LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lenore Clark Research Library, a treasure-trove of historic and local family information is in the process of being temporarily closed and archived.
Faithfully gathered since 1977 by the members of the Lake County Genealogical Society, this resource has helped many learn about their Lake County ancestors.
"It just breaks my heart," said the society's president, Rose Davidson. "This is the third time we've been moved for no fault of our own; each move subject to its toll and losses, but this time there is nowhere acceptable to go."
Originally housed in the Courthouse Museum in downtown Lakeport, the Genealogical Society was easily accessed by researchers. But after 23 years, changes within the county departments forced the society to seek a new home for their collection of historic documents.
Eventually space was found in the Lucerne Visitor's Center. The space was adequate, but the location, so far from the county seat, made it a daunting journey for out-of-town researchers and volunteers alike.
Upon the closure of the visitor center, a space was found for the library in Upper Lake. Senior Support Services, housed in the old Justice Court building there, was gracious enough to provide access to half of the building.
Sadly for the Genealogical Society, the need to expand support for seniors has created a need for the space currently occupied by the research library.
"We would love to be back in Lakeport again," said Ms. Davidson. "It would be the most logical location for any genealogy researcher to include with visits to the County Courthouse, the Courthouse Museum's collection and the County Library's microfilmed newspapers."
Unfortunately the only space offered at this time is in Clearlake Oaks, a distance too great for our volunteers and most researchers with limited time in the area.
So Davidson said that, with heavy heart, the decision has been made to break up the collection among the membership and select county entities until such time that a suitable location becomes available.
While this makes access to the records more difficult and increases their vulnerability, volunteers from the Lake County Genealogical Society will continue to assist with family history queries via email or by post.
Inquiries may be made to Anita Crabtree at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Rose Davidson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the Lake County Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 1323, Lakeport 95453.
Another opportunity would be to join the genealogists during their weekly discussions; sharing insights into family history research.
The group meets Tuesday afternoons at 1:15 p.m. in a room kindly provided by the Family History Center, located within the Latter Day Saints Church, 16th and Hartley Streets, Lakeport.
Research library being archived due to lack of facility
- Lake County News reports
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