America's Great Genealogy Libraries, and What Each Does Best
A handful of libraries hold collections no website can match. Where they are, what makes each one special, and how to use them from home.
Websites hold billions of records, but some of the most useful genealogy sources, including rare county histories, family papers, local periodicals and unindexed books, are still found only on library shelves. A few American libraries have built collections so large that genealogists plan trips around them. Many also offer help by email and online resources you can use from home.
Always check a library's website for current hours, access rules and fees before you visit.
Family History Library (Salt Lake City, Utah)
The largest genealogy library in the world, run by FamilySearch, with records from more than 100 countries. Free and open to all. Best for: international research, and records whose images are restricted elsewhere. See The Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers.
Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
One of the largest genealogy collections in any public library, with an enormous collection of family histories, city directories, and genealogical and local history periodicals from across the U.S. and beyond. The Center created PERSI, the Periodical Source Index (see County Histories, Family Histories and Journals). It's free and open to all. Best for: published family histories, periodicals and city directories from every state. Its website also offers free databases and research guides.
Library of Congress (Washington, D.C.)
The nation's library holds an immense collection of local and family histories, city directories, maps and newspapers. Its Local History and Genealogy Reading Room has specialist librarians who answer questions in person and through an online "Ask a Librarian" service. To use the reading rooms, you'll need a free reader registration card. Best for: published local histories, maps, newspapers and rare books. Many of its collections, such as Chronicling America newspapers and Sanborn fire insurance maps, are online free.
DAR Library (Washington, D.C.)
The library of the Daughters of the American Revolution holds a large collection focused on the colonial and Revolutionary periods, plus the records supporting thousands of membership applications. It has generally been open to the public, but check current hours and access. The DAR's online Genealogical Research System lets you search patriots, descendants and applications from home. Best for: colonial and Revolutionary War-era families, and anyone considering a lineage society. See Revolutionary War Ancestors and Lineage Societies.
American Ancestors / New England Historic Genealogical Society (Boston, Massachusetts)
The oldest genealogical society in the country, with a deep research library focused on New England, New York and the colonial era, and extensive manuscript collections. Members get full access; non-members can usually visit for a day fee. Its website has large databases for members. Best for: New England and colonial ancestors.
Midwest Genealogy Center (Independence, Missouri)
A branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library and one of the largest public genealogy libraries in the country, with strong collections for the Midwest and the western migration trails. Free and open to all. Best for: Midwestern families and westward migrants.
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research (Houston, Texas)
Part of the Houston Public Library, with a large collection covering the South and Texas in particular, and records from many other states. Free. Best for: Southern and Texas families.
Newberry Library (Chicago, Illinois)
An independent research library, free to use, with major collections in genealogy and local history, especially for the Midwest, plus maps and manuscripts. The Newberry produced the Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. Best for: Midwestern local history and historical maps.
Other libraries worth knowing
- The New York Public Library (Milstein Division of U.S. History, Local History and Genealogy)
- The Dallas Public Library and Denver Public Library, both with major genealogy departments
- State libraries and state archives, which hold the most complete collections for their own state. Every one of our state guides links to the state archives.
- University libraries, especially their special collections and manuscript departments, which hold family papers, plantation records and business records
- Historical society libraries at the state and county level
Using a big library from home
- Search the catalog. Most libraries' catalogs are online, and WorldCat searches many at once.
- Ask by email. Many libraries answer brief research questions or will copy a few pages for a small fee.
- Check for digitized collections. Many have put parts of their collections online free.
- Hire a local researcher if a source can be seen only in person. Libraries often keep lists of researchers who work in their collections.
Planning a research trip
A visit to one of these libraries can be the highlight of a year of research, but only if you plan. Make a list of specific questions and the books, films or collections that might answer them, organized by call number. Bring your research log, a fully charged phone or camera, and a flash drive. And leave some time to wander the shelves near your call numbers; serendipity is part of library research. For more tips, see Planning an Archive or Courthouse Research Trip.