The Mitchell Community Public Library is a dynamic public resource with a knowledgeable and friendly staff that strives to provide needed materials, relevant services, and up-to-date information. The library strongly supports the concept of lifelong learning—that learning does not begin or cease with formal education, but enhances the quality of life at any age.
The library was built in 1916-1917 with enthusiastic support from citizens led by Mrs. J.A. Munger. A $15,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie covered construction of the 4,800 sq. ft. facility. Citizens pledged continued funding for books, staff and maintenance.
During 1993-1995, the Carnegie was expanded and remodeled to become a handicapped accessible modern building with an additional 8,000 sq. ft. for computers and library users and for a growing collection of books and videos. The library serves the 11,000 residents of Marion, Bono, and Spice Valley South townships.
In addition to 44,000 books, 3,200 videos, 1,300 audio-cassettes, 222 music CDs, 108 magazines, 6 newspapers, the library offers the following services: storyhours & reading programs, 8 computers with Internet access for patron use, local history & genealogy materials, microfilm reader/printer, college and financial aid information, 24 hour Dial-a-Story (849-BOOK), meeting rooms and display cases, laminating, federal & state tax forms, 2 copiers, & a wide variety of programs for all ages. Interlibrary loan is available to patrons in our district. We are happy to help you find the information you want and need.
The library board & staff invite you to visit this fine facility and find out "what’s in it for you!" Or, if you are not in the Mitchell area, check out our Web Site at www.mitlib.org
In addition to the reference material listed below, the library has Internet access with guides highlighting the best genealogy sites.
| Books | Many local and Indiana histories; census information; family histories (including Sheeks, Burton, Moore, Isom, Sherrill, Stipp & many more); assorted marriage and death records; information on researching your family history; Mitchell High School annuals; old Mitchell phone books; Lawrence County cemetery records (mainly through the 1970s – also available on computer); an "Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications"; "Mayflower Increasings" (a genealogy of families arriving on the Mayflower); "Kentucky Householders 1787-1811"; "Indian Blood I & II: Finding Your Native American Ancestor"; "Pre-1882 Indiana Births"; several Civil War regimental histories and a great deal more. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Magazines | "Indiana Magazine of History", "Traces", "Seedling Patch" (published by the Lawrence County Genealogical Society), "Hoosier Genealogist", "Black History News & Notes", the Washington County Historical Society newsletter, and more. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Obituaries | An index of Mitchell deaths from the 1880s to the present (compiled by Helen Ackerman from local newspapers). This index enables searchers to find death dates & then to locate the obituary in our microfilm collection. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Oral Histories | Recordings (and transcripts) of over 38 local people describing their life and times. Included are Ralph Carpenter & Frank Hamer. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Misc. | A pamphlet file with an intriguing assortment of local information, including much on Gus Grissom, Spring Mill State Park, unpublished family histories, and more. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microfilm Collection |
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| Computer Databases |
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The library personnel will do limited genealogical searches, especially of the Obituary Index and the Lawrence County Cemetery information. Submit your request either by mail, telephone or e-mail at mitlib@mitlib.org.
