East Central Reporter

The Coles County Genealogy Society invites area residents interested in uncovering their family history to an introductory genealogy workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 20, at Charleston Carnegie Public Library, 712 Sixth St.

This event is scheduled to take place in the library’s Rotary Room B. The workshop is free to the public. The Charleston Carnegie Public Library offers a myriad of resources for beginners and experienced researchers, with one entire wall devoted to a collection of family files and another containing Coles County histories, cemetery notebooks and other archival information.

The Coles County Genealogy Society, which strives to help those interested in genealogical research, has been working to improve its resources -- and welcomes volunteers. Meetings are scheduled for every third Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. in the months of March, May, September and November.

The library’s genealogy room is furnished with computers, microfilm equipment and ample table space. Visitors are encouraged to bring computers or notepads.

“We have several small-town books on schools, farmers and other businesses,” a Genealogy Society representative said. “Your family history may be here on the shelf waiting for you to come in and discover (it).”