Genealogy & Local History Libraries (341 Verified, by State)
📜 U.S. library guide
Genealogy & Local History at the Public Library
Public libraries are one of the best free places to trace your family tree and dig into local history — with genealogy databases, historical newspapers, local archives and staff who help you get started. Here is how library genealogy research works, plus a verified, state-by-state list of libraries with genealogy & local-history collections.
Many public libraries keep a dedicated genealogy or local-history room with resources you cannot get at home: subscription databases like Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest, Fold3 and Newspapers.com, microfilmed census records and old newspapers, city directories, yearbooks, cemetery and church records, obituary files, and staff who know how to use them. Some are official FamilySearch affiliate libraries with expanded free access.
Jump to a state: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming
How it works
- Start with what you already know. Write down names, dates and places for yourself and older relatives — that is your roadmap before you touch a database.
- Use the library’s genealogy databases. Ancestry Library Edition is usually free but in-library only; HeritageQuest and others often work from home with your library card.
- Search local archives & newspapers. Ask for the local-history room: city directories, microfilmed newspapers, obituaries, cemetery and church records, maps and photos.
- Ask a librarian or local-history staff. Many libraries offer one-on-one help, classes, or a genealogy society partnership — a huge shortcut when you hit a brick wall.
- Save and cite your sources. Record where each fact came from so your tree holds up and you can find it again later.
Good to know
Access rules vary: Ancestry Library Edition is licensed for use inside the library only, while HeritageQuest and many state databases work from home with your card. If your ancestors are from another town or country, ask staff about interlibrary loan and about FamilySearch affiliate access, which unlocks records you cannot see from home.
Libraries with genealogy & local-history collections, by state
Every library below has this service verified on its official page. We add more as we confirm them — browse the full U.S. library directory for everything else.
Alabama · 8 libraries
Alaska · 2 libraries
Arizona · 6 libraries
Arkansas · 14 libraries
California · 12 libraries
Colorado · 12 libraries
Connecticut · 14 libraries
Delaware · 7 libraries
Florida · 8 libraries
Georgia · 1 library
Hawaii · 1 library
Idaho · 3 libraries
Illinois · 6 libraries
Indiana · 14 libraries
Iowa · 9 libraries
Kansas · 5 libraries
Kentucky · 5 libraries
Louisiana · 11 libraries
Maine · 8 libraries
Maryland · 6 libraries
Massachusetts · 6 libraries
Michigan · 8 libraries
Minnesota · 10 libraries
Mississippi · 12 libraries
Missouri · 4 libraries
Montana · 6 libraries
Nebraska · 10 libraries
Nevada · 4 libraries
New Hampshire · 4 libraries
New Jersey · 4 libraries
New Mexico · 5 libraries
New York · 5 libraries
North Carolina · 5 libraries
North Dakota · 7 libraries
Ohio · 11 libraries
Oklahoma · 7 libraries
Oregon · 5 libraries
Pennsylvania · 11 libraries
Rhode Island · 4 libraries
South Carolina · 9 libraries
South Dakota · 2 libraries
Tennessee · 12 libraries
Texas · 13 libraries
Utah · 2 libraries
Vermont · 2 libraries
Virginia · 6 libraries
Washington · 3 libraries
West Virginia · 6 libraries
Wisconsin · 4 libraries
Wyoming · 2 libraries
FAQ
Can I use Ancestry for free at the library?
What genealogy and local-history records do libraries keep?
Do I need a library card to do genealogy research there?
What is a FamilySearch affiliate library?
Can the library help a beginner get started?
New to libraries? Learn how to get a library card in any U.S. state, or find a branch near you in the public library directory.
By Megan Carter, Library Resources Editor · public-libraries.com
