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 online 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, books, vertical files, etc.
• Government Documents: We are a depository of U.S. and Pennsylvania government documents and a long-standing member of the Federal Depository Library Program.
• Instruction: Contact us to arrange an instruction session or other special research session.
• Orientation and Tour: Contact us to arrange a library orientation and tour.
• Pennsylvania Room Collection: Histories of most Pennsylvania counties, regimental histories, photographs, yearbooks and extensive collections on the development of the lumber, railroad and petroleum industries, with a heavy emphasis on Pennsylvania
• Reference Collection: We offer a broad collection of dictionaries, directories, encyclopedias, handbooks, indexes, manuals, maps, newspapers, and electronic resources.
• Reference Requests: Questions and requests for information are answered in person, by phone, or by email. We will mail photocopies or printouts of materials and include a note requesting you consider a donation to cover postage and printing costs. We will also scan and email materials.
• Robertson Sheet Music Collection: Original scores from Broadway musicals and movies from 1895-1956
• Tax and Rent Rebate Forms: We will print 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
• 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.)

Contact Information

Have a 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 reference@warrenlibrary.org.

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!