Fresno County Public Library

The Fresno County Public Library and the Fresno County Genealogical Society created the San Joaquin Valley Heritage &amp; Genealogy Center in 1993. Total holdings consist of approximately 30,000 books and pamphlets, 5,000 microforms, 300 CD-ROMs, and many other types of research materials, including online resources. Although specializing in Fresno County history and American genealogy, the library has much other information. Government documents, newspaper clippings, oral histories, photographs, ephemera, and many other materials document the history of Fresno County, from the days of the Yokuts and Monache (Mono) Indians down to the present time. The genealogical collection is strongest in books, pamphlets and journals which represent genealogical resources from every state in the country.

Collections include these:


 * California History from prehistory to the present.
 * Local History including newspapers, yearbooks, historic photos for the San Joaquin Valley.
 * Genealogy including basic instruction and vital record information as well as Native American information.

None of the Heritage Center material circulates, but you can photocopy or microprint your findings. The library accepts phone, email and standard mail questions if you are not able to visit the library in person. They need a minimum of one working week for responses.

The Fresno County Public Library Central Branch Reference Department 2420 Mariposa Street Fresno, CA 93721 559-600-7323 Website: http://www.fresnolibrary.org/ref/refdep.html Email form: http://www.fresnolibrary.org/ref/webref.html