Ancestry Library Edition

By Sharyl O. RSS Mon, April 17, 2023

Visit one of our libraries to explore our newest database, Ancestry Library Edition, which provides the most extensive collection of genealogical information currently available online.

You can explore your family’s roots through billions of names in thousands of genealogical databases in Ancestry Library Edition, including census records (including the 1950 U.S. census), voter lists, birth, marriage and death notices, the Social Security Death Index, tax, criminal, land and will records, military and holocaust records, photos, city directories, immigration and travel records, school yearbooks/directories, and church histories.

The Ancestry Library Edition Search Function enables users to search across the thousands of databases in Ancestry, or in specific record collections, or in individual Ancestry databases.

Ancestry Library Edition has unparalleled coverage of the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as record collections from Canada, Europe, Australia and other areas of the world!  

Ancestry Library Edition also includes:

  • Learning Center contains US Research Guides and other resources, including: Research aids for Getting Started, Census Research, Beyond the Basics, Immigration, Military and Ethic Research, and U.S. maps to help you focus your research.
  • Charts and Forms with blank copies of the Ancestral Chart, Research Calendar, Research Extract, Correspondence Record, Family Group Sheet and Source Summary, and Blank Census Forms for U.S., U.K. and Canadian censuses.
  • Message Board and Family Trees (read-only) entries allow you to learn from other researchers via billions of messages and family trees.

Ancestry Library Edition is only available at Free Library of Philadelphia library locations with your Free Library of Philadelphia library card number and PIN. It cannot be accessed offsite. If you do not have a library card, you can sign up today.

Ancestry Library Edition is definitely worth a visit to a Free Library of Philadelphia location.


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Thank you so much for this service. I have facilitated Genealogy classes at the West Oak Lane branch and this access will enhance the sessions.
RL Brown - Phila., Pa
Sunday, April 23, 2023

Thank you for letting us know, RL!
Sharyl O. - Free Library of Philadelphia
Wednesday, May 3, 2023