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Today is: Sunday, February 05, 2012
The Library is CLOSED
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Genealogy Help
What is Genealogy?
Genealogy is the study of family lineage. Genealogy developed when a connection to royalty was important. It was used to determine one's place in government and society. Today most genealogical research is done to satisfy a curiosity over one's own heritage.
Genealogical research is a slow moving process. Original documents must be located to verify names, dates and events. Records of birth, death, marriage, and military service are primary sources for this.
Primary sources in the Altoona Area Public Library include U.S. census data and local newspaper archives. We have historical city directories and local high school yearbooks. Other tools are bibliographies, indexes, general directories, guidebooks, and journals related to genealogy.
Where do I start?
Below are links to aid your genealogical research in the Altoona Area Public Library. It is not a listing of all titles available. It is a guide to locating the items you may need.
General Encyclopedias
Census Data
Web Sources
Encyclopedias About Genealogy
Periodicals/Newspapers
Local Organizations
Bibliographies
Yearbooks
Guide Books
Records
Indexes
Maps
Directories
Where do I start?
Below is a link to some free help at ancestry.com
Free databases at ancestry.com
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Web This Site
It is a free search engine that you can add as a toolbar to your browser. Everytime you do a search using the "GoodSearch" search site or toolbar the Library earns money. Just click on the logo to get started, then search or click on "Get the GoodSearch toolbar or add us to your search box".
Or search right from here using the search box. You must allow popups from altoonalibrary.org for our search box to work.
Ask Here PA is Pennsylvania's new statewide live chat reference service. Ask Here PA is a free service to all residents of Pennsylvania, offering live chat reference
24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Click the image to visit Ask Here PA.
POWER library allows you to access thousands of full text periodical articles, newspapers,
a major encyclopedia, plus photographs, pictures, charts, maps, reference materials and more.
You will find materials of interest in most subject areas for all age groups from young children to adults. Click the image to visit Power Libraries.
Have a Facebook account? Become a Fan of the Altoona Area Public Library on Facebook by clicking the image above. Take part in discussions, get up-to-date information
and follow events all through Facebook!
ARTIST OF THE MONTHThe Altoona Area Public Library welcomes Tracy Stuart of Spring Mills, as the January, 2012 Artist of the Month.
Mr. Stuart's calling is beautifully capturing an animal's character in pencil. His business "Pets in Pencil" operates from his home in Spring Mills. where he creates pet portraits from photographs.
While a patient at Mt. Nittany Medical Center for 11 days in 2003, Tracy missed his dog Tikaanni. He asked the nurse for a paper and pencil so he could draw a picture from a photograph. He carefully began drawing and suddenly realized a part of him had returned from his childhood, his love of drawing animals. His doctor then highly encouraged Tracy to pursue his artistic talent.
Since then, Mr. Stuart's artwork has been displayed at various shows and competitions. His artwork was selected to show at the Mid-Atlantic 2010 Art show at the Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts in New Castle, PA. and he was recently the featured artist at Mt. Aloysius College. Mr. Stuart's pet portraits may be found across the United States and overseas as well. Tracy's greatest joy is seeing the look on peoples faces when he presents the finished artwork. All Tracy needs is a good photograph of your pet and a little time.
Enjoy this exhibit through January 31, 2012 during regular Library hours.
The Altoona Area Public Library welcomes NICHOLAS CAUSER
as the YOUNG ADULT ARTIST for February, 2012
My name is Nicholas Causer. I am 15 years old and I was born
in Altoona, PA. Ever since I can remember I have enjoyed creating
and drawing. I guess I have always had an artist in me. It all started
when I began to create odd inventions. Then I began to create art on
the computer. From there, I began to paint, try sculpturing, and
drawing. I have created drawings of cartoon characters, animals,
and abstract art. I think the only reason I continue to create art is
the love of being able to take a thought from my mind and draw it
on paper. On one last note, one of my mottos is "Everyone can draw,
but it takes an artist to create a masterpiece."
Nick's art may be viewed on the Library's 2nd Floor balcony
through February 4, 2012.