Genealogy

Five Reasons To Love Your Library!

April 27, 2023
Five Reasons To Love Your Library!

It's National Library Week-- time to think about all the things we love about the library. While some are obvious...B-O-O-K-S... there are plenty of other services, features and events that make the library the hub of our community. If you haven't been by in a while, stop into the Main Library on Harnish Drive, or the Branch Library on Eastgate Drive. You'll find friendly, helpful staff, comfy places to read, quiet rooms to get work done, crafts, programs, and more!

Read on to discover some library offerings you may not know about...

Library of Things

Our collection of tools, and gadgets can save you money and storage space. Need an extra video game controller for your child's next sleepover, or a laptop and wi-fi hotspot for a virtual job interview? How about a karaoke machine? We have all this and more! Preserve home movies and videotapes by transferring them to digital formats. Considering a new hobby, or learning to play a musical instrument? Visit the Library of Things, and try before you buy! Located near the Makerspace at the Main Library.

Device Advice

Here at the library, we're all about literacy-- including digital literacy! Our Adult Services Digital Literacy librarian is available for one-on-one appointments to help you learn to use your devices. Sign up for classes to learn the basics of popular software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Google apps. Find advanced courses on LinkedIN Learning.

Community Services

Come to AAPLD for passport applications, license plate tags, and notary services, faxing, self-service copying and printing.  Find us out in the community, connecting with residents at area senior living facilities, dropping off donations and prizes at the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry, or collecting prom finery for My Sister's Dress of McHenry County. We offer special events such as blood drives, Narcan training, and mobile office hours for local elected officials. During tax season, we partner with AARP to offer free tax preparation for seniors. This spring we'll launch a community garden to benefit area food pantries. Find the Services page at aapld.org, or check our bi-monthly print newsletter to see what's new!

Home Delivery

Can't make it to the library due to illness, disability or lack of transportation? Let us bring the library to you! The monthly Home Delivery service for AAPLD cardholders brings books, DVDs, audiobooks, and music CDs to your door, and picks them up when it's time for a new selection. Pick up a Home Delivery form at the Adult Services desk or fill out an application online.

Book Clubs

people sitting side by side with open booksAAPLD offers eight different book discussion groups each month, covering a variety of genres. From non-fiction to sci-fi, romance to horror, mysteries, thrillers, YA and more! Attend one group regularly, or select different groups based on each month's selection. We provide the books for pick-up at the Adult Services desk, simply register for the meeting, and share your thoughts with fellow book  lovers. If you can't find a group that suits your interests and schedule, try our DIY Book Club service, where we provide books for a group you organize.

Genealogy Reads – How-to

April 17, 2023
Genealogy Reads – How-to

Are you a genealogy newbie? There is help for you at the library! Look for these books for some tips on how to get started. Don't forget to ask a librarian if you need more help, and join us for genealogy programs at AAPLD. View our events calendar, and search for "genealogy" to find upcoming programs.

  • Organize Your Genealogy : Strategies and Solutions for Every Researcher by Drew Smith
  • Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy Blaine T. Bettinger
  • Finding Your Family Tree: A Beginner’s Guide to Researching Your Genealogy by Sharon Leslie Morgan
  • Unofficial guide to FamilySearch.org : How to Find Your Family History on the World's Largest Free Genealogy Website by Dana McCullough
  • Genealogy for Beginners by Katherine Pennavaria

Local History Notes

March 29, 2023
Local History Notes

Are you researching ancestors who lived in the Algonquin area? The Algonquin Library has many local history publications in the genealogy section that may mention your family members. Here are just some of the titles available:

  • Algonquin the beautiful : history of its pioneers and its settlement
  • Algonquin illustrated
  • Algonquin maps, 1800-2011 : Algonquin Township plat maps, historic maps : collection of Algonquin area maps
  • History of Algonquin : old newspaper articles, timelines for pioneer times (1834-1890), villages expands (1890-1900), new century (1900-now).
  • Historic homes of McHenry County
  • History of McHenry County, Illinois (1885)
  • History and stories of the McHenry County Cemeteries
  • Jacobs High School Yearbook
  • McHenry County, Illinois
  • McHenry County memories : the early years, 1800s-1939
  • McHenry rural survey : Algonquin Township 1998
  • Once upon a town-- : Algonquin, Illinois, the first 160 years

Need help finding information about a specific ancestor from Algonquin? Contact a Genealogy Librarian to ask your genealogy question.

Genealogy Reads – Memoirs

February 3, 2023
Genealogy Reads – Memoirs

Look for these memoirs at the library. You will be fascinated by these personal stories of genealogy and family history.

