History needs a new home
Published on Tue, Jul 27, 2010 by Beckye RandallRead More Communities
The sunny storefront on Arlington's Olympic Avenue offers a treasure trove for those looking for traces of their ancestral roots. But by the end of the year, the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society needs to find a more affordable location to house the organization's extensive collection of rare books, maps, newspaper articles and research materials.
"Arlington has always been very supportive of the genealogical collection," said Michelle Heiderer, head librarian for the society. "And we really enjoy having a location that allows visitors to discover us and drop in."
The library is currently located in a 900-square-foot retail spot at 135 N. Olympic Avenue. For years the society paid $200 a month for the space, which is all their budget will allow. When the building's previous owners passed away, the heirs instituted a rent increase to $400 a month.
"We just can't sustain that cost," said Heiderer. "Our entire budget is around $6,000 per year, which has to cover utilities, insurance, maintenance and acquisitions too."
The library is staffed by volunteers, so there are no employee costs.
Earlier this year the Stilly Valley Genealogical Society received a $6,000 grant from the Stillaguamish Tribe, but Heiderer knows there's no guarantee of continued funding at that level.
The librarian estimates the value of the genealogical collection plus equipment at around $80,000. Most of the documents maintained by the society were donated to the group by municipal libraries, universities, individuals and other historical groups like Daughters of the American Revolution.
The space is neat and well-organized, and knowledgeable volunteers are always on hand to help novice researchers. Access to the library is free to the public, with a $10 per hour suggested donation for research assistance. Membership in the SVGS, starting at $15 per year, provides additional benefits that include discounted access to online research sites.
"We have information from all across the United States, Canada, and many other countries," Heiderer explained. "For example, we have a complete collection of the Pennsylvania Archives, including the entire index."
Other unique items include a copy of "Snohomish County in the War," a World War I history that is the "only book of its kind," according to Heiderer. A comprehensive collection of obituaries from local newspapers and yearbooks produced by area high schools provide lots of "aha!" moments for even casual researchers.
The library has also gone high-tech, with two computer stations and access to both Ancestry.com and Legacy.com, online genealogical sites with massive resources. For slightly lower-tech digging, microfilm and microfiche readers are also available.
How-to books also line the shelves, filled with helpful tips for beginner or experienced ancestral researchers.
The second Tuesday of each month, members of the society meet at the library space. Several groups affiliated with the genealogical society also use the facility for special interest research and discussions.
"It's also a social opportunity. The Thursday morning research group always brings the best food, so that's a good time to drop by with questions," Heiderer said with a laugh.
The prospect of finding a new home for the library and moving its fragile collection is no laughing matter, however. Society president Kay Crabtree realizes it will be a challenge.
"Our budget is small, but we're hoping an owner might realize the benefits of donating a portion of the rent for a tax advantage," said Crabtree. The Stilly Valley Genealogical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so contributions to the society are tax-deductible, she explained.
"We'd really love to stay in downtown Arlington because of the foot traffic," Crabtree continued. "And it would be great to have a little more space for growth, maybe 1,000 square feet or so."
Most importantly, the space must be structurally sound. The society has suffered through eight water leaks at their current location, catastrophes that required major cleanup efforts and ruined books and costly brochures.
To find out more about the Stilly Valley Genealogical Society, phone Michelle Heiderer at (360) 435-2720 or visit www.stillygen.org.
"Arlington has always been very supportive of the genealogical collection," said Michelle Heiderer, head librarian for the society. "And we really enjoy having a location that allows visitors to discover us and drop in."
The library is currently located in a 900-square-foot retail spot at 135 N. Olympic Avenue. For years the society paid $200 a month for the space, which is all their budget will allow. When the building's previous owners passed away, the heirs instituted a rent increase to $400 a month.
"We just can't sustain that cost," said Heiderer. "Our entire budget is around $6,000 per year, which has to cover utilities, insurance, maintenance and acquisitions too."
The library is staffed by volunteers, so there are no employee costs.
Earlier this year the Stilly Valley Genealogical Society received a $6,000 grant from the Stillaguamish Tribe, but Heiderer knows there's no guarantee of continued funding at that level.
The librarian estimates the value of the genealogical collection plus equipment at around $80,000. Most of the documents maintained by the society were donated to the group by municipal libraries, universities, individuals and other historical groups like Daughters of the American Revolution.
The space is neat and well-organized, and knowledgeable volunteers are always on hand to help novice researchers. Access to the library is free to the public, with a $10 per hour suggested donation for research assistance. Membership in the SVGS, starting at $15 per year, provides additional benefits that include discounted access to online research sites.
"We have information from all across the United States, Canada, and many other countries," Heiderer explained. "For example, we have a complete collection of the Pennsylvania Archives, including the entire index."
Other unique items include a copy of "Snohomish County in the War," a World War I history that is the "only book of its kind," according to Heiderer. A comprehensive collection of obituaries from local newspapers and yearbooks produced by area high schools provide lots of "aha!" moments for even casual researchers.
The library has also gone high-tech, with two computer stations and access to both Ancestry.com and Legacy.com, online genealogical sites with massive resources. For slightly lower-tech digging, microfilm and microfiche readers are also available.
How-to books also line the shelves, filled with helpful tips for beginner or experienced ancestral researchers.
The second Tuesday of each month, members of the society meet at the library space. Several groups affiliated with the genealogical society also use the facility for special interest research and discussions.
"It's also a social opportunity. The Thursday morning research group always brings the best food, so that's a good time to drop by with questions," Heiderer said with a laugh.
The prospect of finding a new home for the library and moving its fragile collection is no laughing matter, however. Society president Kay Crabtree realizes it will be a challenge.
"Our budget is small, but we're hoping an owner might realize the benefits of donating a portion of the rent for a tax advantage," said Crabtree. The Stilly Valley Genealogical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so contributions to the society are tax-deductible, she explained.
"We'd really love to stay in downtown Arlington because of the foot traffic," Crabtree continued. "And it would be great to have a little more space for growth, maybe 1,000 square feet or so."
Most importantly, the space must be structurally sound. The society has suffered through eight water leaks at their current location, catastrophes that required major cleanup efforts and ruined books and costly brochures.
To find out more about the Stilly Valley Genealogical Society, phone Michelle Heiderer at (360) 435-2720 or visit www.stillygen.org.
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