Welcome to the MCHC Research Library
We serve genealogists, local historians and anyone who loves learning about their family and community history. Our staff librarian and several knowledgeable volunteers are eager to assist you with your research. We have thousands of documents available dating back to Monroe County’s incorporation and before. Many are digitized and are available in the Research Library’s online catalog. Others are available in their original formats and can only be viewed at the research library with assistance from the librarian or a library volunteer.
To assist in making your experience better, we recommend calling prior to your arrival for an appointment. This is especially helpful if you are traveling from another area or have limited time since both the librarian and volunteers are often helping several visitors at a time.
The two best ways to conduct research at the library are:
In-person
If you are able to visit the library in person, staff and volunteers will assist you with research free of charge. Though the Library is usually attended during museum hours (Tue. – Sat., 10a – 4p), appointments are strongly recommended.
Distance Research Requests
If you need to research remotely, or cannot visit long enough to answer all your questions, no worries – you can hire us to do research for you!
Library staff conducts distance research for $10.00 per hour. A $10 minimum deposit is required for all distance requests.
Preservation/handling and shipping costs apply. To submit your research request, e-mail library@monroehistory.org, or call 812-332-2517 ext. 4.
The Library focuses on all things Monroe County including:
- Genealogy
- City/County government history
- Local geography
- County-wide townships and communities
- Local businesses and organizations
- Area cemeteries and churches
- Oral history
- Local architectural history
The Library also houses original county documents including:
- Land records
- Marriage records
- Probate records
- Commissioner records
- Court records from 1818-mid 1950s.
If you’d like to search indexes in the Library’s resources before arriving, select indexes are listed here.
You can also search for resources and photos in the History Center’s online catalog.
To make a photo request from the online photo catalog, go to the “Photo Request Form” option under the Collections tab or click here.
Preservation and Handling Fees:
Standard copy or scan: $0.25/image
Copy or scan of original county record: $1.00/image
These fees also apply to scans/photos made with patron-supplied devices
Want to stay in the know?
Visit the MCHC Research Library blog for updated news and information.
Have books or documents you’d like to share with the library?
The Library Committee is happy to review your items to see if they have a place in the library. The process is simple:
- Complete a Temporary Custody Form and bring your items to the History Center.
- The Library Committee will review your donations for acceptance into the collection. Books or documents not accepted to the collection can be returned to you or if you wish, sold at the MCHC annual sale.
The MCHC research library accepts family history books, genealogy files, books by local authors, and resources of significance to Monroe County.
Like to make a donation to the Research Library specifically?
The research library constantly is acquiring new resources, purchasing preservation supplies and doing anything to improve our space. If you would like to help that cause, go to our Donate form and note the Research Library in the comments as the destination for your donation.
You may also submit your donation through the mail. Just mail your check with a note specifically requesting that your donation is for the Research Library and mail to: Monroe County History Center, 202 East Sixth Street, Bloomington, IN 47408