Beth,
I live in neighboring Tuscaloosa County, but am pretty familiar with parts of Pickens, esp. the Gordo part where I have family.
The Pickens Co Genealogical Society's library is in the old jail, but it is ran (I think) by one of the librarians at the library, which is a couple buildings down, I read somewhere that if you are visiting from out of town, special arrangements can be made to open it up for you. I'd be interested in going with you when you come back, if you want, as I can never make it on the first and 3rd Thursdays when they are opening (conflicting school stuff)
Where did y'all stay this time? Hotels are practically non-existant there in that area. There are a couple of B & B's, tho.
Northport, where I live , is about a 30 min drive from Gordo, and the Tuscaloosa library about 15 mins from me, they have an EXCELLENT genealogy library. And Hoole Library at the University of AL is close by, which is superb. They have the old mortality and agricultural censuses there, as well as many many books.
Since Tuscaloosa County was once part of Pickens Co, we have lots of info here at these libraries. And there is a small, but clean, safe , and cheap motel right here in N'port. Right by a shopping center and places to eat.
Email me at bamabellesiamese@charter.net if you are interested in any of this.My husband isn't fond of me investigating old cemeteries out in the country by myself,so I am always looking for people who share my interest to go with me! (my 16 year old says it is an unhealthy obsession with death folks!!)
Lisa Gaddy