out about local news and events as well as where to shop or dine - all brought to you by local experts: you and your neighbors.

 

Recycling

AT THE LIBRARY

• Books
• Cell phones*
• Eyeglasses*
• Hearing Aids*
• Ink Cartridges*

*Darien Lions Club box near the elevator.

DuPage County Green Initiatives & Recycling
Learn about electronics and other recycling services. Explore the recycling guide for information on where to dispose of hazardous and other types of solid waste. Get details about local recycling events.

Earth 911
A rich, authoritative site with information on where to recycle everything from used motor oil to paint to fax machines in your neighborhood, plus consuming products responsibly. Or call 1-800-CLEANUP.

Freecycle
A large nonprofit network of groups which consists of people giving and getting free materials (from furniture to appliances and electronics). Emphasizes reusing and keeping those items out of landfills. Local coverage.

Greener Gadgets
Provides information on living and buying green. It includes a calculator for determining your energy use and a way to search for recycling centers by zipcode.

Recycle Bank
Offers a points system for recycling, which you can then use for discounts and merchandise. The site boasts more than 2 million users.

SCARCE
Educates the community about ways to recycle and be green and provides information about upcoming recycling events in the area.

Electronics Recycling Locations

Accepted Items:
Desktop and laptop computers, TVs, printers, fax machines, radios, microwaves, small appliances (coffee makers, toasters, curling irons, hair dryers), toner cartridges, extension cords, game consoles, copy machines, CD players, DVD players, VCRs, monitors, keyboards, computer mice, cables and cords, speakers, tape players, scanners, modems, routers, stereos, docking stations, network hubs, telephones, and circuit boards, Rechargeable Batteries Only

SCARCE: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; 2nd Saturdays: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; 799 Roosevelt Rd, Building 2, Suite 108, Glen Ellyn; 630/545-9710

Downers Grove: 1st Saturday of the month; 9 a.m. – noon; Village Hall, 801 Burlington Avenue (in the employee parking lot at the rear of the building, off Curtiss St.); 630/434-5500

Lisle: 3rd Saturday of the month; 9:00 a.m. to noon. 4930 Lincoln Ave. (Rt. 53), just south of Ogden Ave., just north of Lisle Police Department. Look for the sign on the West side of Rt. 53. 630/271-4100

Naperville: Tuesdays & Thursdays; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Public Works Recycling Drop Off Center, 180 Fort Hill Drive; 630/420-6095

Westmont The Downers Grove Township Highway Department accepts electronics from 8:00 a.m. to Noon on the third Saturday of the month (except holiday weekends) at 318 E. Quincy, Westmont. Call 630/719-6620 for more information.

Wheaton: 2nd Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. – 12 noon; 820 W. Liberty Drive (Public Works Storage Lot) across from Public Works Garage, just west of Carlton

Shelters & Housing

Shelters

Beds Plus
Our mission is to provide emergency overnight shelter and assist homeless people of west suburban Cook County to become self-sufficient.

Catholic Charities
Provides transitional housing for homeless families.

DuPage P.A.D.S.
DuPage PADS, Inc. provides safe and hospitable shelter, support services, and advocacy to homeless or at risk individuals and families of DuPage County. Click the calendar at the bottom to view shelter locations.

Housing

Community Housing Association of DuPage (CHAD)
Provides and advocates for quality, affordable housing for low-income persons in DuPage County.

DuPage Housing Authority
The DuPage Housing Authority provides rental assistance vouchers through a program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Housing Choice Vouchers allow income eligible families and individuals, elderly persons and persons with disabilities to live in decent affordable rental units.

DuPage Shared Housing and Housing Assistance
Learn about affordable housing arrangements for people wanting to share their homes as well as possible financial assistance for rent or mortgage payments.

Resources

DuPage County Continuum
This agency's mission is to end homelessness in DuPage county by providing access to information and services for those who are homeless.

DuPage C.R.I.S
The DuPage County Resource Guide allows users to search for basic needs services and other social service organizations.

Food

Food Pantries

HCS Family Services
19 E. Chicago Avenue, Hinsdale, Illinois 60521, 630/323-2500
Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
8404 S. Cass Ave., Darien, IL 60561, 630/852-3303
Tuesday: 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.; Friday: 1-3 p.m.

Our Lady of Peace
701 Plainfield Rd., Darien, IL 60561, 630/325-9220
Wednesday 9:30-11 a.m.
Serves Burr Ridge, Darien, Willowbrook, Clarendon Hills (including unincorporated areas), and Hinsdale (including unincorporated areas). Clients must sign up with a photo ID (which includes name and current address) as well as proof of residency (like a lease or tax bill).

People's Resource Center Southeast in Westmont
649 Blackhawk Drive, Westmont, IL 60559, 630/682-5402
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 a.m.–11:15 a.m.; 1 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Wednesday 6-8 p.m.; Saturday 9–11:45 a.m.

