On its founding in 1979, the Genealogical Society of Sarasota collaborated with the Selby Library in creating a genealogical section at the library. Since that time, the Society has nurtured the growth of that section of the library and provided the volunteers who staff the Information Desk. Over the years, the Selby Genealogy Collection has become a substantial regional genealogical research center. In 2002 the collection became a part of the newly formed Special Collections Department. The Society encourages genealogical research for beginners. The Genealogy collection at Selby Library has extensive information on how to get started in genealogical research, and Society volunteers are available to help beginners and experienced researchers. Currently the collection has more than 900 titles in its circulating collection and over 10,000 titles in its research collection. In addition, the Society cooperates with other agencies to offer genealogy courses around Sarasota County. Information about the Genealogy collection and its services can be obtained by calling 941-861-1121 or e-mailing VNeumann@scgov.net. Venice Library has one computer dedicated to genealogy research with many CD-ROM products available for use. The library’s collection of print materials has many useful items for ancestor research. It also has the valuable microfilm resource, the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, dating back to the mid 1800s along with a microfilm reader/printer for viewing it and for reading National Archives microfilm ordered by individuals. The collection also has a file of application forms from public resources such as the National Archives, other archives and libraries and from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The Genealogy area also has information regarding meetings, conferences and other items of interest to genealogists. In addition, the library has knowledgeable volunteers who can assist with the research process. The library also offers classes on a seasonal basis on genealogy research techniques. In addition to a modest circulating genealogy collection, the Elsie Quirk Library in Englewood offers researchers the opportunity to order microfilm from the Family History Center (LDS) in Salt Lake City, Utah. The microfilm can be read and copies printed from our Canon 800 Microfilm Scanner. This service is provided through a partnership with the Englewood Genealogical Society of Florida (EGSF), with over 100 members. During the winter season, genealogy volunteers are available at the Library and EGSF conducts monthly programs that are open to the public. In addition, EGSF has created the following "Special Interest Groups" for its members in the followiing areas: British Isles Canada Colonial Europe Midwest Tri-State Call the Elsie Quirk Reference Desk at 861-1210 for details.