Thank you for your interest in locating an obituary through Phoenix Public Library. 

Phoenix Public Library provides information about finding obituaries. The Library does not search for or photocopy obituaries.   If you need more information about using the resources listed below, please contact the Library at 602-262-4636 or through our "Ask a Librarian" service on our homepage, www.phxlib.org.

Obtaining a copy of an obituary

1. Maricopa County residents:
   A. If you have a valid library card with Phoenix Public Library you can search the Library's website at www.phxlib.org for obituaries in local papers. The Library subscribes to two newspaper databases: Arizona Newspapers and Arizona Republic - Newsbank.
   
   B. The Burton Barr Central Library offers access to microfilm of the following newspapers: the Arizona Republic (1930-present); its predecessor, the Arizona Republican (1890-1930); and the Phoenix Gazette (late 1800's-1997).
   
   
2. Arizona residents outside of Maricopa County and out-of-state residents:
   A. Your local library's interlibrary loan department can borrow microfilm of the Arizona Republic from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records at no charge. They can be reached at 602-542-3701 or 1-800-228-4710 (Arizona only) or at www.lib.az.us.
   
   B. The Mesa Public Library (http://www.mesalibrary.org/) offers a free obituary search service for the Arizona Republic.  Search their website for their "Obituary Search Request" form. Their phone number is (480) 644-3100.

1. Maricopa County residents:
   You can verify a date using the Arizona Biography and Obituary Index (1860-1986) and microfiche copy of the 1862-1997 Arizona Newspaper Obituary Index available at the Burton Barr Central Library. 
   
2. Arizona residents and out-of-state residents:
   A. Verify a date using the Mesa Regional Family History Center's Arizona Obituary Search at http://www.mesarfhc.org/
   
   B. Verify a date using the Social Security Death Index at http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/ssdi