How often do you visit your local public library for your Family History research? If you haven't visited lately, you may be missing out.
Most public libraries today offer a number of resources for family history researchers. If your ancestors lived locally, your library's Local History collection may hold valuable resources. You can also check the local libraries in the areas your ancestors lived to see what is available - especially with today's online catalogues and potential for digitised copies and inter-library loans.
Most libraries today also offer free in-house access to online databases, such as Ancestry Library Edition or Find My Past. While these databases are generally only available for use in the library - via public access computers or perhaps using your own device and the library wi-fi - they are a bonus for the budget conscious and allow researches to download or print relevant records.
Borrowing your favourite genealogy magazine from your local library instead of purchasing it is also a money-saving option. Many libraries subscribe to a number of magazines for people to read in-house or borrow. As access to eBooks and eAudio has grown, so does access to digital issues of magazines, and genealogy magazines may also be available in digital issues that you can download and read at home.
Does your local library offer classes on family history topics? Hints and tips on getting the most out of your valuable research time? What about a Family History Chat or hosting meetings of your local Family History Group?
Don't forget the library staff themselves can be a valuable resource. Does your local library have a local / family history librarian? Someone who you can call on for a little help getting the most out of library resources or available databases?
It might be well worth your time to visit your local library to see what the have to offer family history researchers. And most - if not all - of their resources are free!
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