# Make the Most of Family History Month
Need help researching your family tree? With the holidays coming up, it’s a great time to get started! Whether you’re new to family history research or an expert genealogist, you'll find:
- Plenty of books and other free resources at the Library and online
- Specially trained staff in Special Collections at the Main Library
- Scanners and other equipment to scan photos or digitize home movies
Download these free PDF documents from the National Genealogical Society website for easy-to-follow steps to make these projects manageable.
Research & Build Your Family Tree
Did you know? Jacksonville Public Library is a certified FamilySearch Affiliate. That means, as a library card holder, you have access to the world’s largest online collection of:
- vital records
- military records
- church records
- and more!
Is your family from Northeast Florida? The Library has its own collection of census records, Duval County probate records, and more than 2,000 family and county histories. Plus, you can browse yearbooks from Duval County high schools, with records dating back to 1907.
Note: You can access Ancestry Library Edition from any Jacksonville Public Library computer at any library branch. This online research database is powered by Ancestry.com which delivers billions of records in census data, vital records, directories, photos and more.
Visit Special Collections
Special Collections is located on the fourth floor of the Main Library in Downtown Jacksonville, it is open to the public during library hours with plenty of space for family and local history researchers.
It is home to:
Schedule an Appointment or Consultation
Appointments are not required to visit Special Collections or to use our free resources but please do call ahead at (904) 255-BOOK if you have questions or will need extra assistance. You can also request a genealogy consultation with one of the Library's specially trained staff. These appointments can focus on starting the process, using genealogy online resources, or reviewing what has already been found.
What to bring to your consultation:
- any family information or research notes
- a flash drive may be useful for documents that may be found
Bring Your Family Photos, VHS Tapes & Film
Special Collection is also home to the Memory Lab, which includes free, DIY "digitization stations" you can use to scan family photos, convert home movies, and more.
A library card is required. If you are a Duval County resident, click here to sign up for FREE online or apply in person with valid ID. Note: Guest passes and non-resident cards are also available for a fee.
Planning Ahead
While walk-ins are welcome, if you want to make sure a station is available for you when you arrive, or have questions about what to bring, please call us at (904) 255-BOOK to schedule your appointment or for more information. Appointments are strongly recommended on Saturdays.
Click the buttons below to learn more about the different formats you can digitize.
