Davenport Public Library

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Contact Information
Email: specialcollections@davenportlibrary.com Address: 321 N. Main Street Davenport, IA 52801 Telephone: 563-326-7902 Hours of Operation: Monday     9:00 am - 8:00 pm Tuesday 	9:00 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday 	9:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday 	9:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday 	9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 	9:00 am - 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sunday 	Closed Directions/Parking Map: Directions (Google map). Internet sites and datbases: Website: Davenport Public Library Website Blog: Primary Selections from Special Collections Facebook: Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center Facebook page Upper Mississippi Valley Digital Image Archive: http://www.umvphotoarchive.org/ Archive and Manuscript Catalog: https://archives.davenportlibrary.com/

Description of Collections
The distinguished local history collection includes unique archive and manuscript materials, an extensive book collection including: city directories, a local authors collection, and local cookbook collection, local and regional newspapers, maps and atlases, oral histories, film footage, images numbering over 70,000, and architectural drawings from local firms. Records generated by Scott County, Iowa, the City of Davenport, public and private schools, churches, cemeteries, businesses, clubs, and organizations are available for research and study.

The exceptional genealogy resources focus on Scott County, Iowa and the Quad-City region, as well as the midwestern states. Resources pertaining to the New England region and states along migration routes are also available. Volumes of compiled genealogies, census records, passenger lists, and military records enhance the collection and can be identified in the library's online catalog along with a robust collection of books and periodicals.

The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center proudly houses the 1700+ title collection of the Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society as well as the Richardson-Sloane Genealogical Library.

Special Collections also offers community access to online subscription resources: Ancestry Library, HeritageQuest, and Newspaper Archive.

The Davenport Public Library is also a Selective Federal Depository Library of government documents through the Federal Depository Library Program. Special Collections provides access to more than 35,000 items in book, film, and electronic formats.

In addition, the Davenport Public Library is designated as a depository under the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Services
Reference & Research

The most important resource of Special Collections is the attentive and experienced reference service offered to on-site and off-site patrons by its four full-time and one part-time staff members. From providing suggestions for untangling a tricky research problem, to aiding in the use of the collection, to instructing how to use the equipment in the Genealogy Center, the librarians are happy to assist patrons.

Programming & Instruction

A goal of the Genealogy Center is to provide regular educational programming. To that end, the Center offers at least one lecture or workshop each month on-site at the Allen County Public Library. In March the Center offers "March Madness," a week's worth of seminars. In October - Family History Month - there is a lecture or other educational opportunity at the library during each day of the month. In many years, October's special events culminate with extended hours on one Friday night, unofficially referred to as "Midnight Madness." For more information about upcoming programs, interested individuals may consult the Events page on the Center's website.

Tours

Librarians in the Genealogy Center are happy to give tours to visiting groups of 10 or more. Please call 563-326-7902 in advance to schedule a tour.

The Research Center

Those who cannot visit the Genealogy Center in person may need copies from specific sources held by the Center, broader research done in the collection, or copies of articles found by searching the Periodical Source Index (PERSI). The Genealogy Center has a Research Center arm that provides these services and long-distance patrons may use the Quick Search, Research Request and Article Request forms on the Center's website to request copies or research.

History
Learn more about the Davenport Public Library's history by visiting our A Brief History of the Davenport Public Library The Special Collections Department was established at the Davenport Public Library in October of 1982.

Through the years, Special Collections expanded with grants and support from the FRIENDS of the Library and the Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society.

In 1999, Special Collections received a generous donation to renovate its space from Loren T. and Alice (Richardson) Sloane.

The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center strives to enhance its collections and services to meet the community's needs.

Tips for Your Visit

 * Schedule an appointment with at genealogy expert at 563-526-7902 or e-mail kkuntz@davenportlibrary.com.
 * Groups are welcome, but please give advance notice.