The following items are unique to our
collection and may not exist anywhere else in Florida. Email staff for
information on how to receive a photocopy of the page.
Photocopy: $2 for each
mailed and printed
obituary. Must be mailed in advance.
Scanned: No charge -this
is attached
to the reply of your
email.
PLEASE ALLOW TWO
WEEKS FOR A RESPONSE.
The
brand new two story Main Library opened February 1st, 1991. A bequest to the
library by the Julian W. Lowenstein family in 1985 asked that the funds be
used to help construct a new library building. In return, the family asked
that a room or wing be named in the memory of Julian W. Lowenstein. The Florida
History and Genealogy Department, the terrace (now replaced by the reference
department) and the reading room were used
for that purpose. Additional funds were used for upgraded shelving, carpeting,
computers and cabinets in the genealogy department. The purchase of the entire
U.S. census (on microfilm) from 1790-1860 was also achieved at that time.
In
1998-99, the growth of the library was apparent in the annual statistics reported
to the state library. Our library was number one or two in the state of Florida
(per capita) in many categories such as attendance at adult programs
and new borrowers. The county commissioners approved funds for the expansion
of children's, reference and genealogy departments. When built in 1991,
the genealogy department had approximately 1000 square feet. In 2002, we
have approximately 4000 square feet, which includes the outside area where
the microforms and equipment are located. A new Florida and local history
room has been added as well as a work room, conference room (6-8 people),
storage, additional computer work stations, and much more.
In
April 2005, it became apparent after Hurricanes Jeanne and Francis that
many people felt the library would be the best place to donate their family
materials and documents. The Indian River County Historical Society made a
decision to move all their photographs (5000+) and documents (20+ boxes) to
our local history room. A decision was made at that time to name this area the
"Archive Center." In order to do that, we needed to
remove all wooden shelving and replace it with archival-safe metal shelves.
We had our first open house on October 15, 2005.
Currently,
the department has over 35,000 titles, 40,000 microfiche, 11,000 microfilm,
9 computers and wireless access.
ABOUT THE GENEALOGY DEPARTMENT
WHERE, HOW AND WHAT?
Need help learning about our resources? Click on
pathfinders.
The
Indian River Genealogical Society, Inc.
was organized April 1983. From their earliest beginnings, IRGS helped
build the basic collection and continued their support through their annual
budget for the sole purpose of purchasing new books for the library. May 1997,
the society purchased a map file which holds many old and rare maps to help
genealogists with their research. The library and the society continue to work
cohesively through indexing projects, financial support and volunteers. The
volunteer base is 25-30 people and they work a combined total of 30-50 hours a
week. [2005 (3080 hours); 2006 (4106 hours); 2007 (3888) ] Without their support, the department
would not be able to function smoothly. They provide services to the library
such as: processing materials, assisting patrons, shelving and keeping books in order, filing, updating
vertical files, staffing the department when staff is not available and
many other office needs.
