Genealogy & Local History Libraries (901 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. New to this? See our guide on how to research your family tree for free.
📍 Browse by state
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
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 · 61 libraries
Andalusia Public LibraryANDALUSIA, Alabama · +1 334-222-6612212 SOUTH THREE NOTCH STREETGenealogy and local history research →Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun CountyANNISTON, Alabama · +1 256-237-8501108 EAST 10TH STREETGenealogy and Alabama Room local history research →Arab Public LibraryARAB, Alabama · +1 256-586-3366325 2ND STREET NWAncestry Library Edition available in-house for genealogy research →
Alaska · 5 libraries
Z.J. Loussac Public LibraryAnchorage, Alaska · (907) 343-29753600 Denali StreetAlaska Collection (3rd floor) — Alaskana, genealogy, maps, historical newspapers →Kegoayah Kozga LibraryNOME, Alaska · +1-907-443-6628100 West 7th AvenueGateway to Alaska's statewide SLED digital library: research databases, tutoring, genealogy and Alaska archives →Ninilchik Community LibraryNinilchik, Alaska · (907) 567-333315913 Sterling HighwayFiction, non-fiction, children’s, and young-adult collections; strong Alaska and Kenai Peninsula local history section →
+2 more Alaska libraries with this service — see the full Alaska directory.
Arizona · 16 libraries
Alpine Public LibraryALPINE, Arizona · (928) 339-492517 CR 2061Alpine Area Family History Project oral-history archive →Apache Junction Public LibraryApache Junction, Arizona · (480) 474-85551177 N. Idaho RoadNewspaper holdings from 1960 to present for local history and genealogy →Ash Fork Public LibraryAsh Fork, Arizona · (928) 637-2442450 W. Lewis AvenueLocal history archive includes photographic documentation of Dante's Descent, a 275-foot sinkhole northwest of town that is closed to public access →
Arkansas · 27 libraries
Dardanelle — Yell County LibraryDARDANELLE, Arkansas · +1479-229-4418501 North Front StreetAncestry Library Edition (on-site genealogy research) →Barton LibraryEl Dorado, Arkansas · (870) 863-5447200 E. 5th StreetGenealogy research: Ancestry (in-house), Heritage Quest, Polk Directories, microfiche 1923–1959 →Eureka Springs Carnegie Public LibraryEureka Springs, Arkansas · (479) 253-8754194 Spring StreetCarroll County Genealogical Society volunteer research assistance →
California · 23 libraries
Alameda Free LibraryALAMEDA, California · +1510-747-77771550 OAK STLocal History & Genealogy collection →Alturas Main Library — Modoc County LibraryALTURAS, California · (530) 233-6358212 W. Third StreetCalifornia Indian Library Collection and genealogy microfilm →Arcadia Public LibraryARCADIA, California · +1626-821-556720 W. DUARTE ROADArcadia History Room — local history and heritage research →
Colorado · 18 libraries
Akron Public LibraryAKRON, Colorado · (970) 345-6818302 MAIN AVENUELocal history and genealogy research collection →Alamosa Public LibraryALAMOSA, Colorado · (719) 589-6592300 Hunt AvenueLocal History Room — genealogy, historic photos, veterans database, cemetery listings for the San Luis Valley →Aurora Public Library (Central)Aurora, Colorado · (303) 739-660014949 E Alameda PkwyLocal history and genealogy room with in-library Ancestry Library Edition access and Aurora Genealogical Society walk-in assistance (monthly) →
Connecticut · 21 libraries
Babcock LibraryASHFORD, Connecticut · (860) 487-442025 Pompey Hollow RoadFree statewide access to researchIT CT databases, e-books, genealogy records and digital newspapers →Avon Free Public LibraryAVON, Connecticut · (860) 673-9712281 Country Club RoadMarian Hunter Local History Room (local archives & genealogy research) →Andover Public LibraryAndover, Connecticut · (860) 742-7428355 Route 6Free access to researchIT CT — Connecticut's statewide portal of databases, e-books, newspapers, and genealogy tools →
