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'''Update effective 6 July 2021'''. The Family History FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City reopened 6 July 2021 after being closed since March 13, 2020, due to precautions pertaining to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Some FamilySearch Centres and FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries are also '''open''', depending on location. This is a decision which is made '''locally'''. If you live in an area where churches and libraries generally are open, check with your local FamilySearch Centre and/or check with your local Affiliate Library about FamilySearch access. '''In addition'''<br>'''Update effective 12 August 2021'''. A new computer portal for accessing restricted records was introduced at FamilySearch Centres ('''not''' Affiliate Libraries) which requires changes to each computer in the FamilySearch Centre. Before visiting a FamilySearch Centre, firstly check that computers are available (there is currently (2022/06) a wait for replacements) and secondly '''check that the portal is fully functional''', so that restricted records can be accessed.<ref>[https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/102177/family-history-center-portals Family History Center Portals] ''FamilySearch Community Forum'' 15 September 2021. Retrieved 17 September 2021. [https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/comment/451414/#Comment_451414 FHC premium sites need passwords for access] ''FamilySearch Community Forum'' 19 May 2022. Retrieved 20 May 2022. [https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/family-history-center-premium-content-browser-extension Family History FamilySearch Center Premium Content Browser Extension] FamilySearch Help Center article. 2022/06 some Centres were without the Portal due to the requirement to have a fixed IP address (Internet service). 2022/08 many Centres were experiencing access problems (computer system).</ref>
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'''[[FamilySearch]]''' is a nonprofit family history organisation which is part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or LDS, also known as the Mormons.
'''FamilySearch Centres''' are local branches of the LDS '''Family History FamilySearch Library''' (until 10 January 2023 known as the Family History Library) in Salt Lake City and can be found worldwide. '''FamilySearch Centre''' (Center) is the umbrella term used for all of the centre locations. However most are still individually Until 10 January 2023 some Centres were called '''Family History Centres''' (Centers))
Access to '''digitised microfilms''' of records in the Family History FamilySearch Library, which are not otherwise available on home computers, is available at these centres. However, ordering of the previously available microfilms ceased in 2017, to be replaced by digitised versions, refer details below. You do not have to be a member of the LDS to use a centre or their resources. Read the FamilySearch Wiki article [https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/en/Introduction_to_Family_History_Centers Introduction_to_FamilySearch_Centers Introduction to LDS Family History FamilySearch Centers] for more details.
In addition, there are FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries, which may be public libraries, or libraries connected with genealogical societies, etc. Often an Affiliate Library will have longer operating hours than a FamilySearch Centre, or perhaps may be larger institutions with more computers available to view records. However, some records cannot be viewed at an Affiliate Library.
'''[https://www.familysearch.org/help/fhcenterscenters/locations/centerlocator Find a Family History FamilySearch Center and or FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries]'''. Enter your location details, including country. If you live in a state or county, depending on country it may help to enter the state as the location, then increase the size of the map to see the Centres in the region, and greatly increase the size if you live in area where there may be two or more Centres in the same city (as otherwise the multiple Centres may not display). Alternatively, it may be sufficient to enter city and country. However, it is suggested you always increase the size of the map to check that all Centres are displaying. <br>This link is also available from the FamilySearch Home Page, click on icon marked ? (top right hand of the webpage, then click 'Help Centre', or alternatively 'Contact Us' but at times the Search may not operate, or provides erratic Search results. If so, leave for a while and try later. Learning/In-person Help<br>At least some of the Centres do not provide opening times. In most centres the phone is only connected during opening times, so it may be difficult to actually make contact and find out when the Centre is open. In addition, the Centres usually do not have provision for mail enquiries. If necessary clarify by contacting FamilySearch through 'icon marked ?/ Contact Us' <ref>[https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/the-information-about-a-family-history-center-is-incorrect The information about a family history center is incorrect] FamilySearch Help Center article.</ref> (provide full details of your attempts to date). There is also some information in the FamilySearch Wiki '''[https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/en/Category:Family_History_Centers FamilySearch_Centers Category:Family History FamilySearch Centers]''', but not for all Centres, and Affiliate Libraries are listed separately, see External links below. You could also try [https://www.familysearch.org/en/fieldops/familysearch-support-contact-us FamilySearch Support Contact Us] for your geographic area.
'''Always confirm opening times prior to a visit''', as the website details, even if available, may not be up to date. Also confirm the address. Website details for some Centres do not include the address. (For one Affiliate Library noted, which is known to operate at two different addresses, only one address appeared on the FamilySearch web details, which was different to the information appearing on the Affiliate Library's website, although this has now been corrected.)
