Downtown Reno Library Elevator News
Due to ongoing construction, the elevator at the Downtown Reno Library is currently not in service. Computers and restrooms are available on the main level for patrons who are unable to use the stairs, and staff can assist with retrieving materials from other levels.

 

 

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Genealogy Research Resources

In addition those listed below, Washoe County Library System offers several resources that may be of use in performing genealogical research. The library catalog includes numerous instructional books on the subject, and the Downtown Reno Library holds local city directories, telephone books, clipping files, and a complete collection of Reno newspapers on microfilm.

If you are just getting started, Truckee Meadows Community College has this helpful guide with links to additional resources.

Newspapers

Newspaper Archive
Contains searchable newspaper pages from publications throughout Nevada, dating as far back as the 1860s. Includes many, but not all, Reno newspapers from the 1870s through 1977.

ProQuest
Search and browse digitized editions of the Reno Evening Gazette (March 28, 1876 through September 30, 1983) and the Reno Gazette-Journal (September 1, 1984 to present).

Chronicling America
A website providing access to information about historic newspapers and select digitized newspaper pages, produced by the National Digital Newspaper Program, a partnership between the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress.

Vital Statistics

FamilySearch
A nonprofit family history organization dedicated to connecting families across generations. FamilySearch is free to use but requires an account set up.

Washoe County Birth and Death Records
All birth and death records are kept in the Office of the County Recorder. No free index is available.

Washoe County Divorce Records
All Washoe County divorce records are held in the Second Judicial District Court. No free index is available.

Washoe County Marriage Index
Covers 1970 to present with instructions on ordering marriage certificates.

Cemeteries

The Tombstone Transcription Project
A listing of cemeteries in Washoe County with some indexing and photos.

Find a Grave
A website that is searchable by name and location.

Maps

University of Nevada, Reno: Nevada In Maps
Digitized maps of Nevada, including Sanborn maps, History maps, and US Geological Survey maps.

Miscellaneous

Reno Nevada Family History Center
Associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this center has local resources for Washoe County as well as access to Ancestry.com.

World Cat
The world’s largest library catalog can help find books, manuscripts, and other resources that can be ordered through our interlibrary loan program.

Print

The Wall Street Journal

Full access to the most recent issues of the Journal

Libby

Our digital collection features thousands of titles you can access with Libby

The New York Times

Complimentary digital access to The New York Times

Reading Challenges

Participate in all our reading challenges with the Beanstack app

TechBoomers

Learn popular technology, apps, and websites with a senior focus

Small Engine Repair Reference Center

Detailed, user-friendly repair guides for all manner of small engines

NoveList Plus

Reading recommendations, series information, and more tools for readers

Mango Languages

Easy access to language learning . More than 72 languages offered.

LinkedIn Learning

Creative, business, and technology courses for in-depth learning

Computer Skills Center

Video courses to learn popular software and computer basics

1,000 Miles Project

The first-hand account of a 1914 prospecting trip across Nevada provides an engaging way to study history

WorldBook Online

With activities and a suite of research tools, it's more than an encyclopedia

TumbleBook Library

A collection of talking, animated picture books and ebooks for kids

Libby

Our digital collection features thousands of titles you can access with Libby

1,000 Miles Project

The first-hand account of a 1914 prospecting trip across Nevada provides an engaging way to study history

WorldBook Online

With activities and a suite of research tools, it's more than an encyclopedia

Brainfuse HelpNow

Live homework help, writing lab, test prep, and other student resources

Explora

Research resources and tools for students and teachers

STEAM

Science, technology, engineering, and art resources

Family Engagement and Literacy

Cultural and educational resources for kids of all ages

Get a Card

Sign up for an instant digital card to get access to all our online resources.

Apps and Tools

Many of our most popular resources have apps for easy use on mobile devices.

TumbleBiblioteca

Disfrute de más de 50 libros, libros de dibujos, y libros con audio para niños de todas las edades.

Referencia Latina

Texto completo cubre una amplia gama de temas dentro y fuera de la academia.

OverDrive

Colección de libros electrónicos y audiolibros descargables en inglés o español y revistas.

The New York Times

Acceso gratuito en línea al New York Times, tanto de forma remota como en la biblioteca.

HelpNow

Tutoría en vivo en español o inglés está disponible con Brainfuse HelpNow