People always want to know more about their family history, according to Westlock Libraries director Doug Whistance-Smith.
Family history will be preserved through a recent deal between the Westlock News and the Westlock Public Library.
Nearly one month ago, Whistance-Smith received a letter from the Alberta Legislature Library asking if it was interested in having copies of local newsprint — like the Westlock Witness — on microfilm.
Microfilm is a film on which printed materials like newspapers and books are photographed, then reproduced at a reduced size.
“We have several rolls and we got them for $57 a roll,” said Whistance-Smith.
“Imagine how much space it would take up if we had all of these newspapers in hard copy?”
Whistance-Smith then approached News’ publisher George Blais about the initiative and the duo agreed to split the cost of the film.
People can use these films to learn more about their genealogy, Whistance-Smith noted, and can access newspaper obituaries or archived information about the community.
He noted the microfilm projector wasn’t being used very much at the library and was donated to the Westlock News.
It is currently located in the News’ boardroom, but Whistance-Smith said his team of librarians can accompany people that aren’t familiar with the technology to the office for a quick demo.
The cost to use the projector to view films and print old news is free of charge.
“Really this is a win-win for the community,” said Blais. “I want to thank Doug for approaching us with the offer. It’s a honour to be able to preserve a piece of Westlock’s history.”
