Hello One answer might be to use a digital camera. I think if people have access to digital cameras - even borrowing one when they go to the Courthouses, etc there would be much less damage done to the books. The photo copying machines are so small in the courthouses and the books so large, it took a great deal of effort to keep the books intact. Often Sandra and I would both hold a book, so not to stress the spine. The records are so exciting to look at and see handwriting in the original form. I would hope everyone would be very careful, but next time I do this I am going to borrow or rent a digital camera so that there will be less damage to the books and I can get more information. Gaila snip ----- Original Message ----- From: "William A. Mills" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, 27 April 2000 3:18 PM Subject: [GAHOUSTO] Record book damage at Houston County courthouse. Houston County Researchers: I spent most of the day at the Houston County courthouse. Upon reviewing several of the record books in the Probate Court, I noticed that the one that I have been abstracting for the past few weeks, now has the cover and spine torn from it. Also, Marriage Book "B" was laying on the counter with the majority of the pages torn loose from the spine.