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FamilySearch Library
FamilySearch Library
FamilySearch Library
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The FamilySearch Library (FSL), formerly the Family History Library, is a genealogical research facility in downtown Salt Lake City. The library is open to the public free of charge and is operated by FamilySearch, the genealogical arm of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

Key Information

History

[edit]

The origins of the FSL can be traced to the founding of the Genealogical Society of Utah (GSU) in 1894. Through time the FSL has changed locations within Salt Lake City as follows:

The current building, just west of Temple Square was opened on October 23, 1985, and cost $8.2 million.[4]

In 1938, the GSU began to microfilm records which contained genealogical data from around the world, and today this microfilm makes up much of the library's collection. Today the GSU is more commonly known as FamilySearch, and in September 2021, completed digitizing many of its microfilm collections to be shared online. In 2017, the FHL opened a new center for interactive discovery experiences.[5]

On January 10, 2023, the LDS Church announced a name change for the library. The former Family History Library would be known as the FamilySearch Library, and family history centers would be known as FamilySearch Centers (FSC).[6]

1999 shooting

[edit]

On April 15, 1999, 70-year-old Sergei Babarin entered the library's lobby and began shooting.[7] A security officer and one female patron were killed while several others were injured. One hour and 45 minutes[8] after the shooting began, Salt Lake police shot and fatally wounded Babarin in an exchange of gunfire.[9] The assailant discharged 20 bullets during his assault, and two police officers discharged four bullets, one of which struck the assailant in the head, who later died in an ambulance. The prosecutor ruled that the officers' shooting was justified, and they were not charged.[10] Babarin's family indicated he had a history of schizophrenia, a claim not corroborated by the Valley Community Mental Health Clinic.[11] This occurred only four months after a separate shooting incident a block away at the Triad Center.[11]

Purpose

[edit]

FamilySearch's main purpose is to connect generations of family—past, present, and future—all over the world. The LDS Church believes that families, sealed together through saving ordinances in its temples, are eternal. Family members who die without the opportunity to perform these ordinances for themselves are able to receive them via proxy, which motivates the church's emphasis on family history work.[12]

Services

[edit]

The FSL is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is the largest genealogical library in the world.[13] The library holds genealogical records for over 100 countries, territories, and possessions. Its collections include over 1.3 million rolls of microfilmed records onsite and access the total collection of more than 2.4 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical records; 190,000 microfiche; 340,000 books, serials, and other formats; 125,000 periodicals; 3,725 electronic resources including subscriptions to the major genealogical websites.[14]

The FSL offers research assistance to help patrons trace their own family history. Professional genealogists and volunteers offer assistance in about 30 languages, which includes reading and translating genealogically relevant documents. The FSL also offers free one-on-one consultations on difficult research problems. Additionally, there are classes on genealogical research topics free to the public[15] and classes available online.[16]

In-person services

[edit]
  • Photo, film, 35mm slide and book scanners to digitize family records.
  • Recording booths to preserve your family stories and memories
  • Activities, classes and workshops for people of all ages and skill levels
  • Open access to thousands of record collections, publications and microfilms
  • Children's area, which allows parents to do computer research and watch their children at the same time

Online services

[edit]
  • Online access to FamilySearch.org and other subscription genealogical websites
  • Free online family history classes and webinars
  • Free online genealogy consultations with FamilySearch Library experts

Branches

[edit]
Main article: FamilySearch Center

Branches of the FSL are FamilySearch Centers. While there are over 6,300 FSCs operating in more than 149 countries there are only about 17 major regional branch library class facilities. The others are usually located in ward, branch, and stake facilities of the LDS Church with at least one or more genealogical computers.[17]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

FamilySearch Library

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The FamilySearch Library is the world's largest genealogical library, located in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to provide free access to historical records for family history research. Founded in 1894 as the Genealogical Society of Utah Library, it was renamed the Family History Library in 1987 and again to the FamilySearch Library in January 2023 to emphasize its growing digital resources and global outreach. The library maintains an extensive collection of approximately 1.3 million rolls of microfilm, 340,000 books and periodicals (as of 2021), and digitized records covering more than 13 billion individuals (as of November 2025) from every nation and ethnic group worldwide, including birth, marriage, death, census, church, and immigration documents. Visitors can access these resources through five floors of reading rooms equipped with computers, microfilm readers, and scanning stations, though ongoing construction as of 2025 may affect access and facilities; staff and volunteers—many of whom are trained —offer personalized guidance in multiple languages. The library integrates with FamilySearch's online platform, which hosts a of over 630,000 free books, family histories, maps, and yearbooks (as of 2024), enabling remote research and collaboration on a shared worldwide . Open to the public without membership requirements, it serves millions annually, supporting educational programs, youth groups, and international partnerships to preserve and share ancestral stories.

