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Fond du Lac library unveils online local-history collection and genealogy tools
Summary
The Fond du Lac Public Library demonstrated a new online local-history collection with searchable PDFs of local books, directories, postcards and yearbooks, plus indices and a 'Book a Local History Librarian' service, city staff and councilors said.
The Fond du Lac Public Library showcased a new online local-history and genealogy collection at the city council meeting April 22, offering searchable PDFs of local history books, city directories, yearbooks, postcards and partial newspaper and vital-records indices.
John Serrano, the library’s local history and genealogy librarian, guided council through the new Fond du Lac collection and the partner-hosted Winnifox digital materials. He demonstrated search and OCR features for directories, described a starter set of materials aimed at genealogists and house-history researchers, and said the library will expand the collection in cooperation with the county historical society and local schools.
Serrano highlighted practical tools for patrons: downloadable pedigree charts and research logs, oral-history guidance, and a Book a Local History Librarian service that offers one-on-one remote assistance. He also noted new postcard scans and linked yearbooks that are now accessible via the regional Winnifox system.
Council members and attendees praised the effort, offered additional yearbook donations and noted the library’s idea studio and recording equipment as resources for oral-history work. Serrano said the library will continue to add materials, including periodic captures of directories every five years to aid genealogical research.
The demonstration concluded with council members encouraging public use of the collection and staff noting plans for future expansion timed with the library’s 150th anniversary in 2027.
