Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
Explore your roots at one of the nation's largest public genealogy centers, offering millions of books and free Ancestry.com access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, open late
Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, open late
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore your roots at one of the nation's largest public genealogy centers, offering millions of books and free Ancestry.com access.
"A very impressive collection, comparable to world-class family history libraries!"
🎯 Free Ancestry Access!
Access Ancestry.com for free here – a huge perk for serious family history research .
⏰ Stay Late for Research
The center is open until 9 PM on weekdays, perfect for extended research sessions .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vast Book Collection
Explore millions of books, including donated family histories and extensive research materials. A genealogist's dream!
Free Ancestry.com Access
Tap into Ancestry.com's extensive databases for free within the library walls. A huge saver for family history research .
Rolland Center for Lincoln Research
Delve into Lincoln's life and times with this specialized collection, managed by the same director as the Genealogy Center .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Unlock Your Family History
Navigating the Collection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Ancestry Access!
Access Ancestry.com for free here – a huge perk for serious family history research.
⏰ Stay Late for Research
The center is open until 9 PM on weekdays, perfect for extended research sessions.
🗺️ Get a Map First
The library is massive; grab a map to navigate the extensive collections efficiently.
📚 Book Handling Rules
Be mindful of book handling procedures, which may vary. Ask staff for guidance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Ancestry Access!
Access Ancestry.com for free here – a huge perk for serious family history research.
⏰ Stay Late for Research
The center is open until 9 PM on weekdays, perfect for extended research sessions.
🗺️ Get a Map First
The library is massive; grab a map to navigate the extensive collections efficiently.
📚 Book Handling Rules
Be mindful of book handling procedures, which may vary. Ask staff for guidance.
🅿️ Parking Lot Size
The public parking lot is small; be prepared for potential limited availability.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center for its immense collection and free access to Ancestry.com, calling it a world-class resource. While the parking is noted as small and some find scheduling consultations difficult, the helpful staff and the sheer volume of research materials make it a highly recommended destination for anyone interested in family history.
"they have a lot of books and individual family histories people have donated. COVID has changed a lot of things everywhere. tuesday i am greeted and told to leave my books on the table for reshelving then Saturday i am told put them in the wood carts. not able to schedule an orientation or a consultation the week i was there but they did email me a map. spacious and clean. you do hear a lot of crying children from another section. small public parking lot accomodated me each day - $7.00."
Cindy Lee
"I was searching for a copy of the Clewell Family History in America and found your site. The digitization of the 1907 text is wonderful, clear, perfect in almost every way. How wonderful to have a committed group of people to assist in maintaining our history. Thanks for your work.
Peter Loux
Huntsville, Alabama"
Peter Loux
"A very impressive collection. The 2nd floor genealogy library is comparable to the world class family history library in Salt Lake City. Literally more than a million books in this building. They are also open until 9:00 P.M. which make this place very accessible for everyone interested in tracing their family history. Five Stars well earned!"
Dave Schubert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Allen County Public Library is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Public parking is available, though it can be small. Public transportation options may also be available depending on your starting point.
Yes, there is a small public parking lot available for visitors. Be aware that it can fill up, so arriving early or considering alternative transport might be wise.
Check local Fort Wayne public transit schedules for bus routes that serve the main library branch. Ride-sharing services are also a convenient option.
The Allen County Public Library is generally accessible. It's recommended to contact the library directly for specific accessibility details regarding the Genealogy Center.
Absolutely! Many visitors come for day trips to explore the extensive collections. Plan your visit to maximize your research time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Allen County Public Library and its Genealogy Center is free. You can access their vast collections without admission fees.
The library is open until 9:00 PM on weekdays, making it accessible for evening research. Weekend hours may vary, so it's best to check the official library website for the most current schedule.
While the library offers resources, some visitors have noted that scheduling orientations or consultations might be difficult at times. It's advisable to check their website or call ahead for availability.
No membership is required to use the Genealogy Center's resources. It's a public facility open to everyone interested in genealogy.
Protocols can change. It's recommended to check the library's official website for the most up-to-date information on any health and safety measures in effect.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The center boasts an impressive collection of over a million books, including individual family histories, vital records, census data, and more. It's considered comparable to world-class facilities.
Yes, the collection includes many donated individual family histories, making it a prime location for finding specific ancestral information.
Absolutely! The Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center offers free access to Ancestry.com, a significant benefit for researchers.
Some visitors have noted hearing children crying from other sections of the library, which might be a consideration for those seeking absolute quiet.
Given the vastness of the collection, many visitors spend several hours, even a full day, researching. It's easy to get lost in the wealth of information.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, libraries do not have full-service dining. It's best to bring your own snacks or plan to eat at nearby restaurants outside the library.
Check the library's specific policies on outside food and beverages. Often, drinks with lids are permitted in designated areas, but full meals might be restricted.
Fort Wayne has a variety of restaurants and cafes near the library. You can find everything from quick bites to sit-down meals in the surrounding downtown area.
While some large library systems have cafes, it's not guaranteed for the Allen County Public Library. Inquire at the information desk upon arrival.
To protect the collections, eating is usually prohibited in research areas. Designated break areas might be available.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed in public areas of the library. However, flash photography or tripods might be restricted, and it's always best to confirm with staff.
Some rare books or special collections may have restrictions on photography to preserve them. Always ask permission before photographing delicate materials.
The architecture of the main library building itself can be quite photogenic. For the Genealogy Center, focus on capturing the scale of the bookshelves or the atmosphere of research.
Yes, using your phone camera to photograph pages for personal research notes is usually permitted, provided it doesn't disrupt others or violate any specific collection policies.
Absolutely not. Drones are prohibited in indoor public spaces like libraries due to safety and privacy concerns.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be aware that the environment is geared towards quiet research, so it might not be ideal for very young or boisterous children. However, if your family is interested in history, it can be a unique educational experience. Plan for shorter visits and perhaps focus on one specific aspect of research to keep it manageable. The library itself has other sections that might appeal to younger visitors, so consider exploring those as well.
💰 Budget Travelers
Parking is available, though it's a small lot and may incur a fee.
🤓 Dedicated Genealogists
Plan for extended visits, as the sheer volume of materials means you could spend days here. Utilize the library's late hours to your advantage. Don't hesitate to engage with the knowledgeable staff for guidance. The presence of the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research also adds a unique dimension for those with connections to that historical period.
This is a destination where meticulous planning and a focused research strategy will yield the greatest rewards.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Genealogy Center's Collection
This includes a vast array of family histories donated by individuals, alongside comprehensive resources like census records, vital statistics, city directories, and specialized historical databases. The sheer volume means researchers can spend days, even weeks, uncovering their lineage.Beyond the sheer number of books, the center's strength lies in its curated approach. They actively collect materials that might be difficult to find elsewhere, focusing on both broad genealogical research and specific ancestral lines. This dedication ensures that whether you're tracing a common surname or a more obscure one, you're likely to find valuable leads. The Rolland Center for Lincoln Research, also managed by the library's Director of Special Collections, Curt Witcher, offers a unique deep dive into the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, further enhancing the center's historical significance.
For anyone serious about family history research, the Genealogy Center is a must-visit. The ability to access resources like Ancestry.com for free within the library is a significant advantage, saving researchers considerable subscription costs.
Maximizing Your Research Visit
When you arrive, take advantage of the library's layout. While some visitors have noted that scheduling formal orientations might be challenging at times,
Be mindful of the library's environment. While it's a place of quiet study, some areas might experience ambient noise, including from children in other sections.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit