Beginning Lesson #7 Public Library Resources You have written inquiring about public library resources, and oddly enough that is this week's scheduled topic for the Beginning Genealogy Lesson. Of course the since the size and scope of collections vary from one public library ot another, you'll have to investigate the holdings at libraries in your region of the state. Tyically public libraries with some interest in genealogy will have: passenger list indexes census indexes military records indexes printed family histories local histories how-to books on genealogy genealogy periodicals microfiche/microfilm (though limited) Ours has the complete 1850 census on microfilm because the local genealogy society purchased it for them. The Orlando Public Library has ALL census microfilms, many book indexes, but no Soundex microfilms. A public library may elect to belong to: <A HREF="aol://4344:167.gfn96120.1415596.533875663">AGLL - American Genealogic al Lending Library</A> <A HREF="aol://4344:167.my960427.1396337.514841940"> National Archives Microfilm Lending Program</A> Interlibrary loan - OCLC allows you to find books for genealogy, regimental histories and manuscripts through OCLC First Search, using their World Catalog. This is available at local public library, and through LUIS terminals at university libraries. You can fins where a book on a desired topic is held, and determine if that library will loan through interlibrary loan. You copy the information, and ask the reference librarian at your public library how to use the services of this program. Some participating libraries will lend books to your local library, but not permit you to remove the book from the library. I had a friend locate a priceless book published in the mid 1800's in Scotland. He was able to view it in person, without having to travel to Glascow for the honor. Most local genealogy societies act as volunteers at their local public library. They may publish a special catalog of genealogy holdings, maintain an obit index for the local newspaper at the library, volunteer to reshelve books or assist patrons in the genealogy section of the library, etc. Well organized reference librarians will have a handout describing the scope of the genealogy materials available. Society members tend to know which libraries in the county or adjoining county will have additional resources of interest to family historians. Other than that, you'll just have to dive in and investigate!