Are FS centers open these days?
I have contacted three FS Centers in Italy and two in Switzerland, but did not get any response...
Answers
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If by "FS Centers" you mean Family History Centers (FHCs): These are almost always located in buildings owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (aka LDS or Mormons). It is a decision for them whether to open their buildings. What I've heard (not being a member of that church) is that different areas of the world are taking different approaches to reopening following the pandemic. There also seem to be a number of FHCs that have closed permanently since the pandemic began. So you'll have to keeping trying to contact the FHC and find out their opening hours.
If you mean Affiliate Libraries: these are not operated by FamilySearch or the LDS Church. They are usually public libraries or museums.
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FYI
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...
[ And, I happen to be a Member of the Church ... ]
[ And, I have been a Staff Member, of "Family History Centres", of the Church, for many Years ... ]
Just in passing ...
Regarding, "Family History Centres", of the Church, around the World ...
Your 'Question': Are FS centers open these days?
Short Answer: 'Yes'; &, 'No', depending on, their location; &, the Jurisdictional "Restrictions", for their locale,
Due, to the Worldwide "COVID-19" Pandemic ...
And, the "Restrictions", for a particular 'Locale' ...
"Family History Centres", of the Church, around the World, may or may not be open.
All depends, upon BOTH, the "Restrictions", for a particular 'Locale'; and, the "Decision" of the Local/Responsible "Priesthood" Leaders of the Church, for that particular 'Locale', in consultation with, the Leaders of the Church.
In other words ...
Some ARE ...
Whereas ...
Some are NOT ...
There is NO particular consensus ...
For Example ...
Our Local "Family History Centre", of the Church, REOPENED in September of the first Year of the Pandemic; but, operated under Strict Protocols.
But, then, towards the latter half, of LAST Year, the Local "Priesthood" Leader, made the "Decision", to TEMPORARILY "Close" the "Family History Centre" again, due to an increased "Resurgence", of Cases and Deaths, in our City and State; plus, the "Very" STRICT (and, Stringent) "Restrictions", in place, by the State Government; and, we have NOT reopened since; and, that is despite, now, significant reductions, in "Restrictions", by the State Government; and, a huge percentage, of the population, of being BOTH, "Double" Vaccinated and, even, "Boostered". Plus, ALL but "One" of the State "Borders"; being, open; and, without MANY "Restrictions".
As to, Italy; and, Switzerland ...
You will know, better yourself, of any significant "Restrictions", that may be in place, around, Italy; and, Switzerland.
But, a lot also rides, on the shoulders, of the Local "Priesthood" Leaders.
Plus ...
Any "Family History Centre", of the Church, around the World, would MORE than likely, be operating on "Severely" REDUCED "Hours of Operation"; as, such, is dependent on the availability of Staff.
ALL, that you can do, is to keep trying, to contact the various "Family History Centre", of the Church, nearby, through either, Telephone; and/or, E-mail, depending what method of contact/communication is available.
As an aside ...
Of course ...
Another avenue, is ...
IF, you KNOW that a "Family History Centre", of the Church, IS located, in a "Church Building"; THEN, you may, wish to consider, trying to contact, that "Congregation", of the Church, on a "Sunday", to 'see' if you can make contact with anyone, to try to get some updated information, on the particular "Family History Centre".
You may succeed; but, of course, you may not succeed ...
Good Luck.
I know, that this certainly does not help/assist; but, I hope, that this may provide you with, some additional, insight; and, perspective; and, another avenue to pursue.
Brett
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Further to what A Van Helsdingen and Brett have said.
Family History Centres will open under the direction of local Leaders and according to local Government guidelines who take into consideration the level of the pandemic at the time.
Just keep trying to contact your Local centre or use an Affiliate Library in your area.
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Thank you all for the feedback. Brett message was very insightful.
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