In the May 2023 newsletter, EXPLORE RELIC discussed how to use FamilySearch.org. Since then, the procedure has changed some. The joy of FamilySearch.org is that usually, you may sit at home and, using your free account, access many genealogical records, both U.S. and International. How exciting to find the baptismal record for your great-grandmother in England! 

When you click on a title in the FamilySearch catalog, you will find a picture of a camera (meaning the microfilm of this record has been scanned and is available online). Occasionally, there is a key over the top of the camera. The key indicates that the record is locked to you at home but can be read at an affiliate library. All the LDS (Mormon) Libraries are affiliates, but also a number of public libraries, including Prince William Public Libraries.

Come into any Prince William Public Library and use your FamilySearch account on any Public Access Computer. In most cases, the record will open to you in the library.

Sometimes, the record is still closed at the library. Then you must go to an LDS Library, like the one at the Centreville Virginia FamilySearch Center at 14150 Upperridge Drive, Centreville, VA 20121. 

RELIC would be happy to check if the record is open before you make the trip – email relic2@pwcgov.org with your request.