The Research Library has an extensive collection of books, magazines, photographs, videos and artifacts dealing primarily with steam engineering, railroads, logging and related subjects. The library is open on Thursdays 10 AM - 4 PM, during special events held at the Museum or at Roots of Motive Power, and by appointment. It is a non-circulating facility. However, for special research applications, and with the approval of the librarian, certain materials may be made available for withdrawal. There is a reading table provided in the library. Copying and reproduction services will be provided for a fee.

The Research Library adjoins the Mendocino County Museum at 400 East Commercial Street in Willits CA. Map and driections.

Throughout the process of creating the buildings that are the Railroad History Project, collections have also been acquired. One of the precepts of the project was that there should be a place not only for the mechanical artifacts, but also for the books, photos, documents and similar pieces of railroad and logging history. Thus provision was made for a space which would serve as both a repository for these collections and as a library for the Museum's collection of rare books.

From the outset Roots started collecting paper and photographic materials relating to the history of railroading and logging. Most of this work was done by Chris Baldo, who amassed a collection of over 500 books. Chris has now donated this collection to the Roots library. Other major donors have been Doug Elliott, Bruce Sherman, Bob Senz, Vrain Conley, John Bradley and Bill Henderson.

Other collections that have been donated to the library include railroad and logging videos from Bill Cabezut and Chris Baldo totalling nearly 150. A portion of the Bertram Rudolph estate (papers, photographs and negatives) has been donated by John Bradley and the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Historical Society has donated a collection of 1500 photographs of the 1964 flood damage to the NWP railroad.

As of January 2004 the library collections contain over 3800 items, including more than 1400 books, nearly 2000 photographs and negatives, and 700 other items.

The collections are presently being cataloged, a process which may take a couple of years. The computer cataloging will make it possible to search for materials by author, title and subject. It is hoped that the catalog information can one day appear on this website making it possible to conduct research from your home computer.

How You Can Help
	Donation or Loan of a Collection The Research Library is constantly soliciting collections of books, magazines, photographs, videos and artifacts.
	Donation of Time Volunteers are always needed to help with cataloging or acting as docents.
	Financial assistance to purchase important works for the collection
Contact the librarian by mail or email if you would like to help. Roots of Motive Power is a non-profit corporation under Sec. 501(c)3 of the IRS code; all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

	RERHP Introduction
	History
	Research Library
	Photo Galleries
		2005 Holiday Model Train Exhibit
		2003 Holiday Model Train Exhibit
		Golden Spike Ceremony - 7/4/03
		Exhibition and Learning Center - opening 7/4/03