Introduction

Overview

The FamilySearch Library is a nonprofit genealogical research library operated by , an organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It serves as the flagship facility for preserving and providing access to historical records essential for family history . On January 10, 2023, the library was renamed from the Family History Library to the FamilySearch Library to better reflect its integration with broader resources and services. Recognized as the world's largest genealogical library, it houses an extensive collection that includes 1.3 million rolls of microfilm (part of a larger collection of 2.4 million rolls that have been digitized since microfilming began in 1938). These materials support research into billions of historical records spanning more than 100 countries, encompassing vital events such as births, marriages, deaths, censuses, land, and court documents. The library is open to the public free of charge, promoting worldwide accessibility for individuals seeking to explore their ancestry and strengthen family connections, in alignment with the Church's emphasis on eternal families. As of 2025, it is directed by Lynn Turner.

Location and Facilities

The FamilySearch Library is located at 35 North West Temple Street, , 84150, , with geographic coordinates approximately 40°46′13″N 111°53′39″W. The current building, situated adjacent to , was dedicated on October 23, 1985, and spans 142,000 square feet across five floors. The facility features multiple reading rooms distributed across its floors for consulting books and records, climate-controlled storage areas for microfilm and microfiche collections, 364 computer workstations for digital research, photo/film/slide and book scanners for digitizing personal items, and recording booths for capturing oral family histories. Patron areas include seating for individual and group work, with resources like 50 ScanPro microfilm scanners available for viewing analog materials. The library operates Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., through from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and is closed Sundays and major holidays, with limited staffing on Saturdays. Admission is free for all visitors, and the building is handicap accessible with accommodations such as elevators and validated parking at the nearby Conference Center garage. Staff and volunteers provide support in 14 languages, including assistance with translations for genealogical documents. As of late 2025, the library is undergoing renovations starting in October 2025 and continuing through February 2027, focused on enhancing hybrid in-person and digital experiences, which may impact noise levels, parking, and access in certain areas.

Organizational Background

Ownership and Governance

The is fully operated by International, Inc., a founded in 1894 as the Genealogical Society of Utah to support genealogical research for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a wholly owned subsidiary of the Church, the library's operations align with the Church's emphasis on family connections, though its resources serve a global public audience beyond religious affiliation. Governance of FamilySearch International, including the library, is provided by a board of directors chaired by a General Authority Seventy of the Church, such as Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission while maintaining nonprofit status under U.S. law. Funding comes primarily from Church resources and public donations, with no governmental affiliations or support, allowing independent operation as a volunteer-driven entity. The current leadership structure reports to President and CEO Stephen T. Rockwood, who oversees strategic direction as of 2025. Key policies emphasize free public access to all holdings without subscription fees, reflecting the organization's commitment to universal genealogy. Data privacy is upheld through compliance with international standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union and equivalent protections elsewhere, with users retaining control over personal information submitted to the platform. For record acquisition, FamilySearch International collaborates with thousands of government, church, and private archives worldwide, securing permissions to digitize and share historical documents while respecting original custodians' rights. The Library is distinct from the adjacent Church History Library, which specializes in Church-specific records such as manuscripts, photographs, and oral histories related to the institution's past, whereas the Library prioritizes global genealogical materials for broader ancestry research.

