SVGS Library
The library is open Tuesday through Friday from 12PM-4PM. There is no fee for in-person use of the library and our volunteers are happy to assist with light research. Additional times are available by prior arrangement. Note that library access may be affected by Museum activity or closures. If coming from out of town, we suggest you contact us by calling 605-991-0256 or email librarian@siouxvalleygenealogicalsociety.org to confirm hours and ensure that a volunteer is available to assist you.
Library Collection
With over 7,000 items, our library is one of the largest genealogical collections in the area. The collection focuses on Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, and South Dakota, but has items from areas throughout the midwest and both coasts. Items do not circulate but must be used in-house. Members are working through the unindexed books in the library to create an index file of surnames and where to find that name in the library items. Currently the file consists of over 108 linear feet of filed index cards.
In addition to resources focusing on various locations, there are books to help with beginning your research, guides to researching in specialized archives, and lineage resources for heritage societies such as Daughters of the American Revolution, Mayflower Society, National Society of Sons & Daughters of Pilgrims, and Norwegian Lags.
FamilySearch Affiliate
SVGS is a FamilySearch Affiliate library. You can bring your laptop or use our computers to login to the FamilySearch website and access locked items that are not available from home.
Microfilm
The microfilm collection includes 10 rolls of Minnehaha County Vital Records, funeral home records, Minnehaha County Probate Index 1873-1976 and 8 rolls of Dakota Territory Census & Marriages. Newspapers on microfilm include Sioux Valley News, Hartford Herald, Evening Huronite, Ipswich Tribune and others. Our digital film viewer allows you to enhance images for the best viewing and printing experience.
Ancestry.com Full Access
Available exclusively to members, our subscription provides access to Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com, and Fold3 (military records). Come to the library and staff will log you in.
Supplies for purchase
| ITEM | MEMBER PRICE | NON-MEMBER PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| 8.5 x 11 Copies and printouts (per sheet) | $0.25 | $0.25 |
| Printed Microfilm copies (per sheet) | $0.25 | $0.25 |
| Obituary copies (per obituary) | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Leather Notebook w/pen | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| 4GB Flash Drive | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Combo Notebook and 4GB Flash Drive | $12.00 | $12.00 |
| Pedigree Chart (per chart) | $0.25 | $0.25 |
| Family Group Sheet (single) | $0.25 | $0.25 |
| Pioneer Certificates | $15.00 | $30.00 |
| Cemetery Books | ||