PCPL is now a FamilySearch Affiliate Library

Sunday, May 3, 2015

The Local History and Genealogy Department of the Putnam County Public Library has expanded resources by becoming a FamilySearch Affiliate Library.

The new designation means library patrons will have greater and more convenient access to the wealth of genealogical resources available through FamilySearch. Centered in the Local History and Genealogy Department, microfilm from all over the world can be ordered and viewed for research. Previously, patrons would have to drive to libraries in Plainfield or Crawfordsville to utilize this service.

Diana Brumfield will present an introduction to the service through the Time Travelin' Genealogy Guild workshops on Wednesday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 9 at 10 a.m. It will include how to set up a free account, use the catalog, order films, how to use the microfilm reader, and an inventory of the department's existing microfilm collection.

FamilySearch is the world's largest repository of free genealogical records and manages the famous Family History Library in Salt Lake City. It has amassed billions of birth, marriage, death, census, land and court records of genealogical significance from more than 130 countries.

There is a nominal fee of $7.50 to order a microfilm for a short term loan (approximately 60 days). However, one can instead pay $18.75 for an extended loan.

The extended loan allows the microfilm to stay at the library indefinitely. For example, the library recently acquired microfilms on this extended loan of the birth and death records of Putnam County. Patrons can use the microfilm reader at the Putnam County Public Library to peruse them.

The staff of the Local History and Genealogy department can helps patrons see what records FamilySearch has available to order through the library.

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