Education Department Newspaper/Microfilm Collection Audio-Visual Collection Manuscripts Collection Lincoln Collection Microfilm Lab Conservation Lab Cataloging & Acquisitions Photography Lab Steve Neal Reading Room Published Materials Genealogy Interlibrary Loan Interlibrary Loan - Microfilm << Back to Library Home   Manuscript Collections Holdings: The manuscript holdings of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library consist of over 6,000 individual manuscript collections containing more than 10.8 million unpublished items. Among them are letters and diaries from Civil War soldiers, as well as the papers of Illinois businesses, individuals, and government officials. There are particularly interesting collections dealing with slavery in Illinois, the state's place in westward expansion, the Federal Writers Project, labor history, education, and more. Research Appointments: Use of the Library's manuscript collections is restricted to the Manuscript Reading Room. Appointments to use the collections are recommended. Contact the Manuscripts Reading Room desk at (217) 558-8855, or cheryl.schnirring@illinois.gov. The manuscript collections are open 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. They are closed weekends and state holidays. Personal computers are welcome; cameras and scanners are not permitted. Copies and Use Permission: The Library will photocopy a reasonable number of pages from specifically cited material in the manuscript collections for a researcher's personal reference use if duplication can be done without injury to the materials. The Library therefore reserves the right to decline any order. Because of staff and time limitations, it may be necessary to limit the number of copies made. The responsibility to ascertain copyright rests with the user. However, if staff are aware of any restrictions, the material will not be duplicated. Copies may not be further reproduced, nor may they be deposited in another repository. Permission to quote extensively must be secured in writing from the Presidential Library. To order photocopies or to request permission to use copies for purposes beyond personal research reference contact the Manuscripts Curator. Contact Cheryl Schnirring, Manuscripts Curator Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library 112 North Sixth Street Springfield, IL 62701 cheryl.schnirring@illinois.gov Manuscripts reading room desk: (217) 558-8855   Copyright Notice | FAQ | Career Opportunities | Volunteer | Related Links | State of Illinois | Illinois Historic Preservation Agency