The Hoffman Research Library is usually open as listed below. Masks are recommended for everyone, but optional for the fully vaccinated photo of a portion of the collection

The second Saturday of each month is Irish Saturday when IGSI members are present to help researchers. Normal hours for The Hoffman Research Library:

WEDNESDAY 10 AM – 4 PM
THURSDAY 10 AM – 8 PM
SATURDAY 10 AM – 4 PM

Library Closed these days in 2023:

Saturday, April 22 (MGS Spring Conference)
Saturday, October 28 (MGS North Star Conference)
Thursday, November 23 (Thanksgiving)
Saturday, December 23 (Christmas)

If you are doing Irish research and haven't visited the library collection of the Irish Genealogical Society International (IGSI) at the Minnesota Genealogy Center (MGC), you may be working too hard at trying to find what is readily available at the library.

The 3000+ items of the IGSI research collection are housed in the Hoffman Research Library along with the collections of the Minnesota Genealogical Society, its branches and other affiliates. Research collections of other Minnesota-based ethnic groups are part of the 20,000+ volume library: Canadian, Czechoslovakian, English-Welsh, Finnish, Norwegian, Ostfriesland, Polish, Pommern, Swedish. You will find, in one convenient location, a wide variety of Minnesota, U.S. and international resources. What American-Irish family doesn't include some non-Irish?

The Minnesota Genealogical Society has helpful information on its website to help you plan your visit. (opens in a new window)

Explore IGSI Resources

People researching at the library Check out 'Irish Days' at the library on the second Saturday of every month for classes on Irish genealogy and research. See Activities for details and to register for webinars.

On Irish Saturdays, the volunteers in the library are Irish researchers who can provide informed volunteer direction and feedback on your Irish research. They will work with you to review and guide your research on the 2nd Saturday of each month.

Books on the shelf at the library

The IGSI collection includes Irish-specific surname and history books, Irish cemetery transcriptions, church and government records, and more. Find maps showing all divisions of land in Ireland, including the townlands.

To search for materials in the IGSI collection, check the library catalog (opens in a new window - we share a catalog with the Minnesota Genealogical Society).

Photo of people researching using computers The library’s computers provide access to electronic resources, such as Findmypast, Ancestry, and other online databases. Or bring your own laptop and use the library’s wifi connection to investigate new resources.

If you cannot visit on Irish Saturday, but would like to have some assistance or guidance by an Irish researcher when you do come to town, contact the Librarian before coming, to set up a time to meet at the library.

photo of microfilm cabinets The Hoffman Research Library is a "research" facility. Materials are for onsite reference use only -- they are not lent out. However, a copy machine and a film printer are provided for your convenience. The library is free to members of IGSI and MGS-associated genealogical societies; non-members are charged a fee. ($10 per day - non-members.)

Before visiting the library, check the online catalog for materials related to your research. Or check WorldCat to see if a particular title you need for your research is available at the library.

LOCATION

The Hoffman Research Library is located at the

Minnesota Genealogy Center
1385 Mendota Heights Rd, Suite 100
Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55120

Phone: (651) 330-9312

Click here for map (opens in separate browser window)

If you will be coming to the library from out of town and wish assistance at the library, please contact the Librarian.