FamilySearch Centres

Update effective 6 July 2021. The Family History 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
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 check that the portal is fully functional, so that restricted records can be accessed.
##########

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 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 called Family History Centres (Centers)

Access to digitised microfilms of records in the Family History 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 Introduction to LDS Family History 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.

Find a Family History Center and 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.
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.
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' (provide full details of your attempts to date). There is also some information in the FamilySearch Wiki Category:Family History Centers, but not for all Centres, and Affiliate Libraries are listed separately, see External links below.

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.)

Photocopy service from Salt Lake City has now ceased

The previous photocopy service ceased 5 December 2014.

However, a new Records Look Up Service was introduced 24 May 2021, see External links below.

Ordering microfilms service has now ceased/digitised microfilms

The previous microfilm ordering service has now been replaced by digitised microfilms. The last day for ordering microfilms was 7 September 2017. Some Centres have retained some microfilms in their own permanent mini collections.

When a microfilm has been digitised it is also, in addition to the microfilm number, allocated a DGS number, referred to as a Digital Folder number. The latter number appears to becoming the main reference number for a record set. (The URL for a record set has the format (at 2020/02) https://www.familysearch.org/search/film/004769478 where the last number is the DGS number).

All microfilms have now been digitised, and are available through the Catalogue Search on FamilySearch, not in the Records section. A camera icon (with no other symbol) means the record may be viewed on your home computer, a camera icon with a key above it means the record is available on a restricted basis. (No icon at all indicates the record is not available to view digitally) (See images etc.) (Note, you need to be signed in, refer below, or a key or microfilm only, or even no symbol may appear for all records.) For non-LDS church researchers, records which originate from the British Library are available to be viewed on a FamilySearch computer at a FamilySearch Centre, and additionally most, but perhaps not all, are viewable at Affiliate Libraries, although this may vary over time. See "Viewing 'Protected' access online books and databases" below.

The digitisation of microfilms was completed in September 2021. At that time is was stated "FamilySearch is working to outsource the digitization of its large microfiche collection, which should be completed several years from now". Note that some microfilms may not be available to view digitally for many years, perhaps decades, due to restrictions in the country of origin of the records, relating to data privacy restrictions, which may be more restrictive for digital images than for microfilms.

Update September 2021: Microfilm digitisation has been completed, but microfiche still is not digitised, so the following wording will probably apply to microfiche. If you have a film you need that has not been digitised, (as shown by the fact that there is no DGS number), you can reach out to FamilySearch support to express your interest in having that particular film being prioritised earlier in the scanning process, through the 'icon marked ?/Contact us' at the top right hand corner of the webpage. (Recent changes mean that in practice you need to post in FamilySearch Community. Post your request in the Q and A section, category Search stating it is for the attention of the the Historical Records Team. As part of the process you will be asked to register with the Community section, if you have not registered previously).
You may also request that books from the FamilySearch catalogue be digitised.

Note that the digitised microfilm reader may be very sensitive to internet speed, so if you are viewing digitised microfilms on your home computer, try to pick a time of lower internet demand such as early or late in the day. Personal experience was that 1pm, weekday and Saturday, access was extremely unsatisfactory, early Sunday morning was much better. Unsatisfactory viewing conditions may also be experienced at some Centres, either due to internet speed, or for other reasons - you may wish to enquire about this aspect, and if so, whether any particular day or time is better and If you have more than one FHC or Affiliate Library in your area, compare viewing conditions.

Note that researchers have commented that it is much slower viewing records which have been digitised, compared with the same records on microfilm. This finding is magnified if there are problems with internet speed, so it may be worth enquiring whether any Centres near you, including genealogical societies, have retained a copy of the microfilm you are interested in. For some Centres, this information may be obtained through the FamilySearch Catalog where there is an Availability option in the Search. Unclick the Online option and select your local Family History Centre from the menu available. Always confirm by telephone with your local FHC to ensure information is current.

The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA retains an extensive collection of microfilms, including all those not available to view digitally, which can be ordered before your visit (including those held at Granite Mountain Record Vault) so they will be ready when you arrive, (but you must allow sufficient time), or you may decide to hire a researcher. Books stored off site must also be pre-ordered otherwise you will be unable to access them.

