Midwest Genealogy Center

The Midwest Genealogy Center (MGC) is one of the United States’ preeminent resources for family history, providing access to almost three-quarters of a million on-site materials. MGC features 52,000 square feet of space that houses all of the free resources needed to research your family history.

MGC’s collections offer resources for genealogy research that span the United States and countries around the world. MGC also houses a uniquely expansive circulating collection and almost completely open stacks. You’ll find access to databases, scanning and digitization stations, oral history recording kits, microfilm reader scanners, and more.

When planning your trip to the Midwest Genealogy Center, it is important to keep the following in mind:

The Midwest Genealogy Center is open to the public seven days a week. Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Personal belongings such as rolling cases or backpacks can be brought into the Library. Lockers are also available free of charge.
Personal devices such as laptops, tablets, scanners, and cameras are allowed.
Public computers are available for use as well as free WiFi for personal devices.
If you want to print or copy materials, please bring change or small bills. You may print from mobile devices, as well. For more on customer-use equipment, review our FAQs.
Flash drives can be used to save computer documents, microfilm images, or book scans. Flash drives are available for purchase.
Food and drinks are permitted in the customer lounge, and spill proof drink containers can be taken throughout the library.
Vending machines are available to purchase snacks and drinks.
If you live in the Kansas City metro area and don’t have an MCPL Access Pass (library card), you can get one online! Visitors from outside of the Kansas City metro area will need to visit in person to get a card.