GENEALOGY

• How do I do genealogy research at the library?

  The Mesquite Public Library provides online access to databases for Census information, local histories, and maps. Please contact the Genealogy department at 972-216-6229 for information on how to access these databases from your home computer. The Library’s genealogy collection includes a variety of information sources, such as vital records, census indexes, military and immigration records, newspaper articles, family histories, yearbooks, city directories and maps. The genealogy department is staffed part-time by a genealogy librarian who can assist with research questions.

• How do I find an obituary at the library?

  Obituaries from 2002-present in The Dallas Morning News are accessible from all public access computers in the library.

  • In the NewsBank newspaper database, click on link for The Dallas Morning News.
  • In the “All Text” field, enter the name of the person.
  • Click on the box to limit your results to "Dallas Morning News Death Notices."
  • You can also limit your results by date, if you know the approximate date of the obituary.
  • Click on the “Search” Button.

  The Dallas Morning New database is also available from your home computer. Older obituaries are available on microfilm for the following publications: Mesquite News (Texas Mesquiter), Dallas Times Herald, and The Dallas Morning News; the microfilm reels go back to the earliest publication of each newpaper. Library staff members are available to assist with using the microfilm equipment.