Oakland California FamilySearch Center/Resources

70+ Computers
Free premium genealogical sites at the FHC Portal:

Additional Capabilities:
 * AmericanAncestors.org (New England Historic Genealogical Society-NEHGS)
 * Ancestry.com (Largest commercial genealogy site)
 * Archion (German Lutheran Church Records)
 * Arkivdigital (Swedish Database)
 * Find My Past ''(Commercial Genealogy Site- strong in British Isles, Australian, and Canadian records)
 * Fold3 (Specialty in Military records)
 * GenealogyBank.com (Newspapers)
 * My Heritage (Commercial Genealogy Site - strong in European records)
 * Newspapers.com ''(Newspapers)
 * Genealogy database software: Ancestral Quest, Legacy, RootsMagic
 * Research aids such as HistoryGeo
 * Research databases as Acadian-Cajun Family Trees, Australian Vital Records, Mormon Immigration Index
 * LibreOffice for word processing, spreadsheet and presentation preparation
 * Photo editing software: IrfanView, HP Photo Smart Essential, MGI Photo Suite, ACD Foto Slate
 * Microfilm ScanPro Digitizing Equipment

Online Catalog
To access the single world-wide catalog for all FamilySearch libraries and centers, click here:
 *  FamilySearch Catalog  

To NARROW your search to materials specific to the Oakland FamilySearch Library, take these steps: To BROADEN your search to other family history centers and to the holdings of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, select the desired name from the dropdown "Family History Center" list. For an introduction to the FamilySearch Catalog Click here: Introduction to the Catalog
 * 1) Click on the Catalog button above
 * 2) Under Availability, click on "Family History Center"
 * 3) Press the down arrow to select "Oakland California FamilySearch Library"
 * 4) Search by Places, Surnames, Titles, Authors, Subjects or Keywords

Classrooms Available for Reservation. Call (510) 531-3905
Computer Lab available for group classes, Temple & Family History Consultants and others

Learning Center
 * Capacity: 14 class members each with computer for hands-on learning
 * Teaching station with computer and a projector to large screen
 * Printer access for all stations


 * Capacity: 50 class members
 * Includes an extra-large screen, projector and teaching station with computer for the instructor
 * Printer access



Digitizing Stations

 * Scanning & digitizing photos, photo albums, negatives, slides, and books (USB drives available)
 * Microfilm & Microfiche reading and digitizing
 * Shot Box for photographing 3-D heirlooms; 16" X 16" X 16"



Books, Maps, and Resources of Local & International Interest
The library has an 8,000-volume family history book collection, including a Special Collections section. Resources of local interest: Resources of international interest:
 * Alameda County Obituary Card File 1985-2002: an alphabetical card file containing more than 35,000 obituaries clipped from Alameda County newspapers (95% from the "Alameda Times Star")
 * California Mission Records: microfilmed copies of original mission records dating from the 1770s to the early 1900s
 * Growing collection of church records from the Azores
 * Records of births, marriages and deaths from Tonga. These typescript copies of vital records in Tonga date from the late 1860's to 1942
 * City Directories - extensive collection across many parts of the United States

Discovery Center
The Discovery Center engages individuals interactively with their family history and heritage. Utilizing one of eight 55 inch touch screens, five fun and educational activities are available. Over 20 additional activities are available on FamilySearch.org and the 'Family Tree' App under Family History Activities. Click on any image below and you will be taken to the website page.

All About Me
 Learn about the meaning of your first and last name, what happened in your birth year, and other fun facts.



Where Am I From
<p style="font-size:15px;> See where your family came from, view photos of family members and read their stories.



My Famous Relatives
<p style="font-size:15px;> Patrons can learn how they are related to famous people. Did their ancestors sail on the Mayflower? Do they descend from famous Americans, such as the Founding Fathers, or U.S. Presidents? Are they related to church leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?



Picture My Heritage
<p style="font-size:15px;> Connect to your heritage. Add your face to historical photos and dress of the times.



Compare A Face
<p style="font-size:15px;> Compare your face to your relatives' faces, and see who you most resemble.

<p style="font-size:18px;>As these activities utilize data from FamilySearch.org, in order to enhance your Discovery Center experience, consider doing the following before coming to the Library:

<p style="font-size:15px; color: solid black;"> 1. If you already have a FamilySearch account, be sure to bring your account username and password. 2. If you do not have an account, you may set up one by clicking on the link below. 3. If you prefer, library staff can assist you to set up an account when you arrive.
 * <div style="width:400px; background:  #739b4b; text-align:center; padding:20px; border:2px solid black;

padding:3px; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px #000000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size:175%">  Create a FamilySearch Account 

<p style="background-color:#ffd1b3; border:1px solid blue; padding:8px; font-size:20px">Lunchroom & Family/Children's Area
Pictured below is a lunchroom facility for patron use, which includes a refrigerator, microwave and toaster oven. Also pictured is a designated area for small children to play.