Here’s the next in my occasional series of bite-size Quick Tips. Click on the Quick Tips tag for my other Quick Tips. Because I tend to write longer posts, I wanted to provide a quick-to-read (and quick-to-write) post every couple of weeks on a small topic that pops into my head. I think this one’s a good reminder.
Don’t forget about your local library!
Here in St. Louis, our city and county library systems have some remarkable resources for genealogists. Both have genealogy rooms that I’ve enjoyed researching in. And they have expert staff members who provide great assistance. All of it’s free of charge.
Of course, the pandemic has made using the local library difficult. Here, branches have been closed off and on. The St. Louis County library genealogy room has been closed since the pandemic began. I traditionally rely on it to give me access to those documents from Family Search that are available only if you’re using the wifi system of an affiliate library. The county library has generously extended its wifi reach to its parking lot. Last week, I parked there and was able to download some documents from Family Search. Maybe that’s something you can do at your library too.
Even if your local library branch is closed, I urge you to check to see whether they are offering access to online databases or perhaps are allowing you to consult remotely with librarians. They may have expanded online resources because of the pandemic. Here in St. Louis, for example, the library edition of Ancestry.com is now available to county library card holders at home (while the genealogy room is closed). If you don’t have a library card, now’s a good time to get one!
Photo by Sam Dan Truong on Unsplash
Janine. I have also sat in my library parking lot to see some items from Family Search. Also I check the library catalog for genealogy books I am interested in. Recently I found four books on genealogy subjects while researching some families from West Virginia. Four of the books that I was looking out were available for checkout.. Most genealogy books are Reference only, but it doesn’t hurt to check. Many times they have two copies and one is for circulation and one for Reference only.
That’s an excellent tip, Vickie. Thank you! I’m glad you have had success with your library, even during the pandemic. And I look forward to the day we can research together again at the St. Louis County Library History and Genealogy room!
Thanks for the shout out to local libraries! I’m a librarian at a small public library in BC, Canada. We’ve been back open to the public since September and have Ancestry Library Edition (also currently available from home) and are a FamilySearch Affiliate Library. I do one-on-one genealogy sessions with people to help them with their research. Over the last few years I’ve refreshed the genealogy collection, adding up-to-date books and more magazines.
Even if your library isn’t open, remote reference and research help might be available. Librarians love answering questions 🙂
Yay for you and your library, Teresa! I would imagine you have a really rewarding job. I can’t wait until I can get back into libraries!