Library
Special Collections
The Library offers the following special collections:
- Canal and Regional History Special Collection / I & M Canal
Archives
The Canal and Regional History
Special Collection consists of a variety
of materials relating to 19th century American canals, with a concentration
on the Illinois
and Michigan Canal, and the history of northeastern Illinois where the
canal is located. It also has materials on most of the pre-Civil War canals
of America.
This material consists of bound volumes, pamphlets, annual canal reports,
and 19th century maps, both manuscript and printed. In addition, it has
photographs,
prints, manuscript letters, and memoirs relating to the construction and
operation of canals, and those industries associated with canals. It also
houses some canal
artifacts. It has a total of over 10,000 items, making it one of the largest
canal collections in the United States. The Collection is located on the
second floor of the library and is open by appointment only. Appointments
can be made
by calling (815) 836-5579 or (815) 836-5665.
- Government Documents
The Federal Depository Library is open to the public during
all Lewis Library hours. The Depository Librarian or Reference
Librarian can assist with access
to this collection.
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