Genealogy Services

The McClelland Library provides research assistance for locating Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors, along with resources for exploring Irish culture and heritage. Library and Irish Cultural Center members have unlimited access to library materials and subscription online resources. Research options at the library include self-service, individual research assistance, and professional consultations.

Appointments are strongly recommended for research assistance.

Appointments - Virtual & In Person

During the Fall and Spring, the McClelland Library offers a limited number of virtual and in person appointments. You can request a Virtual or In Person appointment by following the link and filling out the request form. During the Summer, the Library only offers in-person appointments on a first come first serve basis.

Request Here

Daily Use of Genealogy Centre

Members: Free

Non-Members: $5/day

Make an appointment at 602-864-2353 or genealogy@azirishlibrary.org

Regular Hours: September - Memorial Day:
Tues., Wed., Thur., Sat. 10AM - 3PM

Fri. 3PM - 8PM

Summer Hours: Memorial Day - Labor Day:
Thurs. 3PM - 8PM
Fri. 3PM - 8PM

Closed in August and Holidays

The Frances H. McClelland Genealogy Centre offers:

On-site Research Assistance

Individual research assistance is now available on Thursdays only. Appointments are available at 10:30AM and 1PM. These research sessions are limited to 12 per year for each visitor, with up to two in the same month. Appointments are strongly recommended. Assistance includes guidance with searching for your Irish ancestors in U.S. and Irish records, both online and in various library research resources. For best results, please bring a completed Pedigree Chart, Consultation Form, and a Family Group Sheet, which can all be found under Forms & Guides.

Research sessions are included in the Daily Use Fee.

Classes Presented by our Genealogy Research Team

Throughout the year our expert genealogy team provides numerous educational opportunities for various levels of research experience. Look for upcoming genealogy classes under Genealogy Classes.

Guided Tours and Group Research

Individual and group tours are offered at varying rates, depending on the group size and the content of the tour. Small research groups can be accommodated at our Genealogy Centre by special arrangement. Standard Daily Use fees apply.

Guest Speakers from our Genealogy Research Team

Members of our Genealogy Research Team are available for a limited number of speaking engagements in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area during each calendar year. Due to high demand, we recommend that you book as early as possible. To inquire about scheduling one of our team members to speak to your group or at an event, please contact our Genealogy Centre at 602-864-2353 or email us at genealogy@azirishlibrary.org.

Be Prepared!

Items to Bring to Research at the Genealogy Centre or for a Consultation Appointment

Family Tree or Pedigree Chart
Family group sheets for individuals in your family tree
Flash drive to save new information electronically
Copies of documents or electronic data for your family that may provide clues about their origins. Examples might include family letters, naturalization papers, or birth, marriage and death certificates.
Consultation Form for appointments

For useful charts and forms, visit the “Genealogy Forms & Guides” page.