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Genealogy Research
Every family has a story. Discover your ancestors’ incredible journeys through research at the Lee County Library System. Explore the origins and history of your relatives with our print, microfilm and digital resources. Get help from our trained staff who provide assistance to skilled and novice researches, alike. 
Getting Started
“Getting Started” in genealogy can mean many things depending on the person. Today may be the first time you have looked into building your family tree. You might have worked on and off collecting information, and are having trouble pulling it all together. Even experts have difficulty when learning about new material, resources, and techniques…and we are here to help.
This study guide introduces patrons to the field of genealogy. The Fort Myers Regional Library
offers a number of excellent “how-to” books on the subject of genealogical research.

This study guide is designed to provide a basic overview of the main types of records available
for genealogical research. 

Stay connected with the latest genealogy resources, programs, and research tips from Lee County Library System. Our Genealogy Newsletter delivers updates on workshops, special collections, local history discoveries, and tools to help you uncover your family story. Sign up today and make the most of your genealogy journey.

Check out our online calendar of events!
World Class Genealogy Room

Our genealogy room is located on the second floor of the Fort Myers Regional Library. Directions to the branch as well as open hours are listed on the webpage. 

The Genealogy Room houses the largest print genealogy and local history collection in Southwest Florida. Located on the second floor, it offers a dedicated, quiet research space equipped with free printed research forms and reference guides.

Extended one-on-one help sessions are available by appointment with experienced genealogists and subject specialists. This free service is only offered at the Fort Myers Regional Library.

The Fort Myers Regional Library is a Family History Library Affiliate, which means that genealogy researchers have access to FamilySearch’s non-copyrighted digitized microfilm records.

Download the Fort Myers Collection Guide to learn about our genealogy research services, including access to the enhanced version of FamilySearch available exclusively through FamilySearch Library Affiliates like Fort Myers Regional Library.
Subscription-based Electronic Resources
  • Ancestry.com Library Edition - Search for Your Ancestors, Build a Family Tree & More. Start discovering today! Services: Family History, Family Trees. 
    Note: This resource is for in-library use only.

  • Fold3 - Easy access to a growing collection of U.S. military records that include photos, personal documents and more.

  • Heritage Quest Online - A collection of 25,000+ family and local history books that are searchable. Every page of each book can be downloaded or copied. Material is included from all 50 states and Canada. The complete U.S. census from 1790-1950 is also available.
Bibliographies, Reference Guides, and How-To Guides
Electronic copies are free upon request. Hardcopies are available for $.10 per page.

We have more than 300 study guides and newsletter articles designed for beginners, intermediate, and advanced level researchers. The study guides all contain bibliographic resources, both print and online, for follow-up research.

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