What FamilySearch Centers are and what they offer
FamilySearch Centers are physical locations where you can access genealogy records and research tools for free. They are run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but you do not need to be a member of the church to use them. Each center has computers with internet access, microfilm readers, and staff who can show you how to search for ancestors.
The centers give you access to FamilySearch.org, a website with billions of historical records — birth certificates, marriage licenses, census data, ship passenger lists, and church records from around the world. You can also use the computers to access other genealogy databases that the center subscribes to, which vary by location. Some centers have microfilm collections you can view on-site, and many can order microfilm from the main FamilySearch library in Salt Lake City if the record you need is not already there.
The staff at FamilySearch Centers are trained volunteers, not professional genealogists, but they know how to navigate the databases and can point you toward the records most likely to help with your search. They can also help you understand what you find — how to read old handwriting, what different record types tell you, and how to organize your findings so you do not duplicate work.
Key Takeaways
- FamilySearch Centers are free to use and open to the public, regardless of religious affiliation, and are staffed by trained volunteers who can guide your research.
- You can access FamilySearch.org and other genealogy databases on center computers, plus view microfilm and order records from the main library in Salt Lake City.
- Centers are located in most U.S. states and many countries, though hours and services vary — you should call or check the website before visiting.
- Bring any family documents you have (birth certificates, old letters, family trees) so staff can help you match them to historical records.
- If your nearest center has limited hours or is far away, you can do much of the same research from home using FamilySearch.org for free.
How to find the FamilySearch Center nearest you
FamilySearch maintains a searchable directory on its website at familysearch.org/centers. You enter your city or zip code, and the site shows you the nearest centers, their hours, phone numbers, and what services each one offers. Hours vary widely — some are open only a few hours per week, while others are open most weekdays and some weekend hours. A few are closed on certain days or seasons.
Call the center before you go. Staff can tell you whether it is open that day, how busy it is, and whether you need to make an appointment. Some centers require appointments during certain hours, especially if you want help from a staff member. Others are drop-in. If the nearest center is far away or has very limited hours, you may find it more practical to do your research from home using the free FamilySearch.org website.
Centers are located in all 50 U.S. states and in many countries outside the United States. If you are traveling and want to research in a different location, you can search for centers near your destination before you leave home.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring any family documents you have: birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, old photographs, letters, family trees, or even old address books. These help staff understand what you are looking for and can speed up your search. If you have already started a family tree on FamilySearch.org or another website, bring the login information or a printout so you can continue where you left off.
Write down the names and approximate birth years of the people you want to research. If you know where they lived, where they were born, or where they died, write that down too. The more specific you are, the easier it is to find the right records — "John Smith born 1850" is much harder to search than "John Smith born 1850 in County Cork, Ireland."
If you are new to genealogy research, tell the staff that when you arrive. They can show you how to use the databases, explain what different record types mean, and suggest which records to search first. If you have been researching for a while, you can work more independently, though staff are still there if you get stuck.
How to search FamilySearch records at a center
Once you sit down at a computer, you will use FamilySearch.org, which works the same way whether you are at a center or at home. You can search by name, birth year, location, and other details. The site shows you matching records and lets you view images of the original documents. You can save records to your FamilySearch account, add them to your family tree, and attach notes about what you found.
If the center has microfilm, you can ask staff to help you find the microfilm you need and show you how to use the microfilm reader. Microfilm is useful when the record you want is not yet digitized and available online. The center can also order microfilm from the main FamilySearch library — this usually takes one to three weeks, and you will be notified when it arrives.
Staff can help you interpret what you find. Old handwriting can be hard to read, and record formats have changed over time. If you find a record but are not sure whether it is the right person, staff can help you compare details and decide whether to add it to your tree.
Understanding what records are available
FamilySearch has digitized billions of records, but not every record exists in the database. What is available depends on what has been donated, what has been digitized, and what copyright or privacy rules allow to be published. U.S. census records are widely available (usually up to 1940), as are many birth, marriage, and death records. Church records, immigration records, and land records are also common.
Records from other countries vary. Some countries have donated extensive collections — the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, and Germany have large databases. Others have fewer records online. Staff at your center can tell you what is available for the countries and time periods you are researching and suggest alternative sources if the record you want is not yet digitized.
If a record is not available online, the center can sometimes order it on microfilm from the main library. This is slower but can be worth it if you are stuck. Staff can also suggest other record types that might help — for example, if you cannot find a birth certificate, a census record or a church baptism record might give you the same information.
Using FamilySearch from home instead of a center
You do not have to visit a center to use FamilySearch. The website is free and available 24 hours a day from any computer or mobile device with internet access. You can create a free account, build your family tree, and search the same records you would find at a center. The main difference is that you do not have access to microfilm readers or staff help.
If you are comfortable learning on your own, or if the nearest center is far away, researching from home may be more practical. FamilySearch has tutorials and help articles on its website. You can also join online genealogy groups or forums where other researchers answer questions. Many public libraries also offer genealogy resources and sometimes have staff who can help you get your free guide.
A center visit is most useful if you are new to genealogy, if you are stuck on a particular ancestor, or if you need to view microfilm. If you are already experienced and just want to access records, home research works just as well.
What it costs and what to expect
FamilySearch Centers are completely free to use. There are no fees for using the computers, accessing the databases, viewing microfilm, or getting help from staff. Ordering microfilm from the main library is also free — you only pay if you want to print documents or make copies, and those costs are minimal (usually a few cents per page).
The time it takes to find an ancestor depends on how much information you have and how far back you are searching. Some people find what they are looking for in an hour. Others spend weeks or months on a single ancestor. Staff can help you work efficiently so you do not waste time on dead ends, but genealogy research is inherently slow — records are scattered across many sources, and you often have to search multiple databases to find one person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a member of the LDS church to use a FamilySearch Center?
No. FamilySearch Centers are open to the public, and you do not need to be a member of any church to use them. The church runs the centers and maintains the FamilySearch database, but they are designed for anyone interested in genealogy.
Can I print or copy records I find?
Yes. Most centers have printers and copy machines available. You pay a small fee per page — usually a few cents. You can also save digital images to your account on FamilySearch.org for free.
What if I cannot find the record I am looking for?
Staff can suggest alternative records that might have the information you need. If a record has not been digitized yet, the center can order microfilm from the main library. You can also ask staff whether the record might be held by a different organization — a state archive, a county courthouse, or a local historical society.
Can I work on my research from home and then continue at a center?
Yes. Create a free FamilySearch account and build your family tree online. When you visit a center, log into your account on the center computer and continue where you left off. Staff can also see what you have already found and help you with the next steps.
How long does it take to order microfilm?
Microfilm orders from the main FamilySearch library usually arrive within one to three weeks. The center will notify you when it arrives, and you can view it on the microfilm reader at the center.