Monday, February 16, 2009

Family History Center Affiliate Library

We are excited to announce that SCLS (Suffolk Cooperative Library System) has been designated a Family History Center Affiliate Library. Prior to this designation, researchers would have to visit the Family History Center in Plainview or the Family History Library in Salt Lake City to conduct research. Now our patrons can request most microfilm and microfiche listed in the Family History Library Catalog, from the comfort of one's home.

The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was founded in 1894 to help members of the LDS church research their family history and genealogy. The Library has grown tremendously and today it's the largest of its kind. Researchers from across the globe visit the Library and the Centers to conduct wide-ranging research. The collection includes over 2.4 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical records; 727,000 microfiche; 356,000 books, serials, and other formats; over 4,500 periodicals; 3,725 electronic resources.

For library members the fees are as follows: microfilm loan charges are $6.00 per reel. The loan time is 60 days which includes shipping time to and from the Family History Library. This assumes 15 days shipping time each way, so the patron will have about 30 days to view the microfilm. There is a $6.00 charge for renewal of the microfilm for an additional 30 days. Microfiche are available for loan at the rate of $1.00 per fiche card. The patron may use the fiche for 60 days.

This is an amazing resource and SCLS is thrilled to be designated an Affiliate Library. The procedure for requesting microfilm is tricky so let a librarian walk you through the process. However, do visit the site and explore the vast array of historical information the Family History Library holds. Feel free to contact the Adult Services Department with any questions, 631-427-5165.

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