By Grace Dumelle, Newberry Library

I'd like to recommend reciprocal library cards. Most Illinois residents (and some Indiana and Wisconsin ones also) can get a Chicago library card, which entitles them to a great buffet of databases accessible from home (ProQuest Historical Tribune, ProQuest Chicago Defender, Sanborn Maps of Illinois, WorldCat, ArchiveGrid....).

If you're not a Chicago Resident, check the Chicago Public Library's website to see if your local library participates in this program.