St. Joseph County Public Library

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Contact Information
Email: [mailto:local.history@sjcpl.org local.history@sjcpl.org] Website: Local & Family History Page Facebook: SJCPL LFH Facebook Page Twitter: @MichianaMemory Address:


 * 304 S Main St.
 * South Bend, Indiana 46601

Telephone: 574-282-4621 Hours of Operation: 


 * Mon-Thur: 10am-8pm
 * Fri-Sat: 10am-6pm
 * Sun: Closed

Directions/Parking Map:

'''Please note that SJCPL's Main library will be closing Fall 2019 for approximately 2 years while undergoing renovations. Reduced Local & Family History Services will be available at a temporary location at 737 Beale St. If you have questions about how the closure will impact your plans to visit the library, please call or email in advance.'''
 * SJCPL's Locations and Maps
 * Local & Family History Services is on the second floor of Main library

Description of Collections
The Local & Family History collection aims to provide a vast group of resources for local historical and genealogical research. In addition to specializing in St. Joseph County, the collecting focus is on Northern Indiana, Southern Michigan, and areas that fed migration to the region. Books, city directories, maps, periodicals and more can all be found in the Local & Family History room. Other highlights of the collection include: Microfilm The crown jewel of the library's microfilm collection is the South Bend Tribune newspaper collection. The library holds the entire run of the paper from 1873 to present on microfilm. Over 100 other local newspaper titles are also represented on microfilm. Also available at the library are a number of records including a large collection of church records, deeds, wills, marriage license applications, and city directories. Browse the complete list in the microfilm inventory. Clipping Files Beginning in the 1920s and continuing through the 1960s, librarians clipped articles from the newspaper and collected them on cards in subject files. Since the South Bend Tribune is not keyword searchable, this is the only subject access available for the paper. The clipping files are indexed in a card catalog and can be accessed with assistance from a staff member. The bulk of the collection is from 1920-1970 with a few earlier and later articles ranging about 1900-2005. Archival Materials SJCPL has a growing collection of archival materials on local topics. Each collection is described in an online Finding Aid and can be accessed with assistance from a staff member. Topics include Biography, Business & Industry, Clubs Societies & Organizations, Education, Fine & Performing Arts, Non-Profits, Places, Religion, Special Events, and Sports. Digital Collections Michiana Memory houses the library's digitized collections of fully searchable books, newspapers, yearbooks, postcards, pamphlets, programs, and photographs. Most of the materials are sourced from the library's own collection, but some are made available from private collectors or from partnerships.

Services
Reference Services Local & Family History Services staff are available to assist with reference questions, getting started searching genealogy databases, retrieving restricted materials, and using the microfilm readers. Lookups For researchers who are unable to visit the library, staff are able to assist with lookups of specific items from printed indexes, clipping files, and microfilm, such as obituaries or marriage records, for a small fee. To use this service please visit the website. Programs Local & Family History Services offers regular educational opportunities to patrons. The library's events calendar will list upcoming programs. An informal monthly Genealogy Discussion Group is held in the Local & Family History room on the first Thursday of the month from 12-1pm. All are welcome to join to discuss the latest genealogy news, pose questions, and share successes and no registration is required.

Tips for Your Visit

 * Prepare for your visit by searching the library's online indexes, inventories, and digital collections.
 * Public computers are available in the Local & Family History room with access to library databases.
 * A photocopier and printer are available for $0.15 per page.
 * A scanner is available for public use at no charge.
 * Digital microfilm readers offer prints at the standard rate or digital images at no charge.
 * Bring a flash drive or login credentials for your web email or cloud storage service to take home digital images and scans.

Guides

 * Michiana Memory Digital Collections
 * Microfilm Inventory
 * Yearbook Inventory
 * Archival Collections Finding Aids
 * St. Joseph County Obituary Index
 * Local History & Genealogy Databases
 * Newspaper Databases


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