Purpose and Mission

The Library's primary mission is to inspire individuals worldwide to discover, gather, and connect their families across generations by providing free access to historical records and genealogical resources. This objective centers on enabling people to preserve their family histories and foster meaningful connections to their ancestors, promoting a deeper understanding of personal heritage. Owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the library supports the Church's doctrinal emphasis on eternal families through facilitating research that aids proxy ordinances performed in temples, yet it remains open to users of all faiths and backgrounds without any proselytizing efforts. Beyond its religious roots, the library advances broader humanitarian goals by contributing to global heritage preservation, , and . It encourages collaborative efforts, such as volunteer indexing programs, where participants transcribe to make them searchable, thereby democratizing access to cultural and familial narratives for diverse populations. These initiatives align with the library's commitment to non-commercial services, offering all resources—physical and digital—entirely free of charge, without advertisements or subscription fees, ensuring inclusivity for researchers regardless of economic status. However, certain partnerships may impose access restrictions; for example, a 2025 agreement with Italian archives limits viewing of some records to the Antenati portal or requires an LDS login for non-center users, affecting availability for broader audiences. As of 2025, the library's strategic priorities emphasize digital inclusion and to enhance , particularly in underserved regions. This includes the development of AI-assisted tools, such as expanded computer-assisted indexing and AI research assistants, to accelerate the discovery of records and support users in building family trees more efficiently. Through partnerships with over 10,000 organizations in more than 100 countries, the library continues to prioritize equitable access, digitizing vast collections to bridge gaps in historical documentation for global communities.

History

Founding and Early Years

The Genealogical Society of Utah, the precursor to the FamilySearch Library, was established on November 13, 1894, under the direction of , the fourth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, just 18 months after the dedication of the . The society's founding was motivated by a divine revelation emphasizing the importance of temple ordinances for deceased ancestors, prompting the collection of genealogical records to facilitate such work. It began operations in a single upstairs room of the Church Historian's Office at 58 East South Temple Street in , adjacent to , with an initial collection of approximately 300 books, primarily donated family histories and reference materials from church members. Early acquisitions were driven by this religious imperative, focusing on vital records, pedigrees, and historical texts to support members in tracing ancestry for baptism and sealing ordinances. The library's initial development relied on volunteer staffing from church members, who manually cataloged materials using card indexes and typewritten entries, as no automated systems existed. Housed in modest church facilities near , the collection grew slowly through donations and purchases, emphasizing U.S. and European sources relevant to Latter-day Saint pioneers. By the , efforts expanded to include paper-based indexing of and vital records, laying the groundwork for broader preservation. A pivotal advancement came in 1938 with the launch of the society's microfilming program, aimed at copying deteriorating paper records to ensure their longevity amid growing demand for temple-related research. This initiative, one of the earliest large-scale uses of microfilm technology for , began domestically but quickly extended internationally; by the , agreements with archives in and other regions allowed for the filming of vital records, church registers, and civil documents, significantly broadening access while protecting originals. Through the mid-20th century, the library remained in various church buildings around , maintained by dedicated volunteers who handled manual retrieval and copying services for patrons seeking ancestral connections.

Expansion and Digitization

In 1985, the FamilySearch Library opened its current five-story facility at 35 North West Temple Street in , , spanning 142,000 square feet and dedicated on October 23 by at a cost of $8.2 million. This purpose-built structure replaced earlier locations and provided dedicated space for growing collections of microfilm readers and research materials. Subsequent infrastructure enhancements included vault expansions at the nearby Granite Mountain Records Vault, a secure underground facility completed in phases starting in 1960, which accommodated increasing microfilm storage needs by adding chambers for temperature- and humidity-controlled preservation of up to 3.5 billion images annually. The library's microfilming program, which began in the mid-20th century, expanded dramatically to capture vital records worldwide, producing over 2.4 million rolls by 2021 that encompass historical documents from more than 130 countries. These rolls preserved billions of genealogical records, including birth, marriage, and death certificates, enabling global access to ancestral data that might otherwise deteriorate. Building on this foundation, digitization efforts accelerated in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, culminating in the full conversion of the entire microfilm collection to digital format by September 2021, resulting in 11.5 billion searchable images freely available online. Ongoing projects continue to scan physical books and periodicals, with volunteers contributing to the indexing of millions of new images each year to enhance searchability and usability. In 2025, FamilySearch continued its digitization efforts, adding millions of new records monthly to its online collections, including over 118 million from 37 countries in May alone. In recent years, the library has undergone branding updates and technological advancements to align with broader initiatives. On January 10, 2023, it was officially renamed the FamilySearch Library to better reflect its integration with the organization's global . In 2025, introduced AI-enhanced capabilities to improve record discovery and launched the Together app, a mobile and web platform for seamless integration of family tree building, memory sharing, and research tools. To support these efforts, the library has forged global partnerships with , providing exclusive digital access to specialized collections. Notable collaborations include agreements with institutions like findmypast for British historical newspapers and records, as well as partnerships with German archives such as Archion, which digitizes Protestant church records from dioceses and regional repositories. These alliances have enabled the online availability of millions of exclusive documents, broadening access to international genealogical resources.

