The Genealogy Room has been established to preserve and make available books, documents, photographs and other materials highlighting the history of this community and the individuals whose activities have contributed to its development and character.

As space allows, materials from other areas in Michigan and from other regions in the U.S. may be added to the collection if there is a connection to St. Joseph/Benton Harbor and Southwest Michigan.

Genealogy and local history materials housed in this room may not be checked out of the library. Materials may be photocopied with assistance from staff in handling fragile books and documents.

The Genealogy Room shall be used only under the supervision of library staff, and the room will be kept locked when not in use.

Persons wanting to use the Genealogy/local history materials should sign in on the Genealogy Room Log-in clipboard at the main circulation desk, noting the date and time of sign-in. Use of the materials in this room shall be restricted to persons age 12 and older, although the director may make exceptions for certain circumstances.

Upon sign-in, users will be asked to leave a valid picture ID (e.g. -- U.S. Driver’s License, passport, or state I.D.) with the staff member on duty. A library staff member will unlock the room once sign in is complete.

Please bring into the Genealogy/local history room only those materials needed for research. No food or drink will be allowed in the room. Please leave coats and bags containing valuables with the staff at the circulation desk.

Pencils are to be used for making notes (please -- no pens).

When finished with research, please leave all materials – books, microfilm rolls, etc. – on the table. The library staff will return the materials to the proper location.

Before leaving the library, researchers will need to pick up their personal belongings and ID cards at the circulation desk.