About the Library
The Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library is located on the second floor of the Polk County History Center and is one of the largest facilities of its type in the area. The library has more than 40,000 items in its collection, including books, microfilm and periodicals containing information about the history and genealogy of the Eastern United States. The selection of materials related specifically to the history of Polk County also includes newspapers, aerial photographs, maps, city directories, property tax rolls, cemetery records and more.
The Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library is a member of the Polk County Library Cooperative, a partnership between Polk’s municipally owned and operated public libraries and Polk County.
Take a closer look at the collection by visiting the Digital Collection and the Library Catalog.
What to Know Before Visiting the Library
Somos una biblioteca no circulatoria del condado de Polk, lo que significa que los visitantes pueden utilizar los libros de las estanterías, pero no pueden sacarlos ni salir del edificio. Se puede acceder a los artículos de nuestras colecciones especiales y/o archivos con la ayuda de un miembro del personal.
Visitors are required to check in at the desk on the second floor. A library card is not required. Visitors will have free access to our microfilm room, as well as the library edition of Ancestry.com while on-site. We are Polk County’s first FamilySearch Affiliate Library, allowing registered users access to over five million additional records. Patrons may use their own laptops and free wireless internet access is available. Use of personal USB drives is not permitted.
No se permite la entrada de comida ni bebida en la biblioteca y los teléfonos móviles deben estar en silencio o en vibración. El uso de productos de tabaco y el consumo de alcohol están prohibidos en el edificio.
Due to the unique nature of this collection, some items may not be available to copy or scan and will be left to the discretion of the staff.
Ciclo de conferencias sobre genealogía
Our Genealogy Speaker Series is a free, monthly program that takes place on the last Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. The series runs from January through October and each month features a different guest speaker who will present on a unique, genealogy-related topic.
The presenter will appear virtually. Guests are invited to participate via Zoom or in person at the History Center. Register to receive the Zoom details by emailing the History Center at [email protected].