Reference Department

At the Warren Library Reference Department, you can access thousands of reputable print reference resources in our physical space and a wide range of electronic resources anywhere you have the internet and your library card. Our Reference Department is state-of-the-art and we’re constantly updating our collection to address all of your reference needs.

Resources and Services

We offer print, media, and electronic resources on a wide variety of subjects.  Reference Services are available during regular library hours.

  • Genealogy & Local History: Local newspapers on microfilm (1824 to present), Vital Statistics Index (birth, marriage, and death records) to the local newspapers on microfilm, yearbooks, city directories, photographs, military records, family history books, vertical files, etc. We also have extensive collections on the development of the lumber, railroad and petroleum industries in Pennsylvania.  The majority of these resources are located in the Pennsylvania Room, our special climate-controlled archive room.
  • Map Collection: We have a large collection of topographical maps, city and county maps, state and national park maps, etc.  This collection is located in a cabinet in the Reference Room.  The maps are filed by map type.
  • Orientation and Tour: Contact us to arrange a library orientation and tour.
  • Reference Collection: We offer a broad collection of dictionaries, directories, encyclopedias, handbooks, indexes, manuals, etc.
  • Robertson Sheet Music Collection: Original scores from Broadway musicals and movies from 1895-1956. This collection is located in two cabinets in the Reference Room.  The sheet music is filed chronologically.
  • Tax and Rent Rebate Forms: We provide Federal, Pennsylvania, and Local Income tax forms and the Pennsylvania Rent Rebate forms for you (when available) free of charge. Please note that these government entities no longer send us copies of tax forms. If you are able, please consider donating to the library to cover printing costs. If you need the instruction books, we will print out the instructions at your expense.
  • Test Proctoring: We offer free test proctoring services. Contact us to schedule this service.

Equipment Available

  • Manual Microfilm reader with connected printer (25 cents/page)
  • Digital Microfilm reader prints wirelessly to reference printer (25 cents/page)
  • Scanner to scan and save or email documents
  • Photocopier to make copies of documents (25 cents/page for black and white; 50 cents/page for color)
  • Laptops that connect wirelessly to our printers (25 cents/page for black and white; 50 cents/page for color)
  • Headphones
  • Media Readers (3.5″ floppy disk, zip disk, flash drive, CD-RW, DVD-RW, etc.)

Federal Depository Library PROGRAM

The Warren Public Library is a member of the Federal Depository Library Program. Along with some print resources, patrons also have access online to the FDLP Basic Core Collection: U.S. Government Resources. Resources available online include, but are not limited to: Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Congressional Record, Explore Census Data, Federal Registrar, GovInfo, Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), Social Security Handbook, and United States Code.

Contact Us

Have a research request? Stop by the Reference Room on the second floor of the library, call (814) 723-4650 and follow the prompts for Reference/Adult Services, write us at 205 Market St., Warren, PA 16365, or email us at [email protected].

We don’t charge for conducting research, but we do charge for printouts and photocopies (25 cents/page for black & white; 50 cents/page for color).  We also charge for postage if you want materials mailed to you. If you want materials scanned and emailed to you, we offer this service free of charge. Copyright restrictions apply.

Chat With a Librarian

PA’s 24/7 virtual reference service – Chat with a Librarian – where experienced librarians help Pennsylvanians find factual answers and provide them with research guidance. Librarians use information available in the POWER Library’s databases and other online resources to find the most accurate answers available. Click the icon below to begin a new chat!

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