Exploring Franklin Township Library s Comprehensive Role

Collections and Special Holdings at Franklin Township Library

The library’s special collections bridge local heritage with broader academic and cultural inquiry, supported by professional preservation protocols and librarian-led research assistance. Below are key aspects of these holdings, their significance, and the methods governing their use.

Unique Collections and Their Significance

• Local History Archives The archives include original documents, photographs, and oral histories spanning over two centuries, focusing on Franklin Township’s civic development, notable residents, and cultural milestones. Key items include:
  • Deeds and land records from the 19th century, illustrating early settlement patterns and property ownership.
  • Newspaper clippings and broadsides from the late 1800s, covering local events such as the establishment of schools, infrastructure projects, and community disputes.
  • Veterans’ records and wartime correspondence, including letters from soldiers stationed during World War II and the Korean War.
  • Digital oral history interviews with long-time residents, preserving firsthand accounts of township life from the mid-20th century.
  These materials are preserved in acid-free folders, stored in temperature- and humidity-controlled cabinets, with select items digitized for remote access via the library’s online catalog.
• Rare Book Collection Comprising approximately 1,200 volumes, this collection features first editions, limited print runs, and historically significant works in literature, science, and local authorship. Notable highlights include:
  • Early American imprints from the 18th and 19th centuries, such as a 1791 edition of The Federalist Papers and a 1820 copy of Walden by Henry David Thoreau.
  • Works by regional authors, including signed copies of poetry collections by Franklin Township’s own Emily Dickinson (local connections) and early 20th-century fiction by township-based writers.
  • Illustrated botanical texts from the 19th century, reflecting the township’s agricultural heritage and early scientific documentation.
  Rare books are housed in archival-quality boxes, handled with gloves, and never circulated. Researchers must request access through the library’s special collections desk.
• Braille and Alternative Format Materials The library maintains a comprehensive collection of Braille books, large-print texts, and audiobooks to serve patrons with visual or physical disabilities. This includes:
  • Over 3,000 Braille titles, covering fiction, nonfiction, and educational materials, with a focus on contemporary releases and classics.
  • Tactile and descriptive books for children with visual impairments, featuring raised illustrations and textured elements.
  • Digital audiobooks compatible with screen readers, including titles from major publishers and local authors.
  These materials are cataloged separately and prioritized for rapid retrieval. Librarians provide training on assistive technologies, such as DAISY players and screen-reading software.
• Genealogical and Family History Resources A dedicated section includes township-specific census records, church registers, and probate files dating back to the 1850s. Additional resources include:
  • Microfilmed copies of local funeral home records, offering insights into mortality patterns and family structures.
  • Digitized directories from the early 1900s, listing residents by occupation and address.
  • Collaborative projects with the township’s historical society, such as transcribed wills and property inventories.
  Access requires a research appointment to ensure handling protocols are followed, with librarians assisting in navigating complex records.

Access and Retrieval Process for Special Collections

• Request Submission Access to rare books, local history archives, and genealogical records requires patrons to submit a request via the library’s website form or in person at the special collections desk. Required information includes:
  • The specific item or collection of interest, with title, author, or catalog number.
  • A brief description of the research purpose, including anticipated use (e.g., academic, personal, or exhibition-related).
  • Contact details for follow-up, including preferred appointment times.
  Requests are reviewed within 48 hours, with approval contingent on the item’s condition and current availability. High-demand materials may require advance notice.
• Preparation and Handling Protocols Approved items are retrieved by library staff under controlled conditions. For fragile materials, the following measures are applied:
  • Rare books and archival documents are handled with archival gloves and opened only on acid-free book cradles.
  • Photocopying or scanning is permitted only with library-approved equipment, using settings that minimize damage (e.g., low-resolution scans for digitization).
  • Food, drinks, and personal writing utensils are prohibited in the special collections reading room.
  • Researchers may be required to sign a non-circulation agreement for items not held in the general collection.
  Librarians provide on-site guidance for navigating complex records, such as deciphering handwritten documents or cross-referencing genealogical data.
• Restrictions and Exceptions Certain materials are restricted to preserve their integrity or due to legal considerations:
  • Original manuscripts and unpublished letters are accessible only by appointment and with direct supervision.
  • Confidential records, such as medical or legal documents from private collections, require permission from the donor or legal guardian.
  • Items under conservation treatment may be unavailable for several weeks, with updates provided via email.
  Exceptions are granted on a case-by-case basis for urgent research needs, subject to approval by the library’s archivist.

Notable Item: The 1847 Franklin Township Land Survey Map