The main Family History Library in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah has published a new Family History Library webpage is part of FamilySearch.org. The page provides new online patron experiences and up-to-date information about the library’s services and activities.

On the page, you can find visitor information, collections and hours of operations, and many new and expanded services. For example, you can schedule 20-minute appointments for free personal research consultations with a specialist. Book look-up services will be coming soon.

Although the library itself is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the library offers services through the webpage.

The webpage is available in German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Chinese. Japanese and Italian languages will be added soon.

Free Online Consultations

You can now schedule personal research consultations with the library’s genealogy experts in multiple languages, accommodating varying time zones worldwide. Personal consultations are conducted live online and are currently offered in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and English. More languages will be added later.

Learning Center

A new online learning center has hundreds of how-to webinars available on-demand, along with other help tips and instructions based on your research needs.

Collections

The library has more than 340,000 genealogical books, 1.3 million microfilms, 190,000 microfiche, and a collection of 18,460 maps from around the world. While the goal is to make all library materials available to people throughout the world, some items and digital materials are contractually restricted and available only at the Family History Library.

During the pandemic, remodeling has continued at the library to improve access to materials and services. The webpage includes descriptions of materials and collection information and images of the library’s new layout will be added as soon as the remodeling is completed.

Services

Record preservation is an essential part of the library’s mission. Guests have free access to equipment to scan books and records and convert audio and digital media to digital formats. The Discovery Center provides interactive activities for guests of all ages to learn about their heritage, a place to record stories, and more. Throughout the year, the library also provides in-person activities and heritage displays. When the Family History Library reopens, groups may register online for these activities and check for up-to-date calendars and schedules.

Family History Centers and Affiliate Libraries

FamilySearch owns and operates over 5,000 satellite branches of the Family History Library in 141 countries, called family history centers. In addition, it has over 1,100 affiliate libraries. FamilySearch digital content with limited access can often be viewed in these facilities, in addition to other specialized content helpful in each facility’s locale. Detailed information regarding this broader network and associated services will be added throughout 2021.

Find the new Family History Library webpage at FamilySearch.org/family-history-library.