Public Program Series: Your Government, Your Records
The Barack Obama Presidential Library and the Rockford Public Library are teaming up for a three-part series to remove the guesswork. Across three unique monthly workshops, federal archivists and local library specialists will show you how to leverage interactive digital tools, uncover local genealogical treasures, and request government records. The Rockford Public Library is located at 215 N. Wyman Street Rockford, IL 61101.
Session 1 Wednesday, September 23, 2026 - 5:30 pm CST
Decode Democracy: Demystifying Government Records
Archivists from the Barack Obama Presidential Library will explain what the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) are, what they aren't and how to access various types of personnel files, whether that be for genealogical purposes or personal benefits. Presenters from NARA and the Rockford Public Library will discuss available resources and answer questions.
Session 2 Wednesday, October 21, 2026 - 5:30 pm CST
Logging On: Linking Digital Research Sources
Archivists from the Barack Obama Presidential Library will provide an overview of the digital resources available from the Obama Library, including the National Archives Catalog, the Obama Presidential Library Digital Research Room and Digital Artifacts Collection, and “frozen” archived websites and social media profiles from the Obama Administration.
Session 3 Wednesday, November 18, 2026 - 5:30 pm CST
Your Right to Know: A Guide to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Archivists from the Barack Obama Presidential Library will offer an overview of how you can gain access to government records through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Participants will gain practical insights into the complete FOIA lifecycle moving step by step from drafting targeted, descriptive requests to navigating internal agency searches and document releases