Genealogy at the Washington State Library

If you are looking to delve into genealogy or family history research, the Washington State Library is an excellent place to begin your journey! Our extensive resources include a vast collection of books, city directories, phone books, historical newspapers, and detailed maps that can provide valuable insights into your family's past. Additionally, our team of expert research librarians is available to assist you with any questions you may have, offering guidance and support to help you navigate the wealth of information at your disposal. Whether you are a novice or an experienced researcher, the Washington State Library is here to help you uncover the stories and heritage of your ancestors.

Established by the Organic Act of the Territory of Washington on March 2, 1853, the Washington State Library was the first American library north of the Columbia River. Today, it holds over 50,000 reels of microfilm for Washington newspapers, spanning from the territorial period in the 1850s to the present. Most of this newspaper microfilm is available for interlibrary loan (ILL). To access these materials, please contact your local library to initiate a request.

Currently, there are four microfilm readers available on site. Since we loan microfilm, not every reel is available for in-library use every day. For availability, please check our online catalog or call the library for more information.

Coming Soon...