Berks History Center’s Henry Janssen Library
The Henry Janssen Library is the center for genealogical and historical research at the Berks History Center.
Need help with your historical research or family genealogy? The Berks History Center’s team of Archivists and Research Assistants are ready to help you uncover Berks County’s history.
The Berks History Center’s archival holdings have grown extensively since its founding in 1869. Included within the Henry Janssen Library Collections are over 17,000 photographs, personal and family papers, church and cemetery records from 1730 to present, records of local businesses, census reports from 1790 to 1920, Pennsylvania German Frakturs and Taufscheine, county tax records from 1754 to 1850. newspapers from the 1790s to the 1940s, including a full run of the Reading Eagle from 1869 to 1988, and more!
Library Hours
The Henry Janssen Library is open Wednesday through Saturday, 9:00AM-3:00PM by appointment only.
Admission Fees
Members: Free
Non-Members: $7.00
Students (with valid ID): Free
Call 610-375-4375 to speak to a staff person.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Before your visit…
Please check out our Guidelines of the Library
Search through our databases:
Research Services & Policies
Find out more information on our Personal Research Service, Document Retrieval, Photograph Reproduction Policy and Digital Image Service
Donation Policy & Information
Interested in making a donation to the BHC’s Henry Janssen Library Collections? Click here to read through our Donation Policy.
Additional Resources
While some of our collections might contain the items listed below, Researchers are encouraged to contact the Berks County Court House or the Pennsylvania Department of Health for the following:
For a Guide to Pennsylvania Historical Resources, please click here.