Genealogy Research at the Lancaster County Library

Local libraries are always a great resource when working on genealogy. The Lancaster County Library, on Duke Street in Lancaster City, is no different.

According to the Library's website, their collection includes:

Census records (microfilm)
Local newspapers (paper and microfilm)
Local histories
Atlases
Select collection of family histories
Select church and cemetery records
Small collection of passenger lists and immigration records
Lancaster City Directories

The microfilm area is in the lower level. To use the microfilm, go to the information/help desk located pretty much at the bottom of the steps. Ask the person (the day I went I got a very helpful gentleman) for the roll you want. The older two machines are off to the left while the newer machine is straight back. Both work the same way way and if you are not sure the resource person will walk you through how to load and unload the microfilm properly. The advantage of the newer machine is simply that it does not stick like the other two and the quality of the print feature is better.

There is no limit as to how much you can print. The print jobs come out on the far side of the room and the resource person will have to get them for you. You can collect them one by one or all at once at the end. Either way you will need to inform the resource person that you printed out. I personally got up and asked for the print after each printing. My main reason being that I document everything when working on genealogy. There is a charge for the prints and you may pay cash or check.

Older newspapers can be found on microfilm. Current papers are also in the basement in the microfilm area but they are hanging up just as you come down the steps.

The Library is on Duke Street across from the Duke Street Parking Garage. There is also a small parking lot directly behind the Library off the alley. Bring your quarters though. The parking lot behind the Library is metered and it is patrolled by Lancaster City Police.

Happy researching!

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