Ancestry Library Edition is a powerful genealogy research tool, available for free when you visit the Library. This online database gives you access to international records and photos through its comprehensive search tools, and is a perfect place for diving deep into family history. You’ll find our in-house link on our Digital Resources page.
How is this Version Different?
You may be familiar with this tool in its paid, private version – the Library Edition includes all the same research tools but you cannot save or add content as you can with a personal account. We suggest downloading and emailing items that you want to keep for future reference. Or, bring a USB stick to save important finds!
How Do I Use Ancestry?
This is a tool that is only available at the Library, unlike our other Digital Resources. You can bring your own device to access Ancestry over our Wifi, or use a Library computer station. The company that licenses Ancestry Library Edition provides very helpful video guides to help you hone your research skills. You can visit https://proquest.libguides.com/ancestrylibraryedition to view these guides before you visit the Library.
What Else Can I Use for Researching Family History?
If your search takes you into local history, we can help you navigate our own Local History Collection at the Brighton Branch. We also recommend a browse through the Brighton Digital Archives!
Other free online family history tools that our members enjoy are CemSearch, Find a Grave, and Our Ontario. We also refer researchers to local groups like the Lakeshore Genealogical Society, the Northumberland County Archives and the Hastings County Historical Society.