Local Sources for Genealogical Research

Because hours change faster than my website, please call in advance to confirm hours of operation.

• City of Pleasanton Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave., Pleasanton. Hrs: M-Th, 10-9; F&Sa, 10-5; Su, 1-5. In addition to general resources, newspapers, area references, houses excellent collection compiled by Livermore-Amador Genealogical Society. Also see: http://www.l-ags.org/libraries/libraries.html for more complete information on genealogical holdings.
• Livermore Public Library, Civic Center, 1188 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore; ph: 925-373-5500. Hrs: M-Th, 10-9; F, 10-6; Sa, 10-5; Su, 12-6. General resources, newspapers, major references.
• Family History Center, 950 Mocho St., Livermore; ph: 925-443-2750. Hrs: M, 9-3; W-Th, 6-9; Sa, 1-4; also 6101 Valley Ave., Pleasanton; ph: 925-846-0149. Hrs. T-Th, Sa, 9-1; T-W, 7-9.. International Genealogical Index, Family Search, access to microfilmed original records throughout the world.
• Santa Clara Central Park Library, 2635 Homestead Rd., Santa Clara; ph: 408-615-2900. Hrs: M-Tu, 9-9; W, 12-9; Th-Sa, 9-6; Su, 1-5. Wonderful genealogy and local history collection, general resources, newspapers, major references.
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 150 E. San Fernando St., San Jose; ph: 408-808-2000. Hrs: M-W, 8a-10p; Th-Sa, 9-6; Su, 1-5; check web site for special collections hours. Government documents, major references, theses, California Room and SJSU special collections.
• California Genealogical Society Library, 2201 Broadway, Oakland; ph: 510-663-1358. Hrs: Th-F, 9-4; Sa, 10-4. Non-member reader fee of $5, except 1st Saturdays. National and international holdings include genealogies, references, local histories, periodicals, maps, manuscripts, even original Boston Transcripts!
• San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin St., San Francisco; ph: 415-557-4400. Hrs: M, 10-6; Tu-Th, 9-8; F, 12-6; Sa, 10-6; Su, 12-5; check web site for special collections hours. San Francisco History Center, Photo Collection, federal depository, law collection, city directories, newspapers, as well as general references.
• California State Library, 914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento; ph: 916-654-0261. Hrs: M-F, 9:30-4. California newspapers, county histories, DAR compilations, censuses, cemetery transcriptions, etc.
• California State Archives, 1020 "O" St., Sacramento; ph: 916-653-2246. Hrs: M-F, 9:30-4; also 1st Sa. Censuses, county records, military records, Supreme and appellate court cases, mental health and prison records, etc.
• Law Library, University of California-Berkeley, Bancroft and College Aves., Berkeley; ph: 510-642-4044. Hrs: Check web site, as hours vary with calendar. US and international legal history, reporters, sessions laws, etc.
• National Archive and Records Administration, Pacific Region Branch, 1000 Commodore Dr., San Bruno; ph:. Must have photo I.D. Hrs: M-F, 8-4; (call for additional hours). Especially important for Asian-Pacific research; also NARA microfilm.
• Sutro Library, 480 Winston Dr., San Francisco; ph: 415-731-4477. Hrs: M-F, 10-5; 1st Sa, excluding holidays. One of the largest genealogical collections west of Salt Lake City.