Dallas Public Library – Genealogy & History Division
Host: Tony Hanson; Guest: Ari Wilkins, Public Service Specialist
Dallas is home to one of the Top 10 Public Libraries in the United States for genealogy research, according to Family Tree Magazine. That library is the Dallas Public Library (DPL), specifically the Genealogy and History Division, the topic of this month’s podcast. Ari Wilkins, who serves as a public service specialist, discusses not only why someone should conduct genealogical research at the library but also the vast array of books that are part of the Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck Genealogy Collection. Tony Hanson, current president of the Dallas Genealogical Society, serves as host for this month’s podcast.
These resources encompass materials from every U.S. state and many countries worldwide. In some cases, the Dallas Public Library Genealogy and History Division houses the only copy of a book in a library in the United States. Also available at the library is access to a multitude of databases including Ancestry.com; HeritageQuest; ProQuest; HistoryGeo; GenealogyBank; and many others. Library patrons with a reservation can access the Heritage Lab which gives one the opportunity to make copies of photos, home movies, documents and much more. The staff provides instructions on how to use the equipment, so that your focus can be on preservation of your memories.
The library is open to patrons without a library card; no reservation is needed since the stacks are open for browsing. It is recommended that you utilize the staff for a quick tour on your first visit to introduce you to what is available and how to access it. DPL specialists are also available to answer questions and provide recommendations regarding your research.
Hours: Tuesday, Friday (9-5); Wednesday, Thursday (9-7); Saturday (9-4)
Address: 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX 75201; 8th floor
Phone: 214-670-1433
URL: Dallas Public Library – Genealogy Home Page (dallaslibrary2.org)
Email for requests: genealogy@dallaslibrary.org