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

In the past century and a half, several bridges have spanned the...

Jared L. Olar

June 6, 2024

Although Pekin voted to incorporate as a city in 1849, Pekin had...

Jared L. Olar

May 30, 2024

In the Pekin Public Library’s Local History room collection is a copy...

Jared L. Olar

May 23, 2024

Long a pillar of Pekin’s community life, the Pekin YWCA at 315...

Jared L. Olar

May 21, 2024

By Jared L. Olar, Local History Program Coordinator, and Linda Mace, Library...

Jared L. Olar

May 18, 2024

Pekinites of an older generation will remember the building at 525-527 Court...

Jared L. Olar

May 15, 2024

Stay Informed

Explore Stories from Your Library

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