Types of Libraries for Genealogy Research (and What to Look for in Each)
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If you have been building your family tree online and you’re starting to hit a wall, you are not doing anything wrong. You’re just reaching the point where the internet stops being “enough.” (Don’t you love when that happens?) That is exactly when types of libraries become your best friend in genealogy research.
I’m Jessica, a professional genealogist at Heritage Discovered. I help family historians move forward when the records get tricky, the locations get confusing, or the clues start hiding in places you would never think to look. Types of libraries and archives are one of the biggest reasons I can break through stubborn brick walls for clients, because so much of the good stuff still lives offline.
Websites like Ancestry and FamilySearch have made starting your family tree research easier than ever. We are fortunate to be in a time where we have so many genealogy records at our fingertips, right from the convenience of home.
But online databases don’t have everything. The sad fact is the majority of genealogical records are not digitized, and many may never be. That is why libraries and archives matter so much for anyone who wants more than names and dates.
In this post, I’ll show you the types of libraries you can use for genealogy research and what you might find in each, plus a simple plan for actually using them without feeling overwhelmed.
If you would rather have an expert help you figure out which repositories matter most for your family, I offer a free 20 minute consult. It is an easy way to get unstuck fast.
Types of Libraries and Their Genealogy Records
There are many kinds of repositories where you can find genealogical records, and understanding the main types of libraries helps you choose the right place first (instead of spending hours searching in the wrong spot).
But first, What is a repository?
A repository is a place that stores original records or information. This could be a library or archive, a courthouse, or even a person.
If you have never done offline research before, do not worry. It can feel a little intimidating at first, but it is completely doable with a bit of prep.
Pro tip: the easiest way to feel confident is to walk in with a plan and a checklist.
Want my exact “what to do before you go” list?
My Archive Ace checklist walks you through what to gather, what to ask, and what to bring so you don’t waste your time once you are there.
Now, let’s break down the different types of libraries and archives and what you can find in each.
Public Libraries
Using local libraries for genealogy research is a great step to add to any research plan. Your local library is a great resource for database subscriptions you can use for free with your library card.
You may find subscriptions like:
Ancestry Library Edition
MyHeritage
NewsBank
Fold3
Newspaper Archive
A lot of local libraries, even smaller ones, will have a genealogy department with special collections specific to the area. The San Francisco Public Library, for example, has books on death records and newspaper birth and death notices. And of course, general how-to books on genealogy.
If you’re researching in a state you do not live in: check other public library systems in that state. Some allow state residents to get a card even if they are not in that county.
2. Academic Libraries
Colleges and universities are a very underused genealogy resource. They are one of the types of libraries that can surprise you in the best way, especially when your ancestor had ties to a town with a long-standing college or university.
They often have:
Special collections
Manuscripts
Personal papers (letters, diaries)
Yearbooks
Local newspapers
Maps and city directories
Dartmouth College Library, for example, has biographies, newspapers, maps, city directories, cemetery records, letters, and much more.
3. Historical and Genealogical Societies
Local historical and genealogical societies have many records to help you with your search. These can include:
Local family files and compiled genealogies
Vital records abstracts and indexes
Cemetery and funeral home records
Voter lists and town ephemera
Photographs and local manuscripts
These societies can be a true genealogical goldmine. I once was able to get the only photos I have of my great grandparents through a historical society in New Hampshire. Without that local society, those faces would still be missing from my family story.
And the resources don’t always end with their library. When I went on a genealogy road trip to the area, they took me on a tour and showed me all the houses my family had lived in and where they were buried.
Related posts:
How the Digital Public Library of America Can Power Up Your Genealogy Research
Museum Archives: How To Use This Unique Resource In Your Research
4. Genealogy Libraries
Genealogical libraries are another treasure trove of information. If you have ever searched “genealogy library near me,” this section will help you figure out what to expect once you find one.
They have everything from:
Vital record indexes
Surname files and surname periodicals
Maps and atlases
Military records and local histories
Property and probate resources
One of the most well-known is the Family History Library and its branches, but there are other genealogy libraries all over the country.
