Dougherty County Public Library

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Contact Information
Dougherty County Public Library

Northwest Branch

2507 Dawson Road

Albany, Georgia 31707

229-420-3270 (Main number)

229-420-3204 (Laureen Alford, Genealogy Librarian)

lalford@docolib.org

DocoLib

Facebook

Hours of Operation: Mon. - Fri. 10:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M., Sat. 11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

Directions/Parking Map: Google map

Description of Collections
Print Collection

We have an excellent collection of print resources for Southwest Georgia and the migration routes leading to Southwest Georgia. Our collection of print volumes for Virginia, North Carolina, South Carorolina, Georgia and Alabama are particularly good. We have: Family and local histories, Military records, State and County records, Marriage records, Census records, Obituaries, Journals, General reference and how-to books, Local high school annuals (print, CD), Immigration Records, and Albany maps 1850-1910. Total volumes: Over 9000.

Microfilm Collection

Census records: CT (1800 – 1850), DE (1800 – 1840) GA (Population 1820 – 1930; Soundex 1880 – 1930, Agricultural and Manufacturing 1850 - 1880, Slave 1850 - 1860), MA (1800 – 1830), MD (1810 – 1840), NC (1790 – 1860), NH (1800 – 1830), NY (1790), PA (1790 – 1840), RI (1790), SC (1790 – 1860), VA (1790 – 1860), and VT (1790, 1810 – 1830).

Newspaper records: The Albany Patriot (Apr. 1845 - Sept. 1869), The Albany News (1869 - 1871),  The Albany Herald (1892-2018), The Albany Journal (1982 - 2010), The Albany Southwest Georgian (2009 - 2013), and other newspapers from 37 counties in Southwest Georgia,

Other records: County court records from 19 counties in Southwest Georgia; Alabama Death Index (1908 -  1959); SC Marriages After 1842; SC wills for five counties; MS Death Certificate Index (1912 - 1941); Confederate Pardon Applications; Adjutant General Salt Distribution Records (1862 - 1864); Hollingsworth Card File; Tucker Littleton Papers; Diary of Nelson Tift.

''We have two microfilm readers. Total rolls of microfilm: Over 3000.''

Digital Collection

FamilySearch, Ancestry Library Edition, Heritage Quest, Galileo, Georgia Historic Newspapers, Rootsweb, Albany City Directories, Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, Digital Library of Georgia, Old Aerial Photos of Albany.

Special Collections

Carnegie Library scrapbooks, construction photographs of the Dougherty County Courthouse, World War II era scrapbooks from Albany DARR Aerotech.

Services
Reference Services

Tours and genealogy collection orientations. Assistance or instruction with using the library, including locating materials, using the catalog, using computers to access information, and using basic reference sources. Assistance identifying library materials needed to answer a question. Providing brief, factual answers to questions, such as addresses, statistics, phone numbers, etc. that can be quickly located.

Research Services

General research guidance and assistance, research suggestions, Limited research assistance as time permits or by appointment.

Instructional Services

Monthly genealogy classes on various topics (currently via Facebook Live); Speeches, presentations and workshops upon request, at the library or at your organization (must be approved by Library Administration); One-on-one instruction as time permits or by appointment.

Tips for Your Visit
If you will need assistance from the Genealogy Librarian, please call in advance to make sure that she will be available on the date and time you plan to visit. Please be aware that you must wear a face covering during your visit due to Covid-19. The Genealogy Department's print collection is reference only, so you may not check out any of the items. The Dougherty County Public Library and the Pines library consortium do have other genealogy items that can be checked out. You may search our catalog online to see what we have. Please read our Genealogy Department's Policies.

Guides
American Ancestors Getting Started Guide Georgia Archives online research guides |} Georgia Public Library Service's list of genealogy resources
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