Local History Program Coordinator at the Pekin Public Library. I oversee the library’s local history room collection, write a weekly local history column/weblog for the library, and present local history programs at the library and in the community.

Author's Articles

Here’s a chance to read one of our old Local History Room...

Jared L. Olar

July 19, 2017

Here’s a chance to read one of our old Local History Room...

Jared L. Olar

July 14, 2017

Last month we recalled the old pioneer burying ground formerly located at...

Jared L. Olar

July 7, 2017

While the majority of the books in the Pekin Public Library’s Local...

Jared L. Olar

July 1, 2017

Here’s a chance to read one of our old Local History Room...

Jared L. Olar

June 24, 2017

Two months ago we recalled the history of one of Pekin’s early...

Jared L. Olar

June 16, 2017

Here’s a chance to read one of our old Local History Room...

Jared L. Olar

June 9, 2017

The summer months are when American families traditionally hit the road for...

Jared L. Olar

June 2, 2017

Here’s a chance to read one of our old Local History Room...

Jared L. Olar

May 26, 2017

In past “From the Local History Room” columns, we have recalled the...

Jared L. Olar

May 19, 2017

Following up on our comparison last month of two old aerial views...

Jared L. Olar

May 12, 2017

Here’s a chance to read one of our old Local History Room...

Jared L. Olar

May 5, 2017

Stay Informed

Explore Stories from Your Library

Browse past stories, highlights, and updates on local art, events, and library happenings—all in one place.