Ask A Librarian
Got a question? We have answers! Library staff are available to help you find the information you need. We offer four ways to contact a librarian with an information request: in person at any of our library locations, phone, email, and text message.
Phone
For fastest service please phone the library at 309-497-2000 during library hours.
Text message
Use our Info Quest text messaging service to ask your question.
Email
Email your question to library staff at questions@ppl.peoria.lib.il.us or fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
Our email reference service is ideal for asking questions specific to Peoria history or genealogy collections. All requests are forwarded to the appropriate subject specialist(s) and answered in the order in which they are received. The e-mail reference mailbox is checked daily Monday through Friday. Local patrons may include a phone number for a response by phone. If you need a quicker response, you may phone the reference desk at 309-497-2000. Librarians are on duty all the hours we are open. If you prefer, come and speak to our staff in person. If you have a detailed research question, please call a librarian at 309-497-2000, to make an appointment, or come to the library for assistance. While all reference requests are confidential, you should remember that internet email is not a secure means of communication.
To help us answer your question more efficiently and correctly, please be as specific as possible in your request. Please provide as many details as you can and if there is a deadline for when the information is needed. It is helpful to know the purpose of your request (assignment for high school, work, etc.) to provide an appropriate level of resources. The more you tell us, the better our answer will be. You should receive a response to your query within 48 hours except for on weekends and holidays.
For questions about what items are owned at Peoria Public Library, search our online library catalog, RSACAT. Click on Catalog from our home page to get there.
The library has access to the Peoria Journal Star online beginning on July 15, 1991. If you have a Peoria Public Library card you may access the NewsBank database from home by linking to it from our databases page. We can often assist you in locating articles. We can also email you articles from the newspaper database if you can send us your email address. We have microfilm for Peoria newspapers dating from 1837. There isn’t a full index to Peoria newspapers prior to 1991.
To renew materials please bring items in for circulation staff to renew, phone 309-497-2166, or visit our online catalog RSACAT from our website by going to our home page and clicking on My Account. For other questions concerning overdue materials or fines please phone the Circulation Dept. at 309-497-2163.
Types of Questions We Cannot Answer:
• We may not give legal, medical, or financial advice. We can only recommend and provide sources of information you may consult.
Please remember to provide your email address. We cannot answer your question via e-mail if the e-mail box isn't filled in.
