ROOTS is the local history/genealogy room of the Grand Prairie Main Library. It is open the same hours as the Main Library.
Most books in ROOTS are reference books and do not check out. They are marked REF GEN on their spines and in the library catalog. They are in call number order in the General Genealogy section. Books on individual states are in alphabetical order by state.
Books that may be checked out are marked GEN on their spines and in the catalog. These include how-to books, general topics in genealogy, and state, county or city histories. They are on the shelves on the west side of the room.
Items in the catalog labeled Reference/archives are kept in a closed section; please see a librarian, who will retrieve it for you. Please have the title and call number handy.
There are 3 computers in ROOTS for use by family historians. Computer use is free (small charges apply for printing).
To use any computer, check in at the Information Desk. As with the other computer terminals in the Library you will need a free guest pass or a Grand Prairie library card. Library cards are free, even to non-residents.
The collection grows through purchases made by the Library, as well as donations from members of the Grand Prairie Genealogical Society and the Grand Prairie community. New books are donated monthly by the Grand Prairie Genealogical Society to supplement those purchased by the Library. The Society holds its meetings on the first Thursday evening of the month at the Main Library. Contact information for the Society as well as their newsletters are available in ROOTS.
While we have books from all States, the collection concentrates on
On the right (east) side of the room are the Local History files. These folders contain clippings and photos of key people, organizations, city departments, businesses and residences of Grand Prairie. Also available are the applications for historical plaques around Grand Prairie.
Genealogical magazines and periodicals are shelved in alphabetical order by title near the Local History files.
These newspapers, books and documents have been scanned and digitized. To view, stop by the Information Desk to request a reservation for the Genealogy computer. We recommend bringing a USB drive to save information.
Newspapers
Grand Prairie Hustler
Grand Prairie Texan
Grand Prairie Daily News Texan
Grand Prairie Daily News
Grand Prairie News
Grand Prairie sections of other newspapers
Various Texas papers from Granbury, Young County, and the Pecos Valley from the late 19th/early 20th century.
SGPHS Yearbooks
City scrapbooks (various topics & departments)
GP Tax lists
Landmark Applications (59)