Algonquin Area Public Library Expands Genealogy Resources

The Algonquin Area Public Library announced today it is the newest Family Search affiliate library. The new designation means library patrons and the public will have greater and more convenient access to the wealth of genealogical resources available through Family Search.

Family Search is the world’s largest repository of genealogical records and manages the famous Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.  It has amassed billions of birth, marriage, death, census, land, and court records of genealogical significance from over 130 countries.

“Less than five percent of the world’s genealogical records are available online, and most family history researchers cannot afford to travel to an archive nationally or worldwide to find the historic records they are seeking,” said Paul Nauta, Family Search public affairs manager. “If  Family Search has filmed the records they need, then as far as they will need travel to view them is the Algonquin Area Public Library.”

Family Search is extending access to its collection by circulating microfilms of historic records through select public libraries. The Algonquin Area Public Library is now one of those libraries. It is a priceless resource for area residents interested in discovering their family tree.

“We are excited to add this valuable service for our many genealogy researchers,” said Kristen McCallum and Virginia Freyre, genealogy librarians. “For over six years, we have been providing beginner classes, a variety of genealogical speakers and 30 minute research help appointments for our patrons.” 

The Family Search has over 200 camera teams filming historic records in 45 countries on any given day. These records are then circulated to public patrons through Family Search Centers worldwide, like the Algonquin Area Public Library.

For example, Family Search has filmed over 60 percent of the civil registrations (birth, marriage and death records) of Italy. Anyone with Italian ancestry may be able to extend their Italian research by conveniently using the Family Search films through the Algonquin Area Public Library.

There is a nominal $7.50 fee to order a microfilm. Once the film arrives, patrons reserve the microfilm reader at the library to view it. The library staff can help patrons see what films are available, place film orders, and answer research questions. They also can search the Family History Library Catalog online at FamilySearch.org to see what records are available to order through the library.

The Algonquin Area Public Library also subscribes to Ancestry Library Edition which is available for patrons in the library.