Library records in dire need

WINSTED — Much of Winsted’s history is noted in newspapers, census records, minutes and passenger lists. While original copies are no longer available, hundreds of documents are archived on microfilm and microfiche in the Beardsley & Memorial Library’s genealogy and local history room.

Despite good care and maintenance, users of the valuable collection are barely able to view and research the hundreds of rolls of films because of outdated and poorly running microfilm readers.

“At this time, one old microfilm machine is inoperable. The other machine is also old, has limited capabilities and operates slowly in spite of a few broken parts. Printing mechanisms are no longer operable, either, making it less helpful to researchers,� stated a letter from the Beardsley & Memorial Library Board of Trustees. “To remedy this problem, the Board of Trustees has launched a fund drive to upgrade the old microfilm equipment.�

Linda Senkus, director of the library, said the machines have needed to be replaced for quite some time; however, in the last three months, the need has become dire.

“We have a unique collection of newspapers that you cannot get anywhere else in the state,� said Senkus. This collection includes copies of the Winsted Herald dating back to 1856, the Winsted Evening Citizen since 1901 and The Winsted Journal from 1996. Also in its collection are accounts of the blizzard of 1888, the flood of 1955, casualty reports and honors from national and international wars, obituaries, real estate transactions, local celebrations, public announcements and other community news valuable to everyone from serious researchers to students.

“We get genealogy requests from all over the world,� said Senkus. “Right now that collection is barely usable.�

To replace just one machine, Senkus said the library needs to raise $7,500. “We are purchasing solely with donations. We are not going to be able to purchase it until we get the money.�

While the Friends of Beardsley & Memorial Library have promised $1,300 toward the purchase of a new machine, more is needed and the library is looking to the users of the room with hopes that those who need the information will contribute to the cause.

“We need your help at any level you can give,� said the donation letter. “Even in these times of concern and conservation, we feel the project is valuable and the goal attainable.�

Once the new machine is purchased, users will have the ability to not only read microfilm and microfiche, but also to view the material on a connected computer screen and save the documents as a PDF, burn to a CD or e-mail to another computer, as well as print the desired documents.

“It’s going to make resources that we already have so much more available to people. Not only are they going to be able to read it here, but they are going to be able to send it anywhere in the world,� Senkus said. “We were told that the Torrington Public Library has a machine like this and they absolutely love it.

“There is only one copy of most films,� she added. “If it gets lost, it gets lost permanently.�

To make a donation, send checks to the Beardsley & Memorial Library, 40 Munro St., Winsted, CT 06098. Donors should note  the money is for the microfilm fund.