Did you know the Naperville Heritage Society at Naper Settlement has a research library containing the history and heart of our community?
Although not a lending library, patrons have full access to both primary and secondary sources of information. Primary sources include original letters, diaries, newspapers, magazines and images. Secondary sources of information include books written about the history of Naperville, the region, or general topics of interest to Naperville.
The reading room on the second floor of the Pre-Emption House contains 168 feet of book shelves. Books are arranged by subjects including genealogy, historic structures, artifacts, county and local history. A few reproductions and/or transcriptions of fragile original material are also used by patrons.
There are over 42 feet of subject fi le drawers located in the library, as well. Seven large fi le drawers are dedicated to Naperville General History arranged alphabetically by topic. Another three drawers are dedicated to individual families in Naperville. Two fi le drawers are arranged by address containing information about commercial, agricultural and residential properties.
The Archives at Naper Settlement is a separate dedicated collection of the original letters, diaries and primary sources of information related to or from Naperville. These collections are divided into 156 unique categories, most inventoried and indexed.
Documents range in date from before the first settlers arrived in 1831 to the present day. The original material is housed in three different locations all of which are climate controlled and under an extra layer of security.
Original material can be studied by anyone under the close supervision and white gloves of the Curatorial staff .
The Library is open 10AM-1PM on Thursdays without an appointment or by appointment 9AM-3PM Monday through Friday.
We’re happy to help you discover the great history of Naperville!
