MANATEE COUNTY LIBRARY
Offers extensive genealogical and historical resources, with strong coverage for areas east of the Mississippi River. Search the Library Catalog for specific interests. The Library's History & Genealogy Collections include Historic Digital Collections (images, maps, postcards and interviews & speeches), as well as print materials, microfilm, and online databases such as America’s GenealogyBank, HeritageQuest, and NewsBank (Historic Newspapers).

The URL for the Manatee Public Library is: https://www.mymanatee.org/library-system

ELIZABETH EATON FLORIDA HISTORY ROOM
Located at the Downtown Central Library, the Eaton Room specializes in Manatee County and Florida history. Holdings include Florida and local history books, maps, magazines, newspapers and microfilm, oral histories, and archival materials from the Manatee County Historical Society. Many items are available through the Historic Digital Collections, recently added are full-text of speeches, interviews and other miscellany collected by the Manatee Historical Society are now available online.

The URL for the Elizabeth Eaton Florida Room is https://www.mymanatee.org/services-and-amenities/service-listing/service-details/discover-local-history

MANATEE COUNTY HISTORICAL RECORDS LIBRARY
Housed in the 1918 Carnegie Library, this repository preserves county government records dating back to 1855, including deeds, marriage licenses, probate and court records, County Commission minutes, historic and aerial maps, Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, plat maps, tax records, directories, school yearbooks, school attendance records, voter registrations, and military discharge records. In addition, the Historical Records Library house the Herb Loomis Manatee County Postcard Collection and the Steve Belack Crosley collection.

Location: 1405 Fourth Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone: (941) 741‑4070

The URL for the Manatee County Historical Records Library is: https://www.manateeclerk.com/departments/historical-resources/historical-records-library/

HOW TO ACCESS THESE RESOURCES
• In person: Most collections are available onsite during regular hours; some materials require staff assistance.
• Online: Many records and databases are accessible through the Manatee County Library website (library card may be required).
• Research help: Librarians and volunteers can assist with identifying and using materials.

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH TOOLS
• OCLC WorldCat: Locates books and archival materials worldwide.
• ArchiveGrid: Identifies archival collections and finding aids.