Notable Incidents

One of the most tragic events in the Library's history occurred on April 15, 1999, when 70-year-old Sergei Babarin, a Russian immigrant with a , entered the library's lobby around 10:30 a.m. and opened fire with a . Babarin killed two individuals—a 62-year-old library security officer, Donald Thomas, and a 55-year-old patron, Patricia Frengs—and injured four others before barricading himself, leading to a standoff that lasted approximately one hour. The incident ended when police exchanged gunfire with Babarin, who was fatally shot and died en route to the hospital. In the immediate aftermath, the library was closed until April 19, 1999, for investigation and cleanup, reopening amid heightened public concern during an ongoing genealogical conference that had drawn over 2,700 visitors. The prompted the implementation of enhanced protocols across Church facilities, including the FamilySearch Library, with metal detectors and bag checks introduced at entrances by early to screen visitors without unduly restricting access. These measures, along with expanded staff training on emergency response, were rolled out in phases from 1999 to , reflecting a broader commitment to patron safety following and subsequent national events like the . The library has also faced operational disruptions from less violent incidents, demonstrating its resilience. In 2020, amid the global , the facility closed to the public on March 13 and remained shuttered for nearly 16 months until July 6, 2021, to protect staff and visitors while shifting services online. During this period, no significant losses to collections occurred, and the closure allowed for facility upgrades that improved long-term accessibility. These events underscored the library's dedication to safeguarding its resources and users, reinforcing operational protocols that prioritize safety while maintaining to genealogical materials for researchers worldwide. The 1999 shooting, in particular, highlighted vulnerabilities in public institutions but ultimately strengthened preventive measures without compromising the library's mission-driven environment.

Collections

Physical Holdings

The FamilySearch Library maintains an extensive collection of physical genealogical materials, including over 1.3 million rolls of microfilmed records, 190,000 microfiche, 340,000 books and serials, and 125,500 periodicals as of 2025. These holdings form the core of the library's tangible resources, preserved for on-site consultation by researchers worldwide. The materials encompass a diverse array of vital records such as births, marriages, and deaths; data; deeds; documents; histories; maps; and yearbooks sourced from global archives and repositories. These items, often in original or reproduced formats, provide primary evidence for tracing ancestry across continents and centuries. Many of these physical holdings are stored in the Granite Mountain Records Vault, a secure facility in designed for long-term preservation. For preservation, the collections are stored in climate-controlled vaults that maintain temperatures between 50–60°F and controlled humidity to prevent degradation of film and paper-based media. Patrons access these holdings through the library's catalog system, where they can order microfilms or microfiche for viewing on dedicated on-site readers, ensuring minimal handling of originals. The library continues to acquire new physical items through partnerships with international archives and institutions, supplementing its existing inventory. Since the completion of the microfilm digitization project in 2021, efforts have increasingly emphasized preservation of physical holdings to reduce wear from handling, while transitioning routine research to digital formats.

Digital Resources

The FamilySearch Library maintains a vast array of digital resources, encompassing over 3,725 electronic collections that include the complete of its 2.4 million microfilm rolls, a project finalized in September 2021 to preserve billions of historical images. These resources also feature more than 630,000 freely accessible books, photographs, and , sourced from global archives and user contributions, enabling researchers to explore family histories without physical access to originals, as of late 2024. Central to these offerings are key databases integrated across FamilySearch platforms. The Historical Records collection comprises over 20 billion searchable names and images as of , drawn from vital records, censuses, and church documents worldwide, with ongoing additions exceeding 2.5 billion new items annually. The Family Tree platform supports collaborative pedigree construction, allowing users to merge and refine shared ancestor profiles for more than 1.7 billion individuals in a single, interconnected database, as of mid-2025. Complementing these, the Research Wiki serves as a comprehensive guide with over 149,000 articles on genealogical methodologies, locality-specific resources, and record types to aid effective research, as of October 2025. All digital resources are available free of charge to users worldwide through FamilySearch.org, providing high-resolution scans and searchable indexes created by hundreds of thousands of volunteers who have contributed to transcribing and verifying billions of records since 2007. In 2025, enhancements include AI-powered tools for in multiple languages and automated record matching to accelerate discoveries in unindexed collections, alongside mobile-optimized interfaces for seamless access on devices. For long-term preservation, these assets employ robust digital strategies, including cloud-based storage systems and standardized metadata protocols to ensure accessibility and integrity against or technological .

