Fort Bend County Libraries will offer a new high-performance microfilm scanner to the Genealogy and Local History Department at George Memorial Library in Richmond, according to a press release from FBCL.

According to the press release, the ScanPro 3000 microfilm scanner can be used to digitally capture, enhance, save, and print or email images from microfilm, microfiche, 35-millimeter slides, and more. Patrons may use the library’s collection of microfilm/microfiche resources, or they may bring film or slides of their own for viewing on the new scanner, according to FBCL.

“As a Regional Historical Resource Depository location, Fort Bend County Libraries has official records from surrounding counties—Austin, Brazoria, Matagorda, Waller, and Wharton—as well as Fort Bend County,” said Daniel Sample, manager of FBCL’s Genealogy and Local History Department, in the press release. “These records include deed records from the 1800s and 1900s, tax records, and probate files, among others. Our new scanner makes these records easier to navigate, and the ability to enhance, sharpen, and clarify images makes the records even more readable.”

FBCL’s collection on microfilm includes scanned issues of The Rosenberg Herald, 1909-58; The Texas Coaster, 1920-58; The Rosenberg Tribune 1935-36; The Herald Coaster/Fort Bend Herald, 1958-present; the Fort Bend Mirror, 1961-84; the Telegraph & Texas Register, 1835-75; The Galveston Daily News 1865-1917; and The Brookshire Times 1899-1984.