Delaware · 8 libraries
Georgetown Public LibraryGeorgetown, Delaware · (302) 856-7958123 West Pine StreetHeritage Collection — local and genealogical history for Georgetown and Sussex County →Harrington Public LibraryHarrington, Delaware · (302) 398-4647101 Little Mastens Corner RoadGenealogy and local-history research via Ancestry Library →Laurel Public LibraryLaurel, Delaware · (302) 875-3184101 East 4th StreetDelaware Room — local-history and genealogy collection →
Florida · 15 libraries
Apalachicola Margaret Key Public LibraryAPALACHICOLA, Florida · (850) 653-843680 12TH ST.Extensive Florida collection and local history archives →Boynton Beach City LibraryBoynton Beach, Florida · (561) 742-6390100 E. Ocean Ave.Local History Archives — digitized historical documents and photographs →Fort Myers Regional LibraryFort Myers, Florida · (239) 479-46362450 First StreetGenealogy research collection and assistance →
Georgia · 31 libraries
Athens-Clarke County LibraryATHENS, Georgia · +1 706-613-36502025 BAXTER STREETArchives & Special Collections including local history materials →Dougherty County Public Library — Central LibraryAlbany, Georgia · (229) 420-3200300 Pine AvenueGenealogy resources and local history materials →Lake Blackshear Regional LibraryAmericus, Georgia · (229) 924-8091307 East Lamar StreetSpecial Collections for Sumter County local history and genealogy research →
Hawaii · 4 libraries
Honoka'a Public LibraryHonokaa, Hawaii · (808) 775-888145-3380 Mamane Street, Building 3Local history collection including photocopy of Portuguese immigrant ships' logs →Kailua-Kona Public LibraryKailua-Kona, Hawaii · (808) 327-432775-138 Hualalai RoadHawaiiana collection (local history, culture, language, and government documents) →Mountain View Public and School LibraryMountain View, Hawaii · (808) 968-232218-1235 Volcano HighwayLocal-history collection of area photographs, event brochures, and community project records →
+1 more Hawaii library with this service — see the full Hawaii directory.
Idaho · 4 libraries
Boundary County Free LibraryBONNERS FERRY, Idaho · +1208-267-37506370 KOOTENAI STFull statewide LiLI database access — research tools, academic journals, and genealogy resources for all Idaho cardholders →Caldwell Public LibraryCaldwell, Idaho · (208) 459-32421010 Dearborn StreetIdaho Room for local-history and genealogy research →Hailey Public LibraryHailey, Idaho · (208) 788-20367 W Croy StreetFree LiLI statewide database access including Consumer Reports, Mango Languages, and genealogy resources for all cardholders →
+1 more Idaho library with this service — see the full Idaho directory.
Illinois · 13 libraries
Altamont Public LibraryALTAMONT, Illinois · +1618-483-5457121 WEST WASHINGTON AVENUEGenealogy research collection →Ransom Memorial Public LibraryALTONA, Illinois · +1309-484-6193110 East Main StreetReference assistance for genealogy, local history and community research →Antioch Public Library DistrictANTIOCH, Illinois · +1847-395-0874757 MAIN STREETLocal history archives including the obituary database →
Indiana · 33 libraries
Noble County Public Library (Albion)Albion, Indiana · (260) 636-7197813 E Main StreetGenealogy Room with in-library Ancestry.com, Fold3, HeritageQuest Online, and Newspaper Archive →Eckhart Public LibraryAuburn, Indiana · (260) 925-2414603 South Jackson StreetWilliam H. Willennar Genealogy Center with local, county, and state history collections →Aurora Public Library DistrictAurora, Indiana · (812) 926-0646414 Second StreetLocal History Library at The Depot — Dearborn County genealogy and historical records →
Iowa · 14 libraries
Ames Public LibraryAmes, Iowa · (515) 239-5646515 Douglas AvenueSpecial collections and local history resources →Bloomfield Public LibraryBloomfield, Iowa · (641) 664-2209107 N. Columbia StreetDavis County Genealogy Society collection and research referrals →Ericson Public LibraryBoone, Iowa · (515) 432-3727702 Greene StreetGenealogy research collection →