Viewing restricted access online books and databases

After signing in to FamilySearch, some digitised microfilm databases will display, in the catalogue entry, a camera icon with a key symbol above which advises "this film is viewable with additional restrictions". (If you are not signed in, a key, or microfilm only, or even no symbol may also appear, even for databases viewable on your home computer). However, members of the public can view most (but not all) of these databases at a FamilySearch Centre on a FamilySearch Centre computer, through the FamilySearch Portal. (Access through your own laptop or other device is not possible, even if you are physically present at the FamilySearch Centre as only the FamilySearch computers have the special access portal installed which is necessary for connection to the restricted records). Some digital databases may also be viewed at Affiliate Libraries, which may have longer opening hours than a FamilySearch Centre. Contact your FamilySearch Centre prior to visiting to advise your requirements and, if it is possible, book a suitable computer (after enquiring whether internet image viewing varies by day or time, or there is poor viewing generally, refer section above). For the general public, FamilySearch records which were available on microfilm, which have since been digitised, and which originate from the British Library in London can be viewed at a Family History Centre and additionally currently (2021/02) can also be viewed at an Affiliate Library. Note however in the past access at Affiliate Libraries has varied, and some microfilms originating from the British Library have not been available at Affiliate Libraries. LDS church members may have additional access.

A similar restriction may also apply to a limited number of online books which are in the FamilySearch Digital Library, (accessible both through the FamilySearch catalogue and by searching in the FamilySearch Digital Library).

There appear to be at least five different types of restriction wording seen by signed in, non-LDS church members either currently, or in the past:

• "Sign in to Familysearch.org as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints".

This wording has not yet been seen on India related digitised microfilms. Note: This wording now withdrawn, see below.

• "Sign in to Familysearch.org as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Access the site at a family history center".
• "Sign in to Familysearch.org as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Access the site at a family history center. Access the site at a FamilySearch affiliate library."

Update c 22 October 2019. All references to "Sign in to Familysearch.org as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" appear to have been removed, to be replaced by the following wording for signed in, non-LDS church members: "You may be able to view this image by visiting one of our partners' sites or the legal record custodian (fees may apply)".

Note. For records restricted to LDS church members only, consultants at FamilySearch Centres have been instructed "Consultants should not sign in to allow members of the public to access restricted images. Such sharing can violate contracts between FamilySearch and the records custodian".

In the past, signed-in LDS church members had access to a wider range of records than non LDS church members, and this situation continues. In particular, LDS church members were able to view the India church records originating from the British Library on their home computers, and it is believed this is still the current situation.

• "Access the site at a family history center. Access the site at a FamilySearch affiliate library".
• "This book may only be viewed online at the Family History Library, a family history center, or one of FamilySearch’s partner libraries". This message only applies in respect of a limited number of digitised books available in the FamilySearch Digital Library. Some FamilySearch Digital Library books cannot be viewed online at all, when the message is "This book cannot be viewed online due to copyright restrictions".

Note: Partner libraries are few in number, (refer external links below), and are not the same as affiliate libraries. In practice, this means most people need to access the digital file at a Family History Centre.

Note:

• To access the digitised records you will need to Sign In on the computer at the Family History Centre or Affiliate Library using your personal Sign In details, refer FamilySearch, section India Records, so take your user name and password with you, or you may experience delays.. At the Family History Centre, you will first need to open the FamilySearch Portal (which must have been previously installed) on the computer, and then sign in with your personal sign in details, and at an Affiliate Library you will need to make sure that you select a computer which has the FamilySearch portal installed, (exact name not known, perhaps may not include the word portal) and then follow a similar procedure.
• Before you visit a Centre or Affiliate Library, enquire whether it is possible to take a copy of a required record, what means are available, whether there is a charge, and whether you can/need to bring a device such as a USB flash drive.
• At times (c 2019 January, and still ongoing early April 2019), when trying to access a digital file, a message ""Image Unavailable. This image is unavailable for online viewing at this time." has been seen. However it appears this is some sort of error, and if you re-access the digital file (multiple times if necessary), the usual message that it can be viewed at a FHC or Affiliate Library should appear, and the films become viewable.. Update. June 2019, this error appears to have been fixed, but details have been left for information in the event of a re-occurrence.
• Some Affiliate Libraries such as genealogical societies may charge a visitor research fee if you are not a genealogical society member.

FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries

FamilySearch affiliate libraries include, or can include, public or university libraries, archives, museums, or genealogical societies. Should you be unable to access a Family History Centre to view digitised microfilms which are also viewable at a FamilySearch affiliate library, perhaps you could discuss with your library whether it would be willing to become an affiliate library. See external links below for procedure, and for a FamilySearch Wiki article which lists Affiliate Libraries. As the Family History Library in Salt Lake City appears to be be involved with affiliate library decisions, telephone, or perhaps Facebook, contact, with that library (refer external links below) may help if other means of contact are unsuccessful.

London, England

National Archives, Kew

London FamilySearch Centre at The National Archives closed permanently on Saturday, 23 March 2019.
The National Archives has now become a FamilySearch Affiliate Library.

Society of Genealogists, London

The permanent microfilm collection from the London Family History Centre at Kew was given to the Society of Genealogists in 2017, and became available at SOG for consultation from August 2017. Note some records may be available online, but may be slower to view than the microfilms. Refer comments above, under "Ordering microfilms service has now ceased/digitised microfilms". Check the FamilySearch catalogue to see those records which you can view on your home computer.

Society of Genealogists is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library.

The Society of Genealogists closed 17 July 2021 for a "few months" (possibly the rest of 2021, or beyond?) as it is moving to a new location, which should be in London somewhere, but at the time of the August 2021 Newsletter, had not yet been negotiated.

Australia and New Zealand

Note that the Centres listed below are a selection only of those available. Affiliate Libraries are included as they generally have longer opening hours. Note Affiliate Libraries currently have access to FamilySearch digitised records originating from the British Library, important for India research, however, for some periods in the past this was not the situation for all such records, so make sure you check any restrictions applying through the Family Search catalogue.

NSW

For those in or near Sydney, NSW, Australia it is recommended that you attend the LDS Family History Centre at North Parramatta. This Centre holds many India related films of records from the British Library permanently onsite, including all the baptism, marriage and burial indexes, indexes relating to wills, Registers of European Soldiers Services to 1860 and some of the IOR O series records. In the past (c November 2009) Thursdays and Saturdays usually had librarians on duty who have a particular interest in India. Enquire about the current situation. Details:

Address: 169 Pennant Street

North Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia

(Situated near James Ruse Drive, Parramatta side, and opposite the intersection with Isabella Street))

The Centre is situated towards the rear of the LDS chapel, left hand side, near the parking area. The Centre has its own entrance, so do not try to enter through the LDS chapel.

Public transport: 545 bus from Parramatta station to Chatswood station.

Phone: (02)9683 5849

Opening hours given on the website, (current at September 2017): 10.30am- 2.30pm Tuesdays, Thursdays and 2nd and 3rd Saturdays. Closed School Holidays and Public Holidays. Note, no details at all provided provided October 2019.

Phone prior to your visit, when the Centre is open, and book a film reader or computer, depending on what you need to use. Confirm opening times.
No phone messages or mail enquiries. (The phone is disconnected outside of opening hours)

For details currently available on the website, type Parramatta in the Search and click on the icon on the map. Always confirm opening times, (and address) by telephone prior to a visit, as the website details may not be up to date.

Update October 2019. The Parramatta Family History Centre appears to have closed. The computers are thought to have been relocated to the Baulkham Hills Family History Centre at 77 Watkins Road, Baulkham Hills, NSW - telephone number (02) 9686 4170. The Family History Department of the (Australia) LDS Church Offices in Carlingford (NSW) (telephone 1300-537-248) advised that the microfilms are thought to have gone to Baulkham Hills also.

If you are not interested in microfilm held onsite, but only on viewing digitised microfilms, and want to access records which are available at an Affiliate Library, in the Sydney region Society of Australian Genealogists located in the Sydney Central Business District is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library and may be preferred as it has more extensive hours than most FHCs and may be a more convenient location for some researchers. A visitor research fee applies if you are not a SAG member.

Victoria

• Melbourne. The two following societies are FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries. A visitor research fee may apply if you are not a society member.

Family History Connections, the registered business name of Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies (AIGS). Unit 1, 41 Railway Rd (corner of Queen St) Blackburn VIC 3130 (Opposite the Blackburn Railway Station). Has a large collection of India material including some permanent FamilySearch microfilms. Search the online catalogue.

