Q. What tools does the Library offer to assist with genealogy research?

The library has a variety of collections, databases, and other tools available to assist you with your genealogy research.

The Genealogy Reference collection is housed at the Headquarters Library. These materials are for in-library use only and can be found by searching our catalog. Copies can be made for 10¢ per page for black and white or $1 per page for color. Materials can also be scanned to email or a USB flash drive. Patrons must provide their own USB flash drive. The Headquarters Library also houses our microform collections, which include issues of the Gainesville Sun, Census records, and other periodicals.

Patrons with a valid library card can access databases such as Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest Online, and the library's Heritage Collection. The Heritage Collection is a digitized collection of over 1,000 historical photographs of local landmarks, family portraits, community events, natural disasters, historic maps, and more. We also provide access to the Gainesville Sun Collection and America's News.

Ancestry Library Edition is only accessible while inside one of our library locations.

For more assistance with your genealogy research, contact the Reference Desk or ask to speak with our Genealogy Librarian by phone at 352-334-3940. You can also reach us by email.