Kansas · 11 libraries
Augusta Public LibraryAugusta, Kansas · (316) 775-26811609 State StreetDigitized local obituaries dating from 1981, supporting Butler County genealogy research →Coffey County Library — Burlington BranchBurlington, Kansas · (620) 364-5333410 Juniatta StreetIn-library Ancestry.com genealogy access (patron computers, all branches) →Kansas City, Kansas Public Library — Main LibraryKansas City, Kansas · (913) 295-8250625 Minnesota AvenueKansas Collection: local history, genealogy, and newspaper archives (Tue 9am–noon, Thu 1–4pm) →
Kentucky · 23 libraries
Logan County Public Library — Auburn BranchAuburn, Kentucky · (270) 542-8180106 Spring StreetGenealogy resources and research assistance →Cumberland County Public LibraryBURKESVILLE, Kentucky · +1270-864-2207114 HILL STREETRandolph N. Smith Genealogy Library (records + on-site Ancestry Library Edition) →Boone County Public Library — Main LibraryBURLINGTON, Kentucky · +1 859-342-26651786 Burlington PikeBCPL Archive and History Center with genealogy resources →
Louisiana · 19 libraries
Tangipahoa Parish LibraryAmite City, Louisiana · (985) 748-7151204 NE Central AvenueGenealogy research assistance (second floor, Mon–Fri 10am–5:30pm, Sat 10am–3pm; phone ext. 204) →Bienville Parish LibraryArcadia, Louisiana · (318) 263-74102768 Maple StreetGenealogy Collection for north Louisiana family history research →Grant Parish LibraryCOLFAX, Louisiana · (318) 627-9920300 MAIN STREETLocal history and genealogy resources (with Genealogical Society of Grant Parish) →
Maine · 13 libraries
Acton Public LibraryACTON, Maine · (207) 636-278135 H RoadLocal history and genealogy resources (1857 York County map) →Albion Public LibraryALBION, Maine · (207) 437-222018 MAIN STREETUnique digitized Besse High School yearbooks from 1923 to 1967 — a community genealogy resource →Auburn Public LibraryAuburn, Maine · (207) 333-664049 Spring StreetGenealogy and local history research room →
Maryland · 9 libraries
Dorchester County Public LibraryCambridge, Maryland · (410) 228-7331303 Gay StreetVirginia M. Webb Memorial Maryland Room — local history and genealogy for the Eastern Shore →Kent County Public LibraryChestertown, Maryland · (410) 778-3636408 High Street40+ Gale research databases (genealogy, academics, career prep) →Caroline County Public LibraryDenton, Maryland · (410) 479-1343100 Market StreetGenealogy and local history research collection →
Massachusetts · 16 libraries
Abington Public LibraryABINGTON, Massachusetts · (781) 982-2139600 GLINIEWICZ WAYGenealogy and local history materials including Abington yearbooks →Adams Free LibraryADAMS, Massachusetts · (413) 743-834592 PARK ST.Genealogical collection: Mayflower records, Rhode Island vital records, microfilm newspapers to 1844 →Agawam Public LibraryAGAWAM, Massachusetts · (413) 789-1550750 COOPER STREETGenealogy & local history research collections →
Michigan · 63 libraries
Armada Free Public LibraryARMADA, Michigan · (586) 784-592173930 Church StreetGenealogy collection and Armada Genealogical Society resources for family-history research →Lenawee District LibraryAdrian, Michigan · (517) 263-10114459 West US Highway 223Ancestry.com Library Edition at the main branch for genealogy research →Allegan District LibraryAllegan, Michigan · (269) 673-4625331 Hubbard StreetLocal history & genealogy collection (Allegan County & West Virginia families) →
Minnesota · 14 libraries
Aurora Public LibraryAURORA, Minnesota · (218) 229-202114 West Second Avenue NorthLocal history and Iron Range heritage resources →Arlington Public LibraryArlington, Minnesota · (507) 964-2490321 West Main StreetMicrofilm reader for local and genealogy newspaper archives →Buhl Public LibraryBUHL, Minnesota · +1218-258-3391400 Jones AvenueLocal history archive (newspaper excerpts 1920s–1950s) →
Mississippi · 20 libraries
