We provide genealogical resources for the family history researcher. Our collection includes books, maps, and digital materials for all states, focusing on the Pacific Northwest, as well as international regions. There are no membership requirements or usage fees for using the resources in our library. Our holdings DO NOT CIRCULATE. You access them by visiting the Library during open hours five days per week.
The SGS collections complement the resources of the Seattle Public Library’s genealogy collection. Our close association with SPL has been maintained for more than 100 years. Substantial resources for Washington State; significant resources are available for all states, Canada, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Germany, Eastern Europe, Mexico, and other international regions.
The Pacific Northwest Collection
Encompasses Seattle, King County, Washington State as well as Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and British Columbia.
Special Collections
The Library holds several special collections: Mayflower, Colonial America, and the George Kent Collection.
Subscription Databases
- Ancestry World Explorer (includes Fold3 and Newspapers.com)
- American Ancestors (NEHGS)
- historygeo.com
- FindMyPast
- Archion
- ArchivDigital
- SGS is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, with access using your own computer or one of our patron computers.
Library Technology
The Library has four computer workstations for patrons to use. Wireless internet access is available for those who bring their own computer. Library patrons may use one of our scanners for papers, photos, fragile items, albums and books. Bring a flash drive to save the scanned materials.
Microfilm and Microfiche
The SGS collection includes the Washington State Death Index 1907-1989, the 1895 Minnesota State Census, assorted national and state census rolls and miscellaneous other donated materials. Microfilm and microfiche readers are available.
Family files
Browse names in the Surname Files contributed by SGS members. Information in these files includes newspaper clippings, handwritten notes, and short typed papers. Surname Notebooks contain Family Group Sheets submitted by Seattle Genealogical Society members over the last 75 years.
VISIT THE SGS LIBRARY
Find us at the Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Seattle WA 98103, Suite 302.
Daytime Hours Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Evening Hours 6:00 to 8:30 PM on the 3rd Wednesday of the month
The SGS Library is staffed by member volunteers and usually open for research Tuesday through Saturday. To verify that the library is open or that the elevator is available, call: (206) 522-8658.