Image Description

Local History Room

The Decatur Public Library is dedicated to preserving the history of Decatur and Macon County.

The Local History Room is valuable to everyone! Decatur residents interested in learning more about their hometown can access photographs, old school yearbooks, and articles from the local newspaper database. Patrons from out of state can contact the Local History Room about ancestry information. And local companies can submit artifact to be added to the ever growing collection. What a prized tool to all of our patrons either in Decatur or throughout the country.

About the Local History Room Collection

Emphasis is placed on documenting the creation of city and county government, settlement, industry, commerce, education, recreation, and historically significant individuals as well as the history of civic, religious, cultural and social organizations. The collection includes, but is not limited to, published books, photographs, government documents or facsimiles, maps, manuscripts, pamphlets, newspapers, serials, audio-visual materials, institutional or organization records, and scrapbooks of historical materials that relate to Decatur and its environs. Found in the collection in various physical formats are: organization minutes, letters, yearbooks, periodicals, newsletters, demographic information, city directories, phonebooks, reports, studies, plans, obituaries, local histories, maps and plats, and images.

A Patron Holding A Catalog Card From Local History

Archives

Stop into the Local History Room to check out all the great resources we have to offer!

Local History Room Hours

  • Monday-Friday: 10am - 5pm
  • Saturday: BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
  • Sunday: CLOSED

To request assistance after hours please email us at localhistory@decaturlibrary.org.

Making Requests

If you are unable to visit in person, you can make requests for information by mail, email, or phone. As of late 2019, the Local History Room no longer charges for requests.

Contact Information

Local History Room
Archives and Special Collections Department
Decatur Public Library
130 N. Franklin St.
Decatur, IL 62523

(217) 421-9766
localhistory@decaturlibrary.org

Local History Room Policies