Bay St. Louis — Hancock County LibraryBAY ST. LOUIS, Mississippi · +1228-467-5282312 HIGHWAY 90Genealogy research resources →Lincoln County LibraryBROOKHAVEN, Mississippi · +1601-833-3369100 SOUTH JACKSON STREETGenealogy and local history research collection →Robinson-Carpenter Memorial LibraryCLEVELAND, Mississippi · (662) 843-2774104 South Leflore AvenueMississippi Room: local history & genealogy research (microfilm, deeds, marriage records, vertical files) →
Missouri · 32 libraries
Altenburg Branch — Riverside Regional LibraryAltenburg, Missouri · (573) 824-526766 Poplar StGenealogy and local-history research resources, including HeritageQuest →Benton Branch — Riverside Regional LibraryBenton, Missouri · (573) 545-358154 N Winchester StGenealogy Room for family-history and local-history research →Dallas County LibraryBuffalo, Missouri · (417) 345-2647219 West Main StreetGenealogy resources: Dallas County microfilmed newspapers and local family histories →
Montana · 8 libraries
Hearst Free LibraryAnaconda, Montana · (406) 563-6932401 Main StreetLocal history collection: Anaconda/Deer Lodge County yearbooks, historic newspapers, genealogy materials →Boulder Community LibraryBOULDER, Montana · (406) 225-3241202 S Main StreetLocal-history and genealogy resources including Boulder Monitor back to 1891 →Billings Public LibraryBillings, Montana · (406) 657-8258510 North BroadwayLocal history and genealogy collection →
Nebraska · 15 libraries
Albion Public LibraryALBION, Nebraska · 402-395-2021437 SOUTH 3RD STREETFree NebraskAccess databases: magazines, genealogy, health & legal resources →Arapahoe Public LibraryARAPAHOE, Nebraska · +1308-962-7806306 NEBRASKA AVENUEGenealogical research tools and resources →Atkinson Public LibraryATKINSON, Nebraska · +1402-925-2855210 WEST STATE STREETFree NebraskAccess databases: genealogy, health, legal, and academic full-text journals →
Nevada · 6 libraries
Beatty Library DistrictBeatty, Nevada · (775) 553-2257400 North 4th StreetLocal history collection including Beatty community materials →White Pine County LibraryEly, Nevada · (775) 293-6900950 Campton StreetLocal history resources and IMLS-funded historical newspaper archive access →Churchill County LibraryFallon, Nevada · (775) 423-7581553 South Maine StreetAncestry Library Edition for genealogy (in-library use only) →
+3 more Nevada libraries with this service — see the full Nevada directory.
New Hampshire · 7 libraries
Concord Public LibraryConcord, New Hampshire · (603) 225-867045 Green StreetConcord Room local-history & genealogy collection →Dover Public LibraryDover, New Hampshire · (603) 516-605073 Locust StreetGenealogy and local-history research (Dover historical images & records) →Hampton Falls Free LibraryHampton Falls, New Hampshire · (603) 926-36827 Drinkwater RoadAlice Brown Collection for local history and literary research (in-library use only) →
+4 more New Hampshire libraries with this service — see the full New Hampshire directory.
New Jersey · 41 libraries
Atlantic City Free Public LibraryAtlantic City, New Jersey · (609) 345-22691 North Tennessee AvenueAtlantic City Genealogy resources →Bayonne Free Public LibraryBayonne, New Jersey · (201) 858-6971697 Avenue CArchives and local history collection →Bloomfield Public LibraryBloomfield, New Jersey · (973) 566-620090 Broad StreetGenealogy research collection and resources →
New Mexico · 6 libraries
Alamogordo Public LibraryAlamogordo, New Mexico · (575) 439-4140920 Oregon AvenueHeritage Quest Online genealogy database →Aztec Public LibraryAztec, New Mexico · (505) 334-7658319 S. Ash AvenueEl Portal Gale databases, NewsBank archives, and FamilySearch genealogy records available free to cardholders →Capitan Public LibraryCapitan, New Mexico · (575) 354-3035101 E. 2nd StreetGenealogy research resources →
+3 more New Mexico libraries with this service — see the full New Mexico directory.
