Research Request Policy
For those patrons who are unable to visit the library in person, the reference staff will do limited genealogical or local history research by searching the Olean newspapers on microfilm. The library charges $15.00 for the first hour of research and $9.00 for each hour thereafter. This fee includes photocopying and postage. The minimum fee for any genealogy or local history research will be $15.00.
There is no limit to the number of names you may submit to us. Names should be as full as possible. We prefer to have an exact date of death, however, month and year are acceptable. We will search census records on microfilm owned by the library if an exact page number can be given.
Our newspapers start in 1881. We have indexes for the years 1881-1893 and 1982-1997. Obituaries printed in early newspapers were not the informative death notices that we know today; they were very brief and most did not mention surviving family members.
Patrons making genealogy requests must provide the library with a list of requested names and death dates, a check or money order for $15.00, a return mailing address and an upwards limit of how much they are willing to spend if the research requested takes more than one hour. Research results will not be made available until payment is made in full. No refunds will be issued should we not be able to locate the information requested.
While we cannot guarantee an answer to your specific question, our search will be thorough, and we will do our best to help you. Because we have many other similar research requests, we ask for your patience if our response is not as timely as you would wish.
If you want us to begin a search for you, please send a check or money order payable to the Olean Public Library. Use our Obituary Request Form to email your request, or print out the form and mail it with your check or money order to: Olean Public Library, 134 N. 2nd St., Olean, NY 14760-2583.