This week's challenge reads "Go to your local public library branch. Make a note of the genealogy books in the collection that may help you gain research knowledge. Don’t forget to check the shelves in both the non-fiction section and the reference section. If you do not already have a library card, take the time to get one. If you have a genealogy blog, write about what you find in your library’s genealogy collection."
Let me start by saying that I live in a fairly rural area, or at least when I moved here 8 years ago it was "rural", we're now an up and coming mini Vegas (which has made me consider moving, but that's another story). I didn't expect much of our local libraries. One was in what I would call a building the size of a 7-11, the other in our historic area downtown in a very small building, only 4 computers and a museum in it's basement. I didn't expect to find much at the 7-11 library and there were little more than a few books on any given topic - no genealogy area, and very few books on the subject.
The downtown location on my first visit was a bit busy for the two ladies working and I didn't bother them since I had a 4-year-old with me and I was just exploring. There were many books on West Virginia and even many on local history and local families. Not a lot to be desired on the actual subject of genealogy, but I didn't spend much time and it was my first visit. After returning home I realized from my little imformation pamphlet that I could access their catalog on line and explore some subjects and do a bit of searching on my own which I did, and I was very surprised to see that there were many books for our neighboring states and they appeared to have a very large collection of books that may contain information related to my research.. this place deserved another visit.
I went back on a week day, with no "helpers" and asked about the seemingly special collection of books I had seen on line and wouldn't you know it - they had a seperate research room. I never even knew that it was there and didn't bother to ask on my first visit. I had to turn over my phone, camera and drivers license to enter, sign a paper stating that I wouldn't destroy anything and I was in! She got out the key, walked to a door in the corner and opened it... I had one of those "Ahhhhhh" moments, you know, when the choirs sing. I expected a small area with a few tables and chairs, but no.. this place was about half the size of the entire outer area of the library, dimly lit with nice lamps, leather chairs and 6 large conference tables. I was stunned when she opened the door and there were shelves to the ceiling and all packed with glorious books and I was the only one there!
Unfortunately, I had to be back home in an hour so I will obviously have to return again and next time I'll be well prepared with knowledge of what books I wish to view and I'll make sure I've got more than an hour. Even if my family wasn't from this area, I could and did find some records among the volumes they hold. It paid to visit my local library, even if we weren't "locals".