Services

In-Person Offerings

The FamilySearch Library offers comprehensive in-person research assistance through a team of staff and volunteer specialists who provide personalized, one-on-one guidance at dedicated consultation desks. These experts support researchers of all levels, from beginners navigating tools to advanced users tackling complex historical records, and assist with management, subscription database access, and other family history inquiries. Help is available in a variety of languages, enabling support for diverse global ancestries including Asian, African, European, and Polynesian research. The library is equipped with modern facilities to facilitate on-site research, including 364 computer stations for accessing digital collections and subscription sites, 50 ScanPro units for viewing and scanning microfilm, and self-service scanners throughout the building. Additionally, the Memory Lane Family Memories Preservation Center serves as a photo-recording studio where visitors can digitize personal media such as photos, slides, tapes, films, and books using specialized self-serve equipment. These resources allow patrons to interact directly with physical holdings like microfilm and books while preserving their own family artifacts. Visitors enjoy a welcoming experience with flexible access policies, including no-appointment walk-ins for individual research and brief orientation sessions to introduce library navigation and services. Guided tours and group activities are available upon reservation for parties of five or more, fostering educational visits while maintaining a quiet research environment. Special international research areas, such as the B1 floor dedicated to global microfilm collections, provide tailored spaces for regional focuses like European and Asian records. In , the library enhanced its in-person offerings with hybrid elements, including virtual reality-enabled digital tours that allow remote users to preview facilities and collections before visiting. This integration supports seamless transitions between on-site and preparatory experiences.

Online Access and Support

The .org portal serves as the primary online gateway to the library's resources, enabling users worldwide to search billions of historical records, construct collaborative family trees, and access digitized versions of formerly microfilmed materials without needing physical copies. Users can perform name-based searches across indexed collections, view original images where available, and receive automated suggestions to connect ancestors, all accessible remotely via web browsers. Since the discontinuation of physical microfilm distribution in 2017, the platform has shifted to digital delivery, allowing 24/7 viewing of digitized records from home or compatible devices. Support for remote users includes virtual consultations, email inquiries, and community-driven chat features, though live chat with staff is limited to scheduled sessions. Free 20-minute consultations with experts cover topics such as navigating digital resources and research strategies, available in multiple languages including English and Spanish, with appointments bookable through the portal. support is handled via regional contact forms for account issues and queries, while the FamilySearch Chat tool facilitates peer-to-peer discussions among users about shared contributions. These features ensure ongoing virtual assistance, complementing the portal's self-service search capabilities for indexed records that number in the billions. Among the tools available, legacy downloadable software such as Personal Ancestral File (PAF) was once offered but has been retired since 2013 and is no longer supported or available for download. Current integrations focus on the platform's built-in record hints, which suggest potential matches from historical collections, and compatibility with third-party applications through the FamilySearch API. This API enables developers to incorporate FamilySearch data into external tools, such as syncing family trees or embedding search results, fostering broader ecosystem connectivity without direct mentions of specific partners like Ancestry in official documentation. Security measures emphasize account-based privacy, requiring users to create free accounts to manage and access sensitive information. Living individuals' details are automatically placed in private spaces, visible only to the account holder or designated family group members, preventing public exposure. Users can further customize settings for tree visibility, memory sharing, and third-party access, ensuring compliance with data protection standards while allowing collaborative editing in controlled environments. In 2025, enhancements to mobile applications have improved remote accessibility, including an updated Android Family Tree app with new pedigree views, elements, and faster search integration, alongside a planned beta release by year's end. access for developers has also expanded, providing more robust endpoints for tree management and record queries to support innovative tools. These updates build on the portal's core functionalities, enabling seamless mobile and programmatic engagement with the library's digital collections.

