Westfield Library Board recognizes Genealogical Society w/ Resolution

At the September meeting of the Westfield Memorial Library Board of Trustees, the Board passed a resolution to recognize the contributions of the Genealogical Society of the West Fields to the library over the past 45 years. A copy of the signed resolution was presented to a representative of the Society at the library’s October meeting.

Board Vice President Siva Ramakrishnan presented the resolution to Dr. Carole Shaffer-Koros, Professor Emerita of English and History at Kean University, and longtime member of the Society.

“A library should be a reflection of the community it serves,” said Allen McGinley, Library Director. “And the Westfield Memorial Library would not be what it is today without the leadership and efforts of Dr. Shaffer-Koros and other past members of the Genealogical Society to connect residents to information about Westfield’s past.”

Founded in 1979 with the purpose of preserving and making historical and genealogical information available to those researching their family history, the Genealogical Society developed, organized and maintained the library’s Local History Collection, which consisted of books, maps, newspaper files and family history. They also answered queries in person, over the phone and by email, as well as staffing the Local History Room to meet anyone who had questions.

They donated funds to the library for the periodical Family Tree Magazine and the genealogical database Heritage Quest. They also arranged for monthly speakers to present information on genealogical research, preservation of historic documents and photographs, and the use of print and online research tools. All of the work was performed by volunteers.

"This resolution was an expression of gratitude to the Genealogical Society of the West Fields for all their years of service and dedication,” said Jennifer Schulze, Head of Adult Services at the library. “Board members throughout the years were committed to genealogical and historical research of the Town of Westfield. Their passion and efforts are reflected in the library's Local History collection and will have a lasting impact on the community.”

While the Genealogy Society was recently dissolved due to declining membership, the library will continue to provide access to genealogy records in the local history room and online through the library’s website.

For information about online access to the library’s local history and genealogy resources, visit https://digifind-it.com/westfield.

Visit the library’s website at https://wmlnj.org/ to sign up for a library card or learn more about the library’s programs and resources. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street.

Library hours are Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m. The library will be closed Monday, November 11 for Veterans Day.