The GSBC has an ever expanding library collection which is located in the Local History and Genealogical Center on the 2nd floor of the Ridgewood Public Library. Our collection is open during normal library hours. See the Ridgewood Library website for hours and directions.
This collection of genealogies, books, periodicals, newsletters, journals, and CD's concentrates on Bergen County and its surrounding areas. Additionally, there are numerous reference materials covering basic genealogy and other parts of the world. Donations of applicable genealogical books, etc., to the GSBC library are always welcome. The GSBC collection augments the Ridgewood Library's own impressive collection of local history and genealogy references.
Most of our books are integrated into the catalog of the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS). However, not all of our books are in BCCLS. We maintain a database (called PastPerfect) with some of the older books, as well as some extra features, including extra indexes of our family histories, and portrait indexes to some of our local histories. See here for more info. The computer is located in the Local History Room.
Family Information furnished by GSBC members is maintained in File Cabinets at the Library. These generally include Family Group Records, Family Trees, and sometimes the related source material. All members are encouraged to submit Family Group Records, Family Trees, and other relevant material. One of our members has transcribed the available information into a computer database so that they may be easily searched. A CD-ROM with this information is also available. These files are posted on the website with a cut-off date of 1930.
If you would like to provide information to be added to this collection, we suggest you send it in electronic form. All computer genealogical program (such as Family Tree Maker, Legacy, The Master Genealogist, etc.,) are capable of exporting a GEDCOM file. This would greatly expedite the integration of your data our searchable database. These files may be submitted on a floppy disk, CD-Rom, or via e-mail.
Send us an message to learn how to submit your information and/or to order the CD. The price is $8.- for members, $10.- for non-members. You can also send your information or orders directly to the GSBC, P. O. box 432, Midland Park, NJ 07432.
Library Catalog
Most of our books are integrated into the catalog of the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS). To search the catalog, follow the directions. It is possible to limit or highlight Ridgewood library holdings, and to search by keyword, title, author, or subject. The default option is keyword.
However, not all of our books are in BCCLS. The Library maintains a database (called PastPerfect) with some of the older books, as well as some extra features, including extra indexes of our family histories, and portrait indexes to some of our local histories, and the Ridgewood Postcard Collection. At the moment Past Perfect is available on a separate computer on the Reference Floor. To use this computer, ask a reference librarian to get it started for you. After the Local History and Genealogy Center is finished, it will be available there
Why should you use Past Perfect?
Past Perfect contains a number of things that are not available through the BCCLS catalog. If you ignore this little tool, you might be missing an important, or interesting piece of information. Yes, some information you might be able to find in other ways, or by browsing the shelf, but PP can get you there quicker.
What is in Past Perfect?
- Books that are not in BCCLS. Some books in the collection of the GSBC were judged to be unsuitable for inclusion in BCCLS. These have all been catalogued into Past Perfect.
- Postcards and other pictures. Pictures of local landmarks, houses etc. have been catalogued in Past Perfect. A scan of the picture is attached and can be retrieved through the program.
- Maps in GSBC collection. Most maps are catalogued by location.
- Index to Family Genealogies. The twenty to twenty-five most common names in all Family Genealogies in the collection have been entered in Past Perfect. This allows one to find related names in other genealogies. Obviously we could not enter all names.
- Index to portraits in Local History Books. Many Local Histories contain a number of portraits. These have been indexed by name.
- Index to 1913 Bromley Maps. All names on the 1912-1913 Bromley Maps of Bergen County have been entered. This index is also available on the website.