Family History Library
The Family History Library, run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church), is the largest genealogical library in the world. It is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, just west of Temple Square.
Many people wonder why Mormons are so zealous in doing family history work. Mormons believe strongly in the importance of family relationships and that such relations can continue even after death. Through work performed in Mormon temples, marriages and families can be "sealed" together for not only time but eternity. Mormonism also teaches that these same blessings can be given to deceased ancestors, and Church members are asked to seek out information about their ancestors so that they can then perform marriages and sealings in their behalf. These ancestors are then able to choose whether or not they will accept the work done for them.
The Family History Library was founded in 1894 as a way to gather genealogy and help members of the Church do their family history work. Like any other library it is open to the public at no charge, and nearly 1,900 people or more visit the library every day. The library grew quickly from its start in 1894 and by 1938, new technology known as microfilm was introduced at the library. The Family History Library now contains over 2.4 million rolls of microfilm records.
In 1944, the library was changed from being a public organization and was completely funded by the Mormon Church. In the 1960's Church leaders saw that computer technology would be beneficial in record keeping and hired computer experts and bought a computer. By this time space was becoming limited. In 1963, the Church completed the Granite Mountain Record Vault, which became the storage facility for master copies of genealogical records. It was built with the best preservation in mind, and is able to withstand a nuclear blast.
The libraries collection and number of patrons continued to grow. In 1980 plans to build a 142,000 square foot library with five floors was announced. The building was made to control humidity, temperature, and lighting to protect the collection from deterioration. On October 23, 1985 the new building was dedicated and opened to the public.
The library currently provides 2.4 million rolls of microfilm, 742,000 microfiche, 310,000 books, serials, and other formats, 4,500 periodicals, 700 electronic resources, 202 computers, 509 microfilm readers, 36 microfiche readers, 125 full time and part time staff, 400 trained volunteers, as well as classes on genealogical research and how to use the programs and machines involved.
The Library has obtained most of its records, through microfilm. There are volunteers currently filming records in over 40 countries. Some records are donated and others such as Census Records are purchased.
For More Information
Mormon Genealogy: LDS.About.com