Samuels Public Library Expands Digital Resources with ProQuest Databases

In an exciting development for the Samuels Public Library community, patrons can now access ProQuest’s Fold3 and Newspapers.com databases. This enhancement, made possible by a generous $500,000 Mellon Grant awarded in March, significantly broadens the library’s digital offerings. As of June 1st, these resources are free to all library members.

New Digital Resources

Fold3 – Library Edition

Fold3 Library Edition is now accessible from any internet-connected device, offering a treasure trove of U.S. military records. This database includes stories, photos, and personal documents of American servicemen and women, providing a rich resource for history buffs, genealogists, and military researchers.

Newspapers.com – World Collection

The Newspapers.com – World Collection features full-page images with searchable text from millions of newspaper pages dating from the late 1600s to today. Users can explore extensive archives, including local, regional, and state newspapers from the United States and beyond. This vast collection is invaluable for those conducting historical research or tracing family histories.

How to Access

Patrons can easily access these databases through the library’s website, samuelslibrary.net. Users can dive into these extensive resources to uncover historical insights and personal stories at home or on the go.

About Samuels Public Library

Founded in 1799 and renamed Samuels Public Library in 1952, it is the second library in Virginia to receive a charter. The library has been a cornerstone for Front Royal and Warren County citizens for over two centuries. By December 2023, it had welcomed 1,079 new cardholders and hosted 264 in-person and virtual programs with 12,015 attendees. The library saw over 63,000 visitors throughout the fiscal year, with 200,234 checkouts recorded.

Samuels Public Library continues to evolve, enhancing its services to meet the needs of its patrons. The addition of Fold3 and Newspapers.com underscores its commitment to providing valuable resources for education and research.

For more information, visit www.samuelslibrary.net.