Use of the public microfilm machine and the public computers in the courthouse are on a first come, first serve basis. Because of the natural gas drilling going on in Washington County, the courthouse is very busy and the indexes and records are being used quite heavily. Being there is only one public microfilm machine in the entire courthouse, each person must monitor themselves and use it for only a reasonable amount of time. Copies in the Prothonotary's office or Clerk of Courts are $0.25 per page. Microfilm copies from the Law Library are $0.50 per page and copies in the Tax Assessment office and the Recorder of Deeds are $0.50 per page. Cash only. Also, with being prepared, most of the indexes in the courthouse use the Russell index system. You can look up the directions of how to use this system online. To save yourself time, figure the Russell index number for the names of the ancestors you will be searching ahead of time and have that number handy when using the indexes. The employees at the courthouse are very helpful if you can provide them with specific information. If you have the record number information from the indexes, they are more than willing to direct you to where the actual record is located. One other note, many of the record dockets are quite heavy and are located on shelves that require overhead lifting. If you are not able to lift at least 20 lbs. overhead, please take someone with you who can do the reaching and lifting for you. Happy Hunting, Pam Nixon Whispers From The Past Family History Research Service Westland, PA 15378-0008 Genealogy research services provided covering the southwestern Pennsylvania counties of Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland.