You can contact the Bishop Memorial Library by calling (570) 823-6244, or by sending an e-mail to: bishoplibrary@luzernecountyhistory.com. Incoming faxes can be directed to (570) 823-9011

Hours of Operation

The Bishop Memorial Library is located at 49 South Franklin Street in Wilkes-Barre, directly across from the rear entrance of Boscov's Department Store.  The Library is open to the public, Tuesday through Friday from Noon to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Members of the Society can utilize the Library's resources without charge.  A $5.00 daily usage fee is required of all non-members.  Photocopies and microfilm copies are available for $0.25 per page.  There are numerous parking meters available along South Franklin Street, and a public parking garage is available across the street from the Library.

Research Policy

General Research

For those individuals who cannot personally visit the Bishop Memorial Library, a research service is available.  An initial $20.00 fee (non-members) plus postage is requested to cover up to one hour of research, regardless of results.  This fee includes up to eight photocopies.   Additional copies are $0.25 per page.   Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for a response to your request.   Requests are processed in the order in which they are received.  All requests must be submitted on the General Research Request Form, which can be downloaded from this site.  When placing a request, please include as much information as posssible that will assist our staff  in expediting the search.  The special discounted rate for members is $15.00 to cover up to one hour of research.  All other limits/restrictions apply.  Please feel free to contact the Library staff in advance with any questions you may have.

Document Orders

You can also request the Luzerne County Historical Society to search their database for a specific document and name.  The fee for this service is $5.00 per name/document plus postage.  All requests must be submitted on the Document Order Form, which can be downloaded from this site.  The Society staff will search & make the necessary photocopies for the following:

• Obituary – Exact date of obituary is required (month,day,year).  Only available from local newspapers on microfilm from 1797 through 1949.

• Luzerne County Wills – First name, last name, and middle name of individual must be provided with request.  Wills are available for the period 1787 through 1896.

• Luzerne County - Registered Births – First name, last name, and middle name of individual must be provided with request, along with the year of birth.  Only births that were registered for the period 1893 through 1905 are available.

• Luzerne County - Registered Deaths - First name, last name, and middle name of individual must be provided with request, along with the year of death.   Only deaths that were registered for the period 1893 through 1905 are available.

• Luzerne County - Registered Marriages - First name, last name, and middle name of individual must be provided with request, along with the year of marriage.  Only marriages that were registered for the period 1893 through 1905 are available.

Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for a response to your request.   Requests are processed in the order in which they are received.  Note:  All records may not be available for a given individual.