All you need is a library card :)
This may have already been posted here somewhere, so again, forgiving me if I’m being redundant 😂 but this is something I wasn’t aware of until a year or so ago... many of the paid sites are available to use for free at many public libraries! Ancestry, MyHeritage, and fold3 just to name a few! Also, if you have a library card, you can use that to tap into countless online resources from home! Not to mention ebooks, music, movies etc! and best of all it’s ALL FREE!!!
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Thank you!
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Yes, but unfortunately you physical have to go there for Ancestry et al. It's a r/t Uber ride and you can only use their computers for 1 hour. Plus it's usually crowded and there's a waiting list.
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Thank you @kyle kylereynolds for that info!
I honestly didn’t think about the negative parts, when I was posting that🤔, and unfortunately, a lot of what you said is true for some folks, especially for those who live in the more populated areas 😑.
However, some libraries (in addition to all the other great features and benefits of having and using a library card) actually do offer access to some great genealogical databases, resources and info from home.
I was able to use my card through my state library site to access a treasure trove of historical resources and info that I otherwise wouldn’t have realized was out there and available to use 😊. I chose to share thjs tip because
#1 - I love researching family history, I love to learn new things, and most of all, I LOVE helping others in any way I possibly
can 😊.
#2 - it’s FREE 😃
#3 - there are lots of people who aren’t aware of all the awesome benefits of a library card - it’s a great (and don’t forget FREE) way to access almost limitless books and resources, (among other things, like for instance my local library allows you to check out things like kindle, tablets, iPads and MP3 players, movies and games, free music, movies, and book downloads, and so much more!!!
But my main reason for posting was because there are so many people who aren't, or may not be aware of all the great benefits of having a library card.
Many don't have access to/or just simply can’t afford the luxury of computers, smart phones/tablets, and/or internet at home 😔.
So, hopefully the info from this post will reach those folks who otherwise wouldn’t have access to some/most of the resources needed to research their family history 🤗
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🙏🏻 If you’ve never logged in to your local, state, or any library with your card, I highly recommend it! There’s so much info and so many options and resources available it’s mindnumbingly awesome!
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I was visiting another state and wished that I had some of the perks of the local library there. I was told that I could sign up for a library card, even though I didn't live there! I now have a library card from a Michigan library! I really enjoyed searching their local databases.
Moral of the story is that it never hurts to ask how to get a library card! I did have to show ID, but I was not asked to prove a local address. My address is where I really live.
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Yes many places will allow this, or they will give you a temporary card to use during your stay. Also, many libraries will allow you get a temp card online in order to access their resources online. I love it !
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Is there a familysearch Family History Center near you? Free computer use, free access to many premium sites, free one-on-one help. On familyseach.org just go to help, then contact us. It will list many available resources near you.
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Many libraries will allow you to pay for a card as well. And if you didn't know, most libraries don't care if you close your account with them when you move. I have moved several times and still have access to libraries from previous residences. They all have different online resources and genealogical resources. Awesome topic to bring up, @X24mom X24mom !
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https://www.familysearch.org/locations/ This is the official link for locating a family history center near you. Everyone is welcome to use the facilities. These centers are staffed by volunteers. There are many