Folks who love learning about the past and their families again have access to the Fresno County Library’s extensive genealogy and history collection.

The collection has gone from the closed downtown Central Library to a temporary location next door to the Leo Politi Library at First and Bullard avenues.

The closure of the Central Library for renovations necessitated the move, library officials said.

“The Fresno County Genealogy & Local History Library is where personal stories and community history come together,” said Sally Gomez, director of the Fresno County Public Library. “Whether someone is discovering their family history or learning more about Fresno County, this collection connects people with stories that might otherwise be lost. We’re excited to welcome the community into this new space.”

The Genealogy & Local History Library is open Tuesday through Saturday. It is hosting an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

Library Wants Your Feedback

As patrons use the new location, the library will gather community feedback on the space. That input will help inform future discussions about the long-term home of these services once the renovation is complete, Gomez said.

The collection includes about 30,000 books and pamphlets, historical newspapers, photographs, maps, city directories, oral histories, microfilm, and other research materials documenting Fresno County’s past. While much of the collection is available to browse, staff can also assist patrons in accessing additional materials during the transition to the new location.

Visitors researching family histories can find books, records, and historical documents from all 50 states, along with genealogy databases and other tools to help trace family connections across the U.S. and beyond.

For more information, visit fresnolibrary.org or call (559) 600-6230.