Hello Gail this may also help you. This is an old email I saved with info. Do you know how to read the Archives of this list. There are lots of emails with info that could help you. ? Irene Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 12:19:20 +0100 From: "Marilyn Ainslie" To: [email protected] Subject: Paisley Local Studies Library Please forgive me if this has been covered before, but I only joined the list a few weeks ago. Having just visited this Paisley Central reference library, I'm reeling from all the information I collected, re quantity, quality and the helpfullness of staff. All the Renfrewshire local history is centralised here, not in other local libraries. Most of the shelves can only be accessed by staff, but there are 2 local history librarians who will fetch material relevant to your needs. You'll need far more time than you think! There's a photocopier, but restrictions on what it can be used for. They hold: book indexes, histories of Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan etc, IGI CDs' MIs pre 1855 Trade directories 1810-1938, local newspapers from 1824,Poor Law records 1839-1948, some Voters Rolls, Paisley Burgess Rolls 1682-1822, indexes to volumes of the Society of Hammermen of Paisley 1761-1955 Minute books for the Paisley Society of Tailors 1666-1783 Renfrewshire Poll Tax Rolls 1695 Index to Crawfurd & Metcalfe's History of the Shire of Renfrew Sasines for Renfrewshire 1781-1947 Confirmations & Inventories 1876-1936 Miscellaneous files on prominent families in the area. 1841 -1891 Census & Renfrewshire OPRs on microfilm are held in the museum next door. Much of the material is for referennce only, but UK residents who can't visit can borrow some books via there local library. I would recommend contacting Paisley first (contact details below) to find out what can be borrowed. I'm sure they would also do their best for enquiries from abroad. Tricia Burke or David Weir Local Studies Library Central Library High Street Paisley PA1 2BB Tel +44 (0) 141 889 2360 Fax +44 (0) 141 887 6468 Opening hours: 09.00 - 20.00 weekdays, 09.00 - 17.00 Saturdays, closed Sundays & public holidays. They recommend fax communication rather than email. Marilyn =========================================================================