  • The Stranger in My Genes: A Memoir by William C. Griffeth
  • Not My Father's Son: A Memoir by Alan Cumming
  • Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by Dani Shapiro
  • All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake by Tiya Miles
  • American Baby: A Mother, a Child, and the Secret History of Adoption by Gabrielle Glaser
  • White Like Her: My Family's Story of Race and Racial Passing by Gail Lukasik

Genealogy Goals for the New Year

January 20, 2023
Genealogy Goals for the New Year

Do you have any research goals for the upcoming year? My #1 goal is to become better organized with my genealogy files, so I have more time to focus on actual genealogy research. If you are like me, you know where everything is, but nobody else alive could find anything or even make sense out of your piles of  genealogy research. Are you ready for a change?

Join us for a virtual presentation with Jacqueline Schattner who will share amazing tips on organizing paper and computer genealogy files using a color coding system. You will also be inspired to organize family heirlooms, photos, and more. This is going to be a game-changer!

Register here

Genealogy Reads

December 28, 2022
Genealogy Reads

Look for these genealogy reads at the library, and discover how DNA might be used to find connections to family.

  • The Forever Witness : How DNA and Genealogy Solved a Cold Case Double Murder by Edward Humes
  • Npe*: A Story Guide for Unexpected DNA Discoveries (*a non-paternity event - when 'dad' is not... your biological father) by Leanne Hay
  • Your DNA Guide the Book : Step-by-step Plans to Connect You with Your Family Using Your DNA by Diahan Southard
  • Finding Family : My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA by Richard Hill
  • The Lost Family: How DNA Testing is Uncovering Secrets, Reuniting Relatives, and Upending Who We Are by Libby Copeland

Family History Month at AAPLD

October 7, 2022
Family History Month at AAPLD

Registration is open for October and November Genealogy Programs! Click program names to register.

Finders/Keepers Genealogy Club - A Genealogy Interest Group

Join us each month at Finders/Keepers Genealogy Club to explore genealogy topics and resources, and to get help with your family research.

Thursday, October 13: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Online or in-person at Harnish Main

Beginning Polish Genealogy

Explore your Polish heritage with the help of Polish genealogy expert and author Jason Kruski. This in-person genealogy program is appropriate for beginners.

Saturday, October 15: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
In-person at Eastgate Branch

Available October 14: Algonquin Cemetery Scavenger Hunt

Participate online or pick up a paper entry form at the Adult Services Desk. Each correct answer will earn an entry into a prize drawing

 DNA Deep Dive Workshop - A Genealogy program

Have you already taken a DNA test and don't know how to use the results? Join this in-person DNA workshop and learn how to sort your DNA matches, chart relationships, and extend your family tree.

Thursday, October 20: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Computer Lab Harnish

Finders/Keepers Genealogy Club - A Genealogy Interest Group

Join us each month at Finders/Keepers Genealogy Club to explore genealogy topics and resources, and to get help with your family research.

Thursday, November 10: 10:00am - 11:30am
Online or in-person at Harnish Main

Celebrate Polish American Heritage Month with Us!

October 6, 2022
Celebrate Polish American Heritage Month with Us!

October is Polish American Heritage Month. Here at Algonquin Area Public Library, we're planning some special events to celebrate the culture and contributions of Polish people, throughout our history.

Polish American Heritage Fest

Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Eastgate Branch. Celebrate and learn about Polish heritage with stories, performances, food and fun, at this family-friendly event. For activities marked with an asterisk, we request that you register in advance, due to limited space.

Drop in between 12-3 to enjoy savory and sweet pierogis available for purchase from the popular Pierogi Rig food truck. The first 100 Polish American Heritage Fest attendees will receive a free cupcake from Konrad's Bakery in Lake In the Hills.

Chicago's D&Z House of Books will be on hand, selling a selection of Polish-language books for adults, teens and kids.

We also welcome the Polish American Association, a century-old Chicago-based social service agency which provides a comprehensive range of bilingual and bicultural services to Polish and other diverse immigrant and refugee communities.

Polish Story Time and Craft* 10-11 a.m. Enjoy stories and songs in Polish (with a little bit of English!) We'll also complete a cute apple and caterpillar craft to take home. For ages 3 and up with a caregiver.

The Wici Song and Dance Theater 11 am- noon. Organized in 1972, Wici's mission is to promote Polish culture in both the Polish and American communities through song, dance and music. Wici honors the traditions of their ancestors through authentic costumes and original choreography.

Beginning Polish Genealogy* 1-2 p.m. Explore your Polish heritage with the help of expert and author Jason Kruski. This program is appropriate for beginners.

Documentary Screening and Conversation with Filmmaker Adrian Prawica 2:30- 4:00 p.m. Join us in welcoming award winning documentary filmmaker Adrian Prawica for a screening of The Fourth Partition, which examines the history of Polish immigrants in Chicago, and how they aided Poland's fight for independence. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Prawica.

