At the library: How to use genealogy library

By Bryna Walker, director

At the Washington Free Public Library we have a wonderful collection of genealogy resources for our patrons. When you walk into the library and go one flight down to our basement you will find our locked Genealogy Library. We have volunteer librarians that are down in genealogy to help people find what they are looking for on Mondays. Another option is to come to the library any day of the week and sign in at our circulation desk and go visit the Genealogy Library on your own.

Another genealogy resource Washington Public Library offers is through our WPL digital collection. Alongside our Genealogy Print Library in our basement, we purchase the Library Edition of Ancestry.com and HeritageQuest Online. These two databases have billions of records in census data, vital records, directories, primary sources, city directories, military records, wills and probate records, and maps and photos.

With your library card you may access both of these databases through our library website www.washington.lib.ia.us. Ancestry.com is available only within the library with your library card. HeritageQuest Online is available from anywhere when you go to the library website and click on our digital collection and scroll to the HeritageQuest icon and enter your library card number. Please contact the library if you want to begin your genealogy study of your family. We will be happy to assist you!!