New York · 9 libraries
Angola Public LibraryANGOLA, New York · +1716-549-127134 North Main StreetLocal history archive: Angola Record newspaper 1879–1937 on digital hard drive →Center for Brooklyn HistoryBROOKLYN, New York · 718-222-4111128 Pierrepont StreetReference and genealogy research assistance →Macon LibraryBrooklyn, New York · (718) 573-5606361 Lewis AvenueThe Dionne Mack-Harvin Center — Macon's African American Heritage Center — offers African American history and culture materials, the 'Preserving Footsteps' genealogy collection, art exhibitions, auth →
North Carolina · 20 libraries
Pack Memorial LibraryAsheville, North Carolina · (828) 250-470067 Haywood StreetBuncombe County Special Collections — Thomas Wolfe Collection, Sondley bequest, local history and genealogy archives →Cabarrus County Public LibraryCONCORD, North Carolina · (704) 920-205027 Union St NGenealogy and local history resources →Elkin Public LibraryElkin, North Carolina · (336) 835-5586111 North Front StreetGenealogy assistance and local newspaper archives (NewsBank) →
North Dakota · 10 libraries
Beulah Public LibraryBeulah, North Dakota · (701) 873-2884120 Central Avenue NorthMicrofilm reader and Beulah Newspapers digital archive for local history research →Bottineau County Public LibraryBottineau, North Dakota · (701) 228-2967314 5th Street WestLocal history and genealogy resources including digital newspaper archives →Divide County LibraryCROSBY, North Dakota · +1701-965-6305204 FIRST STREET NELocal history and genealogy archive access →
Ohio · 20 libraries
Ada Public LibraryADA, Ohio · (419) 634-5246320 N MAIN STGenealogy and local history research assistance →Arcanum Public LibraryARCANUM, Ohio · +1937-692-8484101 NORTH ST.Ohio Web Library: free statewide databases covering academic journals, genealogy, auto repair, and more for all Ohio residents →Archbold Community LibraryARCHBOLD, Ohio · +1419-446-2783205 Stryker St.Genealogy powerhouse: Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest, African American Heritage, and Fold3 military records all free in-library →
Oklahoma · 9 libraries
Ada Public LibraryADA, Oklahoma · 580-436-8125124 S. RENNIEGenealogy research (Ancestry.com, Heritage Quest, microfilm) →Alva Public LibraryAlva, Oklahoma · (580) 327-1833504 7th StreetGenealogy room and NW Oklahoma Genealogy Society collections →Montfort & Allie B. Jones Bristow Public LibraryBRISTOW, Oklahoma · (918) 367-6562111 W. 7TH AVEChoska Talfa Research Room for Indigenous and local history →
Oregon · 15 libraries
Astoria Public LibraryAstoria, Oregon · (503) 325-7323450 10th StreetAstoriana Local History Room — local and regional history research, Fridays 1–3 p.m. drop-in →Baker County Public LibraryBaker City, Oregon · (541) 523-64192400 Resort StreetGenealogy research via NewsBank HeritageHub and historical photograph collections →Harney County LibraryBurns, Oregon · (541) 573-667080 West D StreetClaire McGill Luce Western History Room: oral histories, photographs, microfilm and research services →
Pennsylvania · 16 libraries
B.F. Jones Memorial LibraryAliquippa, Pennsylvania · (724) 375-2900663 Franklin AvenueGenealogy and local-history research via Ancestry.com Library Edition (on-site) →Centre County LibraryBELLEFONTE, Pennsylvania · +1 814-355-1516200 NORTH ALLEGHENY STREETPennsylvania Room — genealogy & local-history research collection (in original 1814 historic building) →Brownsville Free Public LibraryBROWNSVILLE, Pennsylvania · (724) 785-7272100 SENECA STLocal history and genealogy research with microfilm readers →
