Cook County Vital Records on FamilySearch

Did you know that you can find images of Cook County vital records on FamilySearch? They can be tricky to find but you don't have to pay for them!

Note that you can only view these images at a FamilySearch Affiliate Library so you'll be able to view these at the Glenview Public Library but not at home.

Start by searching for the record you need.

Find and select the record you want to view.

After you've selected the record and verified it's the one you want, look on the right under "Document Information." You may have to click the down arrow for the information to show. 

Write down the GS Film Number and the Image Number.

Next, open a new tab and go to the FamilySearch Catalog. Under "Search for" click on "Film/Fiche Number" and type in the GS Film Number you just wrote down and hit search.

This will bring up the Cook County collection you want. Click on the title. 

Scroll down on the next page for the films. Find the GS Film number in the list. This is the film you want. Click on the camera icon to view images.

Now you'll see a page of image thumbnails. In the upper left corner, find the box that says "Image."

Type the Image Number you recorded earlier in the box and hit "Enter" on your keyboard.

This will highlight one of the thumbnails. Double click on the image and you have your certificate!

And you didn't have to pay Cook County for it!