Makerspace

Pajaki Chandelier- Create a colorful traditional chandelier and bring some health and happiness to your home. Register for an evening class, Wednesday, October 12, 6-8 pm, or morning, Thursday, October 13,10 am- noon. Classes will be held at the Main Library on Harnish Drive.

Books In Polish

For readers who prefer their native language, AAPLD has a collection of Polish-language fiction and non-fiction. Browse the collection and place a hold by entering your library card number. Don't see what you're looking for? Give the Adult Services department a call, we'll be happy to search for a title.

Celebrate YOU during Self-Improvement September!

September 17, 2022
Celebrate YOU during Self-Improvement September!
Why wait for January to make a fresh start? September is National Self-Improvement Month, a time to reflect on yourself, set new goals, and try new things.
Here at AAPLD, we're all about helping you find what's fresh, fun and yes, FREE! All you need is a library card! Don't have one? Good news, September is also National Library Month. Kick off your self-improvement journey by signing up for a card today!

Learn Something New!

Great Courses- Our Hoopla and Kanopy video streaming apps offer the Great Courses video lecture series. Learn about ancient and modern history, the arts, science and more.
Mango Languages logo: multi-colored letter MLearn a New Language- Mango Languages lets you study and practice more than 70 languages! Download the app, and sign in with your AAPLD library card. And be sure to register for the Sept. 21 class on using Mango.
Make Music- Check out a keyboard or guitar from our Library of Things, along with an instructional book or video to get started.
Library Programs- Take a class at the library! Fall topics include Native American Voices, Polish Genealogy, the true story behind The Great Gatsby, and more!

Get Creative!

close up of a woman using crochet hook Try CreativeBug- A video library containing over 1,000 classes, from drawing and painting to crocheting to jewelry making, and more! Just sign in with your AAPLD library card. Check out crafting kits and tools from our Library of Things.
Join a Club! - Interested in photography or writing? Attend an upcoming meeting of the Worth a 1,000 Words Camera Club or Algonquin Area Writers Group. Writers and photographers of all experience levels are welcome!
Check out the Makerspace- There's something fun happening every day in the Makerspace. Try our drop-in craft of the month, sign up for a class, schedule time to use equipment, or get help on a project from a Maker specialist!

Live Better

Exercise online with our Chair Tai Chi classes, taught by local instructor Allison Deputy. Seated classes are held each Tuesday. Friday classes include standing moves.
meatballs cooking in a skilletStart a new fitness routine. Check out the Yoga Awareness display in the Adult Services area at the Main Library. Find how-to books and videos in the Adult Non-Fiction section. Learn about aerobics, pilates, running, and cross-fit. Read up on good health at all stages of life-- both physical and mental.
Then, browse our cookbook collection for recipes and ideas for tasty fall meals. Stop by the Adult Services reference desk, a staff member will be happy to help.

4 Genealogy Quick-start Tips

June 28, 2022
4 Genealogy Quick-start Tips

Genealogy is a very rewarding hobby, and with the help of library resources, you can find and add ancestors to your tree. But, how do you begin? These 4 tips will get you off to a quick start on your family tree:

Keep it simple
Begin with a basic paper pedigree/tree form and fill in basic information. You can always enter this information later into an online tree or computer genealogy program. An ancestral chart allows you to see your family tree at a glance: https://www.archives.gov/files/research/genealogy/charts-forms/ancestral-chart.pdf  The standard is to use maiden names for women; use UNKNOWN for those names you cannot find documentation for. You might use a question mark (?) for information believed to be correct but not yet verified.

Start and stay organized
Details for parents and their children are easily grouped together on a family group sheet: https://www.archives.gov/files/research/genealogy/charts-forms/family-group-sheet.pdf  Keep these and ancestral charts in a binder, grouped by family lines. Add copies of record images as you find them, and file them according to their subject person. A child from one family gets moved to their own family group sheet when they marry.

Document
Always begin with the facts you already know about your family. Fill in family group sheets for your parents, and then for their parents. Verify and document dates and locations of births, marriages and deaths wherever possible. Research and fill in one generation at a time. If you get stuck on a date or location, make a note and get research help at the library to find the documentation that you are missing.

Research
Do not assume someone else’s research on your family is correct. Many well-meaning hobby genealogists post their family trees without any supporting records. Inaccuracies are easily passed on, and multiple online family trees may share the same incorrect information. You can get great research clues by using someone’s existing tree, but ALWAYS verify suggested information by finding records that document it. When you are stumped at proving some information for an ancestor (known as a “brick wall”), keep a research log to note what documentation you are missing, and use this to guide your next steps.

Want to learn the basics of building a family tree? Register (beginning July 15th) for our Genealogy Basics class being held August 31, 2022, from 10AM to 11AM.