West Suburban Community Pantry
6809 Hobson Valley Dr. Ste. 118, Woodridge, IL 60517, 630/512-9921 Tuesday/Saturday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; donations accepted: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Transportation

Chicago Transit Authority
Bus and train service in and around Chicago. Track trains and get fare information

Metra
Provides train schedules, maps and ticket information.

Pace Suburban Bus Service
The local public transportation agency for the Chicago area suburbs.

 

Volunteering

Darien Patch
The newspaper connects volunteers with local organizations looking for volunteers.

DuPage County Volunteer Opportunities
Find volunteer positions within the local government system and other organizations they support.

Forest Preserve District DuPage
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage needs volunteers for everything from gardening to office support to bike patrol.

Literacy Volunteers of DuPage
This nonprofit, community-based organization trains volunteer tutors to help adult learners achieve sufficient skills in English literacy so they may achieve personal goals and function independently.

People's Resource Center
Operates a food pantry for DuPage County, distributes clothing, offers family literacy instruction, and provides computer training.

SeniorNet
Seniors helping seniors. SeniorNet seeks to provide older adults education for and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom.

Volunteer Match
Use your zip code to find a great place to volunteer.

West Suburban Humane Society
Volunteers help with adoptions, animal transporting, building maintenance, fundraising, humane education programs, temporary care and with other projects.

Tax Preparation | Tax Forms & Websites | Tax Assistance | Property Tax Assessments

 

AARP Tax-Aide at Your Library

AARP Tax-Aide, a free service to taxpayers with middle and low incomes, will be available in the library starting in February 2013. AARP volunteers will be in the library on Mondays and Fridays through mid-April. Appointments can be made for 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, and 12:00. Call the Adult Services Desk to make an appointment at 630/887-8760 ext. 239.

 

College of DuPage Students Can Do Your Taxes

Accounting students at the College of Dupage, supervised by faculty, will electronically prepare state and federal tax returns for free. This service is available to students, employees, and the local community.
WHEN: Saturday mornings from 9-11:30 a.m.: February 16, February 23, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, and April 6, 2013.
WHERE: College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, Room: BIC 1640 and BIC 1644.
Students in Accounting 2200, under the supervision of the instructors, will prepare forms 1040 IL, 1040 and Schedules A-B. They will also handle Schedule C-EZ and small schedule Ds (3items or less.)
Participants must bring their previous year’s tax returns, as well as their current-year tax information and records. For more information, call 630/942-3400.

 

Tax Forms

Indian Prairie Library distributes a number of Federal and Illinois tax forms near the Adult Ask Us Desk. To order forms directly, see the information below.

 

Forms and Publications Online

IRS Forms and Instructions

Illinois Department of Revenue: Tax Forms / Instructions

Illinois Sales Tax Rate Reference Manual

 

Circuit Breaker Replaced by Benefit Access

The Illinois Circuit Breaker form has been replaced by a program called Benefit Access. Changes include the termination of Illinois Care RX and Circuit Breaker Property Tax Relief. Senior Free Transit and the License Plate discount are still available online as Benefit Access.

Hanna Benioff of Downers Grove Township will help people fill out this application. People must make an appointment by calling 630-719-6682. She only works Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The Senior Homestead Exemption is still available through Downers Grove Township.

The Woodridge Community Center will also help people with filling out the new Benefit Access program application. Bring a copy of your tax return and call ahead to make an appointment. 2600 Center Drive, Woodridge, Illinois 60517. 630-620-2424

Another source of help is the Downers Grove Park District Active Adult Center (SHIP volunteers) at 935 Maple Avenue, Lincoln Center, Downers Grove IL 60515. Phone: 630/963-1314.

The Westmont Park District 630/969-8080 and Hinsdale Community House 630/323-7500 offer assistance as well.

IllinoisBenefits.org
The state's FREE resource for benefits, information, and enrollment assistance for people with Medicare, their caregivers, and the volunteers and professionals that assist them.

 

Free E-Filing

Free File
The Free File program provides free federal income tax preparation and electronic filing for eligible taxpayers through a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service and the Free File Alliance LLC, a group of private sector tax software companies. Many companies offer free or paid state tax preparation and e-filing services. Some companies may not offer state tax preparation and e-file services for all states.

 

Other Tax Sites

State Forms
Tax forms for all states for the last five years.

Yahoo Tax Center

Tax Assistance

Federal - 800/829-1040

• Individual Returns
• Teletax Information Line, refund status, and recorded information
• Business Returns
• Forms and Publications

State - 800/732-8866

• Illinois Tax Returns (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
• Forms and Publications

Local

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center
2001 Butterfield Road in the Mega Site/Esplanade Building, 12th Floor
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630/493-5291
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed on federal holidays)

Property Tax Assessments

Downers Grove Township Tax Assessor
Search the Downers Grove Township Tax Assessor's site by address or parcel number to view tax assessments for your area. If you search by the name of a street without the house number, you can retrieve a listing of all the tax assessments on that street.