Allegany County Library System Washington Street Library

The Maryland Room collection, located at the Washington Street Library, contains print materials of interest for local history and genealogy, including histories of Maryland and Allegany County, as well as histories of nearby cities, towns, churches, businesses and more. The collection also offers a small number of items relating to adjacent states and counties.

While some of the items in the collection are recent publications, many are rare, fragile, or out of print; consequently, they cannot be removed from the library. Patrons are encouraged to browse and examine materials in the collection within the library building, and the Maryland Room contains tables and chairs to facilitate research.

Since most of the materials lack detailed indexes, library staff can offer limited research assistance by mail; however, they can check specific resources in response to written requests. Locate relevant titles by searching for the subject “Maryland History” in the library’s online catalog. When making a written request, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope along with as much information as possible about the person or object of interest, and direct your letter to:

Washington Street Library Attn: Maryland Room Librarian 31 Washington Street Cumberland, MD 21502

Or, the library can be emailed washingtonstlibrary@allconet.org For additional information or assistance with local genealogy, contact the Genealogical Society of Allegany County at 301-777-8850.