Without question the public libraries in my area of Hampton Virginia have provided me with most of the information I have been able to collect. The Hampton, Norfolk, Newport News, Virginia Beach and York county Public libraries all have what is called a "Virginiana Room/Collection" research room which contain at least the VA census (not all soundexes) (Norfolk has MD and SC), slave schedules, mortality schedules and other basic material. Usually the materials in this room can not be checked out only used in that room. The Hampton Library has a large book collection and although the budget is limited appears to make an effort to purchase any number of new books. They also make a point of asking our AAHGS members if there is a particular book we feel they should buy. Our local AAHGS Chaper makes a point of trying to purchase a couple of books a year which we donate to the collection so that everyone can use.

Selma