About the Archives

About the Archive

The PCPL Archive is dedicated to the collecting, preserving, and providing access to Putnam County’s historical records. Our department is a welcoming place where the seasoned historian or eager novice can explore our diverse collection of primary documents (photographs, letters, newspapers, yearbooks, ect. ) as they explore the past, research family history, find inspiration, or engage in nostalgia.

The PCPL Archive is open, without appointment, during the library’s regular open hours. However, if you are planning to visit from out of town, contacting the department and providing the general topic to be researched increases the likelihood that all materials will be made available and that you make the most of your visit. 

How to Use the Archive:

Upon arriving at the PCPL Archive, you might notice that there isn’t a vast amount of material readily accessible for research. Most of our collections—including county records, letters, yearbooks, and photographs—are housed in an adjoining climate-controlled room. This environment maintains optimal temperature and humidity levels while shielding the items from harmful light, ensuring that these valuable records are preserved for use today and by future generations.

Once you are seated at a table in the Cyril Johnson Reading Room, the archive staff will bring out the materials, typically organized in boxes or folders, for you to review.

Rules to Follow:

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