Batavia Public Library expands genealogy resources

The Batavia Public Library is now a designated FamilySearch affiliate library.

FamilySearch is the world's largest repository of genealogical records. As an affiliate, the library can offer access to microfilm contained in FamilySearch's Salt Lake City repository, which contains genealogical records - birth, marriage, death, census, land, and court records - from more than 130 countries.

Library users can search the online Family History Library Catalog at FamilySearch.org from home or wherever they have access to the Internet. Users create an account (free) and request specific microfilm be sent to the Batavia Public Library, where they can peruse the microfilm in-house for 90 days.

Users pay $7.50 to order a microfilm reel and should allow 30 days for delivery to Batavia. A library card is not required to request microfilm.

Reference librarian Roseanne Freundt said that having access to FamilySearch records is a definite advantage for people doing genealogical research.

"The library's genealogy computer classes generate a great deal of interest, and the first two programs of our new genealogy series, 'Questions & Ancestors,' have been very well-attended," Freundt said. "We expect this new service to be popular."

Prior to the library becoming a FamilySearch affiliate, Fox Valley residents would travel to Naperville to do research at the Family History Center or to the Gail Borden Public Library, another FamilySearch affiliate library, in Elgin.

For more information regarding this new service, call the library Reference Desk, (630) 879-1393, ext. 200, or write to AskUs@BataviaPublicLibrary.org.