Some genealogy libraries in the US are:
If you are not sure where to start inside a genealogy library: I can help you build a targeted plan so you are not wandering aisle to aisle hoping something jumps out.
5. National Archives and Libraries
National repositories can be huge for genealogy.
The Library of Congress includes extensive genealogy and local history materials, along with maps, manuscripts, and more.
The National Archives holds records such as:
Land and military records
Immigration and naturalization
Freedmen’s Bureau records
Chinese Exclusion Act files
If you have a federal record problem: these are some of my favorite projects, especially when a family story hinges on one document.
6. State Libraries and Archives
Every state has an archive or library focused on that state’s history. These are types of libraries that can open doors when your ancestor lived in a place with records that never made it into major online databases.
These collections often include:
Military records
Photographs
Oral histories and scrapbooks
Court and legislative materials
Newspapers not found online
State repositories are also staffed by people who know the collections inside and out, which makes them incredibly valuable when you are trying to find the “right” record set.
7. Other Special Types of Libraries and Archives
Specialized archives can be incredibly useful, especially when your ancestor belonged to an organization, worked in a specific industry, or participated in a religious or cultural community.
Examples:
Masonic archives
Corporate archives (like Wells Fargo Archives)
Religious archives (like Lutheran archives)
Daughters of the American Revolution collections
Museum archives
Ethnic and cultural centers (like the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii)
This is one of the areas where working with a genealogist saves a lot of time, because the “right” archive is often not the obvious one.
Some special libraries and archives examples include:
Freemasons archives. The Grand Lodge of Iowa has one of the largest collections of Masonic records in the country.
Wells Fargo Archives. While mostly business papers, there are also directories, letters, and more.
Evangelical Lutheran Church Archives has records of predecessor church bodies, inter-Lutheran organizations, and some for ELCA synods.
The Daughters of the American Revolution has genealogies, ephemera, manuscripts, family histories, probate and land records, Revolutionary War records (of course) and transcription projects (like gravestone inscriptions), and published them.
If your ancestor worked for the railroads, look for archives like the California State Railroad Museum.
The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii has oral histories, diaries, photos, and other items with genealogy value.
Related posts:
Why Should You Use Ethnic Newspapers For Genealogy Research?
Everything You Need to Know About Using Home Sources
11 of the Best Websites for Free Ship Passenger Lists
Search Tips for Doing Genealogy at the Library
Here is a simple plan you can use again and again.
Before you go
Identify repositories in the place and time your ancestor lived
Check hours, rules, and whether materials are appointment only
Search the online catalog and write down call numbers
Make a targeted research question list (not a vague “find everything” plan)
When you arrive
Ask about local history collections and vertical files
Ask what is not in the online catalog
Take photos of title pages and citation info first (future you will thank you)
If you cannot visit in person
Ask about scanning and copy services
Request a lookup for a specific record or file
Consider hiring a genealogist (like me) to contact the repository and manage the requests for you
If the library you’re using doesn’t have what you need, use Interlibrary Loan to request books. Many libraries take part in Interlibrary Loan programs, which gives you access to even more items for your research.
Related posts:
How the Digital Public Library of America Can Power Up Your Genealogy Research
How to Use Civil War Pension Records in Your Research
10 Great Resources For Finding Your Ancestor’s School Records
How to Use the Online Archive of California in Your Genealogy Research
Final thoughts on Types of Libraries for Genealogy Research
With so much available online, it’s easy to forget about the abundance of genealogy records found in libraries and archives. Tapping into these types of libraries gives researchers the chance to uncover family stories lost to memory and time.
Through libraries, we have access to countless documents, artifacts, and other records to expand our family history in exciting new directions.
If you want to keep going on your own, choose one repository tied to your ancestor’s town and time period and follow the quick start steps above.
If you’d like support, I can do the digging for you. Take a peek at my sercice packages. Not sure what fits? Book a free twenty minute consultation and we’ll talk it through.