News from the Reference Desk Category: Travel

New Web Resource: National Geographic Virtual Library

The Library now subscribes to National Geographic Virtual Library and National Geographic Kids (brought to you by the incredible database company, Gale Cengage). The Virtual Library contains every single page of every issue of National Geographic since it began publication in 1888, all issues of National Geographic Traveler, published since 2010, and over 300 books.

The incredible photography takes on an amazing glow. Take a look at the about the Photo Ark article for proof of that. Every Last One. 

All articles can be saved to your computer, Google Drive, or saved to your folder in a Gale account. You can print them or email them to yourself or others.

Roads of Yesterday

Summertime in most areas of the United States heralds road construction season. But what was it like for automobile drivers 100 years ago? This video prepared by the Ford Motor Company shows how the Model T was built and what it was like to drive in those early days of the automobile age. Most roads were not paved and snow plowing was nonexistent. Mount Prospect entered the automobile age in full force when William Busse bought his first Buick automobile and eventually became a Buick dealer. Here is a c1920 photograph from the Mount Prospect Historical Society showing William and his son, Fred, with the family’s first automobile. Most of Mount Prospect’s roads were unpaved until the mid-1920s.

Planning a Local Trip?

Trying to get from point A to point B around the city?  Yes, we can surely help you find the best way, and so can the RTA Trip Planner.

The RTA gets you where you’re going with three transit operators: the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus and rail system, Metra commuter rail, and Pace suburban bus service.

Going a bit farther? Take a look at Amtrak to book train tickets or Greyhound.

Green Cards, Citizenships, Visas

A permanent resident card is also referred to as a green card.  Information and applications for applying, renewing and replacing are available at the Department of Homeland Security: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration site or by calling 800-375-5283.

The application for citizenship is the N-400 Application for Naturalization and details for fees and completing this form are also available on a section of the U.S. Citzenship and Immigration site.

Information regarding various types of visas needed for foreign citizens to travel to the U.S. are available on the Department of State: travel.state.gov site.

Passports

We often receive questions from travelers preparing to apply for a passport or needing to renew.  The closest post office with Passport services is the Arlington Heights Post Office.  Information is also available at the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) site.  Details regarding renewals, lost or stolen passports, and updating an existing passport are provided.

In need of a passport in a hurry?  The closest Chicago Passport Agency is located in Chicago:

Chicago Passport Agency
101 Ida B. Wells Drive (formerly 101 W. Congress Parkway)
9th Floor
Chicago, IL 60605-1074
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm Thursday
Automated Appointment Number: 1-877-487-2778
Online Passport Appointment System

(updated 2/7/21)