Kankakee Public Library

The Kankakee Public Library Genealogical resources include census data, cemetery records, local histories, old city directories, and hundreds of other books to help the amateur or serious genealogist trace his/her roots. The Library also owns the Kankakee newspaper on microfilm from the 1850's to the present, facilitating obituary and local history research. The newspaper is in the process of being digitized. Available issues can be viewed here: https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/dj/

If you don't know where to turn to start your homework research, you've come to the right place. Sites listed on the library's website can help kids get the information they need.

For the first time ever, AMITA Health St. Mary's Hospital and the Kankakee Public Library are embedding a Licensed Nurse (RN) right here inside the library. Access to the compassionate help you deserve is now just as easy as checking out a book. Schedule a confidential face-to-face meeting with our RN by phone, email, or simply by stopping by during scheduled hours (ask the Adult Services Department for assistance). The nurse can help you get back on track with a variety of specialized aid, including but not limited to: Referrals to community resources such as employment, food pantries, healthcare providers, and behavioral health services. Assistance with applying for benefits. Confidential consultations and assessments. Any questions? Contact Deb Caise: Deb.Caise@amitahealthcare.org 815-937-2480

The Kankakee Public Library website references out to a variety of online resources. Boundless and OverDrives Libby databases are available for ebooks and audio materials. Kanopy allows free access to thousands of movies. Museum Adventure Pass and Explore More Illinois has free and discounted to tickets to some of your favorite attractions in the Chicagoland area. For Genealogy interests the library has; Daily Journal archives, Kankakee Regional Obituary Index, ProQuest African American Heritage, and HeritageQuest. The library also partners with Illinois Legal Aid and provides access to a Legal Self-Help Center and Westlaw.

We strive to inform, enrich and empower every citizen in our diverse community by creating and promoting access to a vast array of ideas and information and by supporting lifelong learning and love of reading. The Kankakee Public Library maintains an Adult Department, Interlibrary Loan, downloadable eBooks, Computer/Internet, Youth Services, Reference & Research, Genealogy, teen and youth programming, a growing number of print and audio visual materials available in Spanish, Summer Reading Program, talking books, descriptive videos and closed-caption videos.

Westlaw is now available to the public in the Adult Services Department on the third floor of the Kankakee Public Library. Westlaw is an online legal research service. It provides quick, easy access to a vast collection of statutes, case law materials, public records, and other legal resources, along with current news articles and business information. Attorneys or patrons who wish to use Westlaw may visit the Adult Services Department.