The Bryan + College Station Public Library System maintains numerous special collections within its overarching catalog. Many of these special collections are historic in nature and reside at the Carnegie History Center. These collections include genealogy books, our rare book collection of Texana and U. S. History, over 200 archival collections of Brazos Valley families and local history, cookbooks, school yearbooks, Bryan AFB class books, city directories, extensive map collection, oral histories, and more!
Carnegie Finding Aids on Texas Archival Resources Online
To enhance public access to archival collections, Carnegie History Center has established a partnership with Texas Archival Resources Online (TARO) to publish detailed descriptions and inventories—referred to as “finding aids”—of our archival holdings for public reference. Additionally, users may browse finding aids from numerous other archival repositories throughout the state of Texas. This is an ongoing initiative, with new finding aids being added on a regular basis. To explore the collections currently available, please visit Carnegie Finding Aids on TARO.
For information about our many other special collections, please contact the Carnegie at 979-209-5630 or use our online contact form.
Genealogy
The Carnegie History Center is a research library specializing in local history and genealogy. We are also a FamilySearch affiliated library with a skilled and knowledgeable staff who can help you get started with your family history or guide you to resources to help you find that elusive ancestor. We have a small computer lab for genealogy research where you have free access to Newspapers.com, AncestryLibrary, and locked FamilySearch collections.
Free Genealogy Websites (click to expand)
- Family Search
- USGenWeb
- Cyndi’s List
- WorldGenWeb
- National Archives and Records Administration – Access To Archival Databases
- Handbook of Texas
- ISTG (ships passenger lists)
- Bureau of Land Management
- Texas State Library and Archives
- Texas County Maps
- Civil War Soldiers & Sailors (National Park Service)
- German Roots
- Brazos Valley Genealogy
- African American Genealogy (Family Search)
- The Freedmen’s Bureau
- Indigenous Mexico
Oral Histories
Oral history is one of the most valuable sources for family history research. Individuals sharing their stories and perspectives which fills in the holes of history, adds emotion and allows upcoming generations gain a better understanding of our ever-changing society. The Carnegie History Center actively collects oral histories from residents of the Brazos Valley. If you are interested in sharing your life story, we would love to hear it. Make your voice heard! Call us at 979-209-5630.
Programs & Services
Aside from its collections, the Carnegie History Center provides services free to the public. We offer free genealogy classes, historic tours of downtown by appointment, access to our microfilm/microfiche equipment, and DigiLab to convert obsolete media. Sign up for the BCS Library System Newsletter to stay updated on our future programs!
DigiLab
The Carnegie History Center is proud to open our new digitization lab free to the public starting November 17, 2025! The DigiLab is where you can convert your old media to a digital format for free on the following equipment:
- Elgato Video Capture: VHS, VHS-C and DVDs
- Wolverine Movie Maker: 8mm & Super8
- Turntable: Cassettes, LPs, and CDs
- Epson FastFoto: Photographs and Slides
- Epson Expression 10000XL: Flatbed scanner for high resolution 1200 dpi and as large as 11×17. Scan photographs, scrapbooks, printed material, etc.
- Kodak Slide and Scan Digital Film Scanner: Slides and Negatives (no orientation or appointment required)
DigiLab is open to members of the public over 16 years old. We do not require a library card or membership, just an orientation class. To RSVP a seat in our next orientation class, visit our Adult Programs page and scroll through the calendar to find the next “DigiLab Orientation.”
Have questions? Please see the FAQs below or call us at 979-209-5630.
DigiLab FAQs (click to expand)
- Who may use the DigiLab?
- Anyone 16 years and older who has completed the DigiLab Orientation.
- How many people may access the DigiLab at one time?
- Two people who completed the DigiLab Orientation. Children are not allowed in the DigiLab.
- What do I need to bring with me?
- The media you need to convert and a flashdrive or SD card with enough free space to save your newly digitized files and videos.
- May I use the DigiLab if I am not computer savvy?
- Yes, but you will need to bring someone who has received the orientation with you who has the computer knowledge to help you digitize your media.
