The American French Genealogical Society
Library Address:
78 Earle Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
401.765.6141
Entrance: Rear of the building
Library Hours:
Tuesday: 1 pm – 9 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm (Closed in July)
Closed on designated holidays
General Visitor Information
Admission
Visitors to our library are welcome. All visitors are required to pay $5.00 per day for use of the library.
Accessibility
The Franco-American Heritage Center has an elevator and all levels of the building are accessible.
Travelers
We will make every effort to accommodate members who reside outside of the Rhode Island area. Please contact AFGS at least one week before your arrival. Tell us the dates and times you plan to be here and a phone number where you can be reached while you travel.
Dining and Lodging
For information about dining and lodging options in the area, please visit tourblackstone.com.
Library Guidelines
Personal Belongings
• All coats, sweaters etc. not being worn must be placed in the lockers located in the main lobby, not on the back of your chair because of safety reasons. Briefcases, bags, computer cases and purses are not allowed in the library, but may be safely stored in the lockers that have padlocks and keys.
• Use of pens is limited to special circumstances as stray marks made in the books cannot be erased. Please bring pencils only. Please check with the library staff.
• Do not write in the books at any time. Corrections will be made and initialed by the Librarian. Writing in the books is a serious infraction of the rules. There is a correction book on the reception desk.
Food
• Food and beverages, including bottled water, are not allowed in the library. The lunch room is located off the main lobby adjacent to the lockers. There is a refrigerator and microwave available for your use.
Copies
• You are welcome to use the copy machine and printers. Bound books may not be copied. Only pages from books with a GBC (spiral) binding may be copied. Hard bound books may not be copied. Copies cost $.25 each and you must pay for the copy when it is made.
Electronic Equipment
• AFGS has free Wi-Fi available. Notebooks, laptops, tablets, hand held scanners, and cameras-(no flash) may be brought into the library.
• Cell phones may be brought into the library. However, please be considerate of other researchers and either turn off the phone or place it in silent mode. Cell phone conversations should take place outside of the research room.
Identification Badges
• Membership badges must be worn in the library at all times.
• Visitors will be given a visitor’s badge.
• New members will be issued a temporary membership badge. If you lose your card holder, a new one may be purchased for $1.00.
Library Materials
• If a film is damaged or a book needs repair, bring it to a staff member’s attention so that repairs can be made.
• Library materials are to be used in the library only. You may not take them home. This rule will be strictly enforced.
• Limit yourself to 4 books at one time. When finished with your books place them back in their proper place. If you need help, ask one of the library staff.
• Do not stack open books on top of each other or fold them in half. This stresses the spines and causes them to break.
• Do not stand in the stacks thumbing through books. Take the book back to your table. Space in the stacks is limited.
Smoking
• Smoking is prohibited anywhere in the AFGS Franco-American Heritage Center.
These guidelines have been adopted by the Board of Directors for your protection and the protection of the Society’s collections. Anyone wishing to discuss these guidelines may address their concerns directly to the Board of Directors in writing or in person. Your concerns will be considered and addressed promptly.
