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Individual Databases
Unless otherwise noted, these resources are available at all Chicago Public Library locations and from home, school or work with a Chicago Public Library card.
American National Biography »
American National Biography Online contains substantial biographical articles on more than 18,000 deceased American men and women from all eras and walks of life as well as selected non-nationals (for example, Casimir Pulaski) who had a profound influence on American history. All biographical articles include evaluative bibliographies that guide the reader in further research. Also included are articles from The Oxford Companion to American History.
Biography & Genealogy Master Index »
Use this database to find biographies and profiles of persons in reference books in the library's print collections. The database covers both contemporary and historical figures of all nationalities.
Available at the Harold Washington Library Center, Sulzer Regional Library and Woodson Regional Library.
Biography in Context » teen pick
Find full-text biographical information on over half a million people from all periods of history and from every geographical region. The database includes (1) articles from numerous biographical encyclopedias and reference works, (2) images and (3) magazine and newspaper articles that provide supplemental information on recent events in a person's life. Search for information on a particular person by name or, using the Person Search, create lists of people based on nationality, ethnicity, occupation, gender or date of birth or death.
World Book for Students » kid friendly teen pick
This general encyclopedia includes thousands of biographies of famous persons. Search by name or use the Biography Center to search by profession, gender, nationality, ethnicity or era.
In addition to the above databases, biographical entries may be found in many of our subject-specific sources, including Columbia Granger's World of Poetry, CQ Weekly, History Database Search, Literary Reference Center, Oxford African American Studies Center, Oxford Art Online, Oxford Music Online and Science Online.