Genealogical Society of Victoria Level 1, 10 Queen Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000. Also has some microfilms.

• The LDS FHC at Blackburn closed 1 October 2010 . The Centre's collection of India Office Lists 1886-1940 were transferred to the Heidelberg Family History Centre.

Queensland

• FamilySearch Affiliate Library: Genealogical Society of Queensland 25 Stackpole Street on the corner of Mt Gravatt Capalaba Road, Wishart, QLD 4122. A visitor research fee may apply if you are not a society member.
• The Rockhampton Family History Centre in Queensland, Australia has a set of indexes for baptism, marriage and burial in the three presidencies.

Western Australia

• FamilySearch Affiliate Library: Western Australian Genealogical Society Inc 6/48 May Street, Bayswater, WA 6053. A visitor research fee may apply if you are not a society member.

Australian Capital Territory

• FamilySearch Affiliate Library: Heraldry & Genealogy Society of Canberra Cook Community Hub, 41 Templeton Street, Cook ACT. A visitor research fee applies if you are not a society member.

Northern Territory

• FamilySearch Affiliate Library: Genealogical Society of the Northern Territory Inc Location of the Library is 84 Smith Street Darwin, between Searcy and Whitfield Streets - opposite the in/out ramp of the China Town Carpark. A visitor research fee applies if you are not a society member.

New Zealand

The following are FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries.

• Auckland. Central Auckland Research Centre, part of Auckland Libraries. Central City Library, Level 2, 44-46 Lorne Street, Auckland.
• Wellington. Alexander Turnbull Library (National Library of New Zealand, Wellington). General Reading Room & FamilySearch Service, Level 1, 70 Molesworth Street Thorndon 6011. Research guide: Family History from NLNZ contains a section "FamilySearch at the National Library".

External links

• Family History Library FamilySearch website launched c mid February 2021. Includes Services/Records Look Up Service introduced 24 May 2021.

Prior to the Feb. 2021 new website, and still concurrently

Family History Library FamilySearch Wiki.

• Includes a link to the Family History Library on Facebook.
• includes a link to "How to donate to the Family History Library" in respect of books etc.

General email is fhl@FamilySearch.org

For non standard telephone enquires, try the Family History Library Director's assistant (details).

Category:Family History Library FamilySearch Wiki

FamilySearch CGO David Rencher New Family History Library Director 22 August 2018. FamilySearch.

• FamilySearch Partner Libraries FamilySearch Wiki. Note: Partner Libraries are not the same as Affiliate Libraries, although most Partner Libraries are probably also Affiliate Libraries.
• Affiliate Libraries
  • How to Become a FamilySearch Affiliate Library June 6, 2019. FamilySearch Blog. The contact email address is now affiliatelibraries@familysearch.org (changed 26 June 2021).
  • Frequently Asked Questions: FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries June 6, 2019 FamilySearch Blog.
  • How do we become an affiliate library? FamilySearch.
  • Our affiliate library needs access to restricted images FamilySearch Helpcenter article.
  • FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries FamilySearch Wiki. Includes a List of Affiliate Libraries, which may not be complete.
• FamilySearch Contact Us applicable for Government, Business, and other Archives entities.
• What are the image restrictions in Historical Records? FamilySearch Help
• Family History Center Portal FamilySearch Wiki. Several premium online research services are available at Family History Centres. These websites must be accessed on a FamilySearch computer at a FamilySearch Centre, and are not available at Affiliate Libraries. Includes findmypast, Ancestry, fold3 (owned by Ancestry) and MyHeritage and in the United Kingdom only, Geneanet. (Previously The Genealogist was available in the UK, but this appears to have been withdrawn). In addition, although not currently (2021 October) on the list, the website Filae, a resource for accessing French archives and tracing French ancestors, may perhaps also be accessed from FamilySearch Centres, see the FS Help article. (Filae is also a Partner for Latter day Saints Church members.) Note Filae has now been purchased by MyHeritage, and the latter now contains many French records.

For actual access to these websites, at the Family History Centre, on a FamilySearch computer, first open the FamilySearch Portal, then open the premium website, then sign in through FamilySearch.