Puerto Rico · 1 library
Rhode Island · 10 libraries
Jesse M. Smith Memorial LibraryBURRILLVILLE, Rhode Island · +1401-710-7800100 TINKHAM LANELocal history and genealogy collection (appointments: 401-710-7800 x3) →Rogers Free LibraryBristol, Rhode Island · (401) 253-6948525 Hope StreetGenealogy research tools (Ancestry Library Edition, local history files) →Coventry Public LibraryCOVENTRY, Rhode Island · +1401-822-91001672 Flat River RoadCoventry High School yearbook archive — a unique local history resource →
South Carolina · 24 libraries
Abbeville County LibraryAbbeville, South Carolina · (864) 459-40091407 N. Main St.William Nordan Local History Room (non-circulating; microfilm scanner available) →Aiken County Public LibraryAiken, South Carolina · (803) 642-2020314 Chesterfield Street SWAncestry Library Edition in-library genealogy database access →Anderson Main LibraryAnderson, South Carolina · (864) 260-4500300 N. McDuffie St.Local history and genealogy research room with microfilm, census records, and in-library Ancestry Library Edition →
South Dakota · 9 libraries
Armour Carnegie Public LibraryArmour, South Dakota · (605) 724-2743915 Main StreetGenealogy and local history resources via the digitized newspaper archive →Brookings Public LibraryBrookings, South Dakota · (605) 692-9407515 3rd StreetHistorical Room with local genealogy collections (2nd floor) →Dell Rapids Carnegie Public LibraryDELL RAPIDS, South Dakota · +1605-340-1670513 N ORLEANS AVENUEAccess to South Dakota State Library's extensive database network, including Academic Search Premier and genealogy resources →
Tennessee · 21 libraries
E.G. Fisher Public LibraryAthens, Tennessee · (423) 745-77821289 Ingleside AvenueLocal history and genealogy collection (850+ volumes on McMinn County & East Tennessee) →The John P. Holt Brentwood LibraryBrentwood, Tennessee · (615) 371-00908109 Concord RoadA-Z research databases, genealogy and local-history collections →Clarksville-Montgomery County Public LibraryClarksville, Tennessee · (931) 648-8826350 Pageant Lane, Suite 501Brown Harvey, Sr. Genealogy Room — microfilm, historical newspapers, death certificates, regional databases, genealogy classes →
Texas · 19 libraries
Chambers County Library System — Anahuac BranchANAHUAC, Texas · +1 409-267-2554608 WASHINGTON AVELocal history and genealogy research collection →Carver Branch — Austin Public LibraryAustin, Texas · (512) 974-10101161 Angelina StreetAccess to Austin History Center Digital Collections and Electric Lady Bird (Central Texas music archive) →Central Library (APL)Austin, Texas · (512) 974-7400710 W. César Chávez StreetInterlibrary loan and holds via APL system (20 branches + Austin History Center) →
Utah · 2 libraries
Orem Public LibraryOrem, Utah · (801) 229-705058 North State StreetGenealogy, newspaper, and magazine research databases; a 2,200-map collection including hiking and topographic maps →Santaquin City LibrarySantaquin, Utah · (801) 754-303020 West 100 SouthAccess to Pioneer — Utah's Online Library — the statewide portal for research databases, newspapers, genealogy, and academic resources →
Vermont · 5 libraries
Aldrich Public LibraryBarre, Vermont · (802) 476-75506 Washington StreetVermont Room ethnic-heritage and local-history collection →Ilsley Public LibraryMiddlebury, Vermont · (802) 388-409575 Main StreetGenealogy assistance and historic newspaper access →Rutland Free LibraryRutland, Vermont · (802) 773-186010 Court StreetVermont Room for local history and genealogy →
+2 more Vermont libraries with this service — see the full Vermont directory.
Virginia · 35 libraries
Arlington Central LibraryARLINGTON, Virginia · +1-703-228-59901015 N QUINCY STCharlie Clark Center for Local History →J. Robert Jamerson Memorial LibraryAppomattox, Virginia · (434) 352-5340157 Main StreetGenealogy and local history resources (links to Appomattox County Historical Society records) →Bristol Public LibraryBristol, Virginia · (276) 645-8780701 Goode StreetGenealogy and local history collection: Bristol Herald Courier on microfilm (1907–2018), cemetery files, family files, and local record indexes for marriages, deeds and wills →
Washington · 8 libraries
Anacortes Public LibraryAnacortes, Washington · (360) 293-19101220 10th StreetMaritime Collection of books and nautical charts covering sailing, boat construction, survival accounts, and the regional Indigenous and local history of Fidalgo Island →Camas Public LibraryCamas, Washington · (360) 834-4692625 NE 4th AvenueAncestry Library Edition (in-library genealogy access) →Ellensburg Public LibraryEllensburg, Washington · (509) 962-7250209 North Ruby StreetNorthwest & Local History Archives →
West Virginia · 13 libraries
Raleigh County Public LibraryBeckley, West Virginia · (304) 255-0511221 North Kanawha StreetHeritage Room for local-history and genealogy research →Belington Public LibraryBelington, West Virginia · (304) 823-102688 Elliott AvenueCity of Belington Historical Collection: photographs, genealogical records, local documents →Kanawha County Public LibraryCharleston, West Virginia · (304) 343-4646123 Capitol StreetGenealogy & local history: Charleston newspaper microfilm archives, WV State Archives vital records, FamilySearch →
Wisconsin · 46 libraries
Abbotsford Public LibraryABBOTSFORD, Wisconsin · (715) 223-3920203 FIRST ST.Genealogy and local history research assistance →Algoma Public LibraryALGOMA, Wisconsin · +1920-487-2295406 FREMONT ST.Newspaper archives & genealogy resources →Appleton Public LibraryAPPLETON, Wisconsin · +1-920-832-6173200 N. Appleton StreetGenealogy and local history research →
Wyoming · 13 libraries
Johnson County LibraryBuffalo, Wyoming · (307) 684-5546171 North Adams StreetLocal history and genealogy room with microfilm, digitized photos & Ancestry Library Edition →Laramie County LibraryCheyenne, Wyoming · (307) 634-35612200 Pioneer AvenueWestern History & Genealogy research collection →Converse County LibraryDouglas, Wyoming · (307) 358-3644300 East Walnut StreetWyoming Newspapers historical archive access for genealogy and local history research →
FAQ
Can I use Ancestry for free at the library?
Often, yes. Many public libraries subscribe to Ancestry Library Edition, which cardholders (and usually any visitor) can use free on the library’s computers or Wi-Fi. It is licensed for in-library use only, so you generally cannot log into it from home — but libraries frequently offer HeritageQuest and state databases that do work remotely with your card.
What genealogy and local-history records do libraries keep?
Commonly: U.S. census records, historical newspapers on microfilm or online, city directories, yearbooks, cemetery and church records, obituary and vital-record indexes, county histories, maps, photographs and local archives. Larger libraries have a dedicated genealogy or local-history room and specialist staff.
Do I need a library card to do genealogy research there?
For databases used inside the library you can usually just walk in. To use online genealogy resources from home, or to borrow materials, you will need a library card — which is free for residents.
What is a FamilySearch affiliate library?
A FamilySearch affiliate library is a public library where you get expanded free access to records on FamilySearch.org that are otherwise restricted — you view them on the library’s network. It is a free partnership with the nonprofit that runs FamilySearch; ask staff whether your library is one.
Can the library help a beginner get started?
Yes. Many libraries run genealogy classes, offer one-on-one appointments with local-history staff, and partner with genealogical societies. Bring what you know about your family and a librarian can point you to the right database, record set or archive.
What are the best free genealogy websites?
FamilySearch.org is the top free site (2 billion+ records and a free family tree), alongside free government records at the National Archives and historic newspapers at the Library of Congress’s Chronicling America. Add your library’s free Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest and you can cover most US research at no cost — see our guide on how to research your family tree for free.
How do I find an obituary for free?
Search Chronicling America for historic newspaper obituaries, Find A Grave for volunteer-posted clippings, and Legacy.com for recent ones — all free to search. Many libraries also give free access to Newspapers.com Library Edition or NewsBank, plus local obituary indexes on microfilm. Full walkthrough in our guide on how to find an obituary for free.
Where can I get a free family tree template?
Grab free printable charts — a four-generation ancestor (pedigree) chart, a family group sheet and a blank family tree — from our free family tree templates page. They’re PDFs you can download and print at no charge, no sign-up.
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