Genealogy for Beginners

Learn how to research and document your ancestors using online genealogical resources. No prior research experience is necessary.

We will begin with you and your immediate family.

Having names and locations, along with birth, marriage and death dates will kickstart your research.

The Sarasota County Libraries offer online services for genealogy.
To access these services, visit scgov.net/library, click on Digital Library, then click on Genealogy.

• AncestryLibrary edition (in library access only)
  • Access the tutorial to learn how to use AncestryLibrary
• Heritage Quest (access at home with a Sarasota County Library card, or on library computers)
  • Access the tutorial to learn how to use Heritage Quest
• FamilySearch (free, must create an account)
  • Access the tutorial to learn how to use FamilySearch
• Obituary Index Search from the Sarasota County Historical Resources