Educational and Consultation Services

The FamilySearch Library provides a range of free educational programs designed to build genealogical skills, including regularly scheduled classes and webinars that cover topics from introductory concepts to advanced research techniques. These sessions, accessible online via platforms like and the FamilySearch Learning Center, include monthly series such as explorations of U.S. records and navigation of the tool, with examples from recent schedules featuring classes on merging duplicate individuals and using records. Consultation services offer personalized expert guidance, with free 20-minute sessions available both in-person at the Salt Lake City library and virtually through online appointments. Research specialists assist patrons with challenging "brick-wall" problems, integrating DNA evidence into family trees, and navigating international records, empowering users to identify targeted next steps in their research. Specialized programs extend these offerings through events like the annual RootsTech conference, which features hundreds of workshops and classes on family topics, alongside dedicated training for volunteers in indexing historical records to make them searchable. Youth and family workshops, such as those during Family Discovery Day at RootsTech, provide interactive sessions on heritage activities and personal writing to engage younger participants. To support a global audience, webinars are offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and , with over 85 free sessions provided in 2024 alone to accommodate diverse users. Partnerships with educational institutions, such as sharing university-level introductory courses through the Solutions Gallery, enable access to certified training materials. In 2025, notable developments include new modules on AI ethics in , presented as guidelines for responsible use during RootsTech sessions, and community storytelling events integrated into Family Discovery Day to foster narrative sharing among families.

Global Network

FamilySearch Centers

FamilySearch Centers constitute a worldwide network of over 6,400 local facilities spanning approximately 150 countries as of 2024, primarily operated by volunteers and housed in settings such as churches, libraries, and community buildings. These centers originated in 1964 with the establishment of the first local family history center, expanding rapidly to support decentralized research. In January 2023, they were officially renamed from Family History Centers to Centers to better align with the organization's overall branding and digital focus. By late 2024, the network had grown to over 6,500 locations. The primary purpose of these centers is to offer convenient, no-cost access to 's extensive resources for individuals who may not wish to travel to the main library in , . Each center is equipped with computers connected to the internet and directly linked to databases, enabling patrons to search historical records, view exclusive digital images, and utilize premium websites like Ancestry and that are restricted to on-site use. This setup facilitates personalized family history discovery without the need for long-distance travel, making advanced tools available in local communities. Services at FamilySearch Centers include one-on-one assistance from staff, access to scanning equipment for digitizing personal documents and photos, and printing capabilities—though centers may charge nominal fees to cover paper and toner costs. Many locations also host basic introductory classes and workshops on topics, such as using or sourcing records, all provided free of charge. Operating hours vary by individual center and are typically set between 10 and 20 hours per week, often in evenings and weekends to accommodate visitors; appointments may be required at some sites. These centers rely on a volunteer model, with dedicated individuals worldwide receiving standardized and resources from the central organization to ensure consistent support and guidance for patrons. Volunteers handle daily operations, from technical assistance to teaching sessions, fostering a collaborative environment for family history research.

Regional and Affiliate Libraries

The FamilySearch global network includes larger regional facilities, which are enhanced FamilySearch centers offering extensive genealogical resources and personalized assistance beyond typical local centers. These facilities, such as those in , and , , provide access to premium tools, including subscription websites, on-site physical collections of microfilms and microfiche (part of the former 2.5 million rolls from more than 100 countries, now primarily digitized since the central circulation service ended in 2017), and expert staff support for in-depth research. They serve as hubs for advanced family history work, often located in areas with high demand, and operate with extended hours to accommodate public visitors. Complementing these regional facilities are FamilySearch affiliate libraries, which partner with over 1,850 institutions across 25 countries as of January 2025 to extend digital access to otherwise restricted genealogical collections. These affiliates include public and higher education libraries, archives, museums, cultural centers, and genealogical or historical societies, enabling patrons to explore millions of historical records, indexes, and images without visiting a dedicated center. Access requires a free account and is available on-site at the affiliate location, often with additional local research guidance or classes provided by the host institution. Unlike regional facilities, affiliate libraries focus primarily on digital resources rather than physical microfilms or equipment, though some offer limited staff support for FamilySearch-specific queries. Together, regional facilities and affiliate libraries enhance the reach of the FamilySearch Library by decentralizing services, with affiliates numbering over 1,850 globally as of early 2025 and regional sites providing specialized, hands-on capabilities in key locations. Examples of affiliate libraries include the Public Library in and the Beverly Public Library in , which integrate digital tools into their existing collections for community use. This network ensures broader public engagement in family history while maintaining free access to core resources.

References

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  11. https://www.familysearch.org/en/newsroom/familysearch-completes-digitization-of-massive-microfilm-collection
  12. https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/utah-museums-directory/listing/familysearch-library/
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  14. https://www.familysearch.org/en/newsroom/lynn-turner-director-family-history-library
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