Genealogy Libraries

Why use a Genealogical Library?

• Not all historical documents and resources are available online due to copyright restrictions.
• Not all historical resources are available for free. Check the library catalogs below to see if one of the books or periodicals will help with your research.
• Resources are available during Library hours.

Several SRGCouncil Member Organizations have Genealogy Libraries open to the public. We will be adding the library names and locations, along with a link to their library catalogues, so the library offerings can be viewed prior to visiting the library. Please check back again soon to view the listing. Making a list before visiting the library will allow more time to research the actual documents, books, and resources.

California History Room (at the California State Library)

• Address: 900 N Street, Sacramento
• Description: Holds a premier collection of documents for and about California’s rich history.
• Go to their Website

California State Archives

• Address: 1020 O Street, Sacramento
• Description: Contains California government records, some of which pertain to genealogy. Also home to the 7,000+ book Root Cellar genealogical library.
• Go to their Website

Center for Sacramento History

• Address: 551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd, Sacramento
• Description: Houses archival, historical government records, photograph, film, audio and artifact collection about the history of the Sacramento region.
• Go to their Website

Davis Genealogy Club Library

• Address: Davis Senior Center, 646 A St, Davis, CA 95616
• Description: The Davis Genealogy Club Library is open two afternoons a week. See their website for the most current hours and to access the catalog before visiting. The Library houses over 1,000 (non-circulating) volumes that most of the states, and many countries as well as how-to books. Of note is the collection of family histories, many local to Davis and Yolo County. Users can search online, either by Excel (download and sort the list) or by PDF. Volunteer docents are ready to help visiting patrons.
• Go to their Website

Genealogy Society of Vallejo-Benicia Reference Library

• Address: 734 Marin Street, Vallejo, California (on the 2nd floor of Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum)
• Description: The Genealogy Society of Vallejo-Benicia Reference Library houses 2,923 items helpful to genealogical researchers, including books, and pamphlets, etc. Special Collections include: Vallejo city directories 1870-1991, Vallejo Times-Herald obituary listings 1999-present, and Benicia Herald obituary listings 1999-2021. Hours of operation include: Every Tuesday: Noon-3:30 pm, 2nd Thursday: Noon-3:30 pm, and 1st & 3rd Saturdays: Noon-3:30 pm, and by appointment. Use of the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum's reference library also is available.
• Check their Online Catalog.
• Go to their Website

Napa Valley Genealogical Society Library

• Address: 1701 Menlo Ave, Napa
• Description: The NVGS library is an invaluable resource in northern California for beginning and advanced researchers. It contains more than 9,000 holdings, which cover the precolonial era to present day. The collection is the main repository for Napa County records, but offers much more, including substantial resources on Colonial America, each of the 50 states, and many foreign countries. All are welcome to visit and explore.
• Check their Online Catalog.
• Their website is located in the member society section of this website.

Paradise Genealogical Society Library

• Address: 1499 Wagstaff, Paradise
• Description: The original library and its collection were completely destroyed by the 2018 Camp Wildfire. The society found a new home for their new library and continue to rebuild their collection.
• Go to their Website

Root Cellar Library

• Address: 1020 "O" Street, Sacramento (California State Archives Library on the 4th floor)
• Description: Is housed at the California State Archives building is open the same hours as the Archives. The library holds over 7,000 books and periodicals searchable through its online catalogue. The catalog also offers an alphabetized list in PDF format that may be viewed and/or printed and a graphical list of all available search categories.
• Go to their Website (then select the Library page)

Roseville Genealogical Society Library

• Address: 225 Taylor Street, Roseville
• Description: Roseville's Genealogical Library is located in the Roseville Main Library, and open regular Main Library hours. All items are considered references for in-house use only.
• Check their Online Catalogue.
• Their website is located in the member society section of this website.

Sacramento FamilySearch Center

• Address: 2745 Eastern Ave., Sacramento
• Description: Volunteers are available to answer genealogy research questions and assist visitors in determining the next step in their genealogy search.  The "in-library" portal allows on-site visitors free access to their premium websites.  They have new technology to scan pictures, slides, and documents into a digital format.  Bring a flash drive with you. 
• Go to their Website

San Joaquin Genealogical Society Library

• Address: 605 N. El Dorado Street, Stockton, California
• Description: San Joaquin Genealogical Society donated their genealogical holdings to the Chavez Library in Stockton. The Chavez Library is part of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library System, and the genealogical holdings are available during regular Library hours. All items are considered references for in-house use only.
• Check the public library's Online Catalogue.
• Go to their Website