Collections

KFPL Collections and Membership

KFPL Collections

KFPL has several kinds of items in its collection related to genealogical or historical research.

Viewing the Collection

Unfortunately, limited time and resources normally make it impossible for KFPL staff to search inside these items for you, or to photocopy, e-mail or fax information from them. To view the items, please visit us.

Tip: If you are making a special trip to consult one of these items, please contact us before you come. Ask a staff member to verify that the item is not missing or "in repair."

If you can't visit us, contact your local public or university library. They may be able to find another source (e.g. Library and Archives Canada) from which you may borrow the item. You can arrange the interlibrary loan through your local library.

In addition:

Access to KFPL's Collection

KPFL members and non-members can both access the collection.

KFPL Members

  1. Circulating Items
    1. Search for books and other items in our library catalogue.
    2. As a KFPL member in good standing, you are welcome to borrow items from the library's circulating collection.
    3. Learn more about KFPL membership by clicking Library Services > Borrowing at the top of this screen.
  2. On-line Databases
  3. Microfilm
  4. Interlibrary Loans
  5. Non-circulating Items
    1. Items marked GENEAL, REF, SPECCOLL or VF are non-circulating.
    2. They are for in-library use only.
    3. Certain other materials are also reserved for in-library use. If in doubt, please check with us.

Non-Members

  1. Circulating Books
    1. Books from our circulating collection are available via interlibrary loan to Canadian libraries.
    2. Please don’t contact us directly with your request to borrow an item.
    3. Tell your local public or university library which item you want, and they can arrange an interlibrary loan for you.
    4. Sorry--items from our collection are not available via interlibrary loan to individuals or institutions outside Canada.
    5. Tip: to find out if the book you want is available in a library near you, check the WorldCat website.
  2. E-Resources
  3. Microfilm Access for Non-members
    1. In-library access to our microfilm collection is free to everyone.
    2. Sorry, but these microfilm reels are not available for interlibrary loan.
    3. Ask your local library to borrow the microfilm for you from the Archives of Ontario (especially for civil registrations).
    4. Other places to view microfilm include your local Family History Centre and/or the library of your nearest college or university.
  4. Non-circulating Items
    1. Items marked GENEAL, REF, SPECCOLL or VF are non-circulating.
    2. They are for in-library use only.
    3. Certain other materials are also reserved for in-library use. If in doubt, please check with us.
  5. If you need more help, contact:
    1. the Kingston Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, OR
    2. one of the other organizations that support family history research.