A few people brought sides issues to my attention re NYS Library cards for government retirees. Here is the online info>http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/reference/borrowers/retirees.htm It states "Retired New York State Government employees are eligible to receive a NYS Library Retired State Government Employee Borrower's Card." In one instance, the surviving spouse of a police officer receives checks from a NYS retirement system. In another case a retired FAA worker, who always worked and lived in NYS, but received a federal retirement, should be eligible. I've read all of the directions for all of the types of borrower's cards. It appears that the main consideration is that applicant's have paid NYS taxes, as those who reside in NYS only as full time college students, are ineligible. Please phone 518-474-5355 for further questions, or email a librarian here> http://www.forms2.nysed.gov/nysl/refserv.cfm A friend just pointed out that online access to Sanborn Fire Maps is included, besides Ancestry (library edition), Heritage Quest, and an abundance of newspapers. SEE> http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/gate/esubject.htm#Genealogy I hope this is helpful with finding your ancestors. Barb MizScarlettNY@aol.com. -----Original Message----- From: mizscarlettny <mizscarlettny@aol.com> Are you a retired "NY State Government Employee?" Then, you're eligible for a New York State Library borrower's card! If you're thinking, "I don't travel to Albany; why should I get a NYS Library card?" You'll love this. Let me count the ways. NYS Library Borrower's card holders can: l) request materials and execute Interlibrary Loans, simply by making a phone call; 2) borrow materials onsite from the library's collections; and 3) full, 24/7 access to online databases*, and millions of magazine, journal and newspaper articles.** * Databases include Ancestry, Heritage Quest, PERSI & NYS Historical newspapers (1933-1915) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/gate/esubject.htm ; ** Alphabetical list of electronic journals and newspapers: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/gate/remotedb.htm Here's the link to printable applications for library cards> http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/reference/borrowers/documents/nysretiree.pdf Just complete the form, include a DMV photo ID photocopy, and proof of retirement status from any unit of NYS government (state and local), and post mail, email or fax to the address on the form. Voila! Your card will be on the way. The New York State Library also invites NYS residents, NYS attorneys and physicians, as well as active NYS employees to apply for library cards on its homepage. Benefits vary per category. Since the "NYS Resident" category of borrowers does not have online access from home, we need an exception made for our documented disabled-homebound residents as well. It's time to contact our state senators. I hope this is useful to you as you dig for your ancestors. Barb MizScarlettNY@aol.com