Published Materials

Visitors unfamiliar with our library’s rich history may be surprised by the size and variety of our holdings. Once the Illinois State Historical Library, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library now houses more than 200,000 books and pamphlets, 3,000 maps, and 1,200 periodical series. Major collections relate to individuals, cities and towns, agriculture, industry, religion, transportation, and Illinois history.

Explore the Online Catalog here. Requests to view published materials are recommended to be made in advance through Aeon, our online ordering system. Visit our Access page for more information.

Copies and Reproductions

Visitors may make photocopies depending on the item's condition. The first 20 copies are free.  Additional pages are 25 cents each.

To order an image or PDF, please submit a duplication request through Aeon. Our staff will not make copies of complete works, but will happily provide patrons with select pages needed for their research. Please thoroughly review our Copyright Statement and Fee Schedule. 

Flash-free photography of collection materials is highly encouraged.  For additional information, See our Camera Policy.

Research Appointments

Please use Aeon to request library materials before your appointment.  Please visit our How to Access page for more information.

Contact

Reference Desk: (217) 524-6358 or alplm.reference@illinois.gov