Your Public Library: The Most Underrated Tool in Genealogy

Your library card can unlock paid genealogy databases for free, plus local history collections, interlibrary loan and expert reference help. Here's how to use all of it.

4 min read

Before you pay for a genealogy subscription, visit your public library. Most library systems pay for genealogy databases that would cost you hundreds of dollars a year, and many of them can be used from home with nothing more than a library card. Libraries also hold things you won't find online at all: local newspapers on microfilm, old city directories, obituary indexes compiled by volunteers, and librarians who know the local records better than anyone.

Free databases with your library card

Every library system subscribes to a different mix, so check your library's website for a page called "Databases," "Research," "eResources" or "Genealogy." Common genealogy databases include:

• Ancestry Library Edition: most of Ancestry's records, free to use, but usually only on library computers or library Wi-Fi. You can't build a tree in it, so save or email records to yourself as you go.
• HeritageQuest Online: U.S. census images, city directories, thousands of digitized family and local histories, Revolutionary War pension files and more. Most libraries let you use it from home.
• Newspaper databases: many libraries offer one or more of NewspaperArchive, America's GenealogyBank, Newspapers.com Library Edition or ProQuest Historical Newspapers. Some are available from home.
• Fold3 Library Edition for military records, and MyHeritage Library Edition or Findmypast at some libraries.
• Sanborn fire insurance maps, which show individual buildings in thousands of towns, often through a ProQuest subscription.

Don't stop at your own town's library. State libraries often offer databases to every resident of the state, and many library systems will give a card to anyone who lives, works or pays property tax in their area. A card from a big-city system nearby can open up a much larger set of databases.

The local history room

Many libraries have a local history or genealogy room, sometimes just a few shelves, sometimes a whole department. Look for:

• City directories going back decades. See City Directories.
• Local newspapers on microfilm, often the only copies of papers that have never been digitized
• Obituary and marriage indexes made by library staff or volunteers, sometimes on index cards
• Vertical files: folders of clippings, pamphlets and family papers sorted by surname or subject
• Cemetery transcriptions, church histories and school yearbooks
• County histories and plat maps
• Family histories donated by local researchers, sometimes the only copy anywhere

Most local history collections don't circulate, so plan to work there. Bring a phone or camera for copies, and ask about the library's photography rules.

Ask a librarian

Reference librarians are trained researchers, and many genealogy librarians have spent years with exactly the records you need. They can tell you which collections cover your ancestor's town, show you how to use the microfilm readers, and point you to sources you'd never think to try.

To get the best help, come with a specific question: not "I'm researching the Millers," but "I'm looking for John Miller's obituary; he died in this county in March 1923." Many libraries also answer genealogy questions by email or through an "Ask a Librarian" form. Some will even look up an obituary or a city directory entry for out-of-town researchers, usually for a small fee or none at all.

Interlibrary loan

If a book you need is in another library, your library can often borrow it for you through interlibrary loan, free or for a small fee. To find which libraries own a book, search WorldCat, a free catalog of libraries worldwide.

Genealogy books are often marked "reference" or "non-circulating," which means they won't lend them. In that case, ask your librarian to request copies of specific pages, or check whether the book is digitized for free online. See Free Digital Libraries.

Programs, classes and help sessions

Many libraries host free genealogy classes, "ask a genealogist" help sessions, and meetings of the local genealogical society. These are a great way to meet experienced researchers who know your area. If your library has a FamilySearch affiliate status, you can also see restricted record images on FamilySearch there. See The Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers.

Making the most of a library visit

1. Check the website first for hours, the genealogy room's schedule, and any appointment requirements.
2. Search the catalog from home and make a list of call numbers.
3. Bring your research questions and a research log so you know what you've already searched.
4. Bring a flash drive for microfilm scanners, which can usually save images directly.
5. Cite as you go: photograph the title page of every book you copy from.