genealogy@dallas.gov | 214-670-1433

Manager Stephanie Bennett

The Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck Genealogy Collection at the Dallas Public Library is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections for family history research in the Southwest. The collection encompasses resources from every U.S. state and many countries throughout the world - making Dallas Public Library a destination library for any genealogy researcher.

Expert staff is ready to assist you with your family history search.Contact us via email at genealogy@dallaslibrary.org for general questions about the library and the department, to seek guidance about how to use our collections, or about access to our holdings. If you need immediate assistance during open hours, please call our reference desk at 214-670-1433.

Most materials must be used in the library, but there is a collection of books on beginning genealogy and advanced research techniques that can be checked out.

Search the Collection

History & Map Collection

The History & Map collection serves researchers, travelers and history enthusiasts, including books, atlases, maps and DVDs. Dallas Public Library houses one of the area's most comprehensive, public collections of topographic and city maps and atlases. DPL is part of the Federal depository library program, and the collection includes maps and reports published by the U.S. Geological Survey as well as the CIA. 

Creative Spaces: Heritage Lab

Make copies of irreplaceable photos, home movies, documents, slides and audio cassettes for free using digitization equipment. The space is made possible with the generous support of the Dallas Genealogy Society. To book an appointment call (214) 670-1433, email genealogy@dallas.gov or visit the Heritage Lab's webpage.

Dallas Genealogical Society maintains a volunteer desk at the front of the genealogy collection to keep a record of visitors to the collection, noting their places of origin, and to share their genealogical expertise. The volunteers also sell genealogy forms i.e. census, pedigree charts, family group sheets, etc. and DGS publications helpful to researchers.

Support the Genealogy Collection

Volunteer: Genealogy & History volunteers greeting visitors, organize books for re-shelving, data entry, scan historic documents and transcribe records.

Donate Materials: Dallas Public Library gladly accepts the donation of genealogical and historical books and microfilm. The Dallas Public Library reserves the right to make all decisions as to the use, housing, and final disposition of all donated materials. All donated materials are reviewed by a Genealogy & History Division staff member and a decision is made to add it to the collection, donate the materials to another library or sell the materials in a book sale. We ask that you contact the Genealogy & History Division at (214) 670-1433 and speak to a staff member before bringing in any large donations.

Monetary Donations can be made online . For other donations, please contact the Genealogy & History Division Manager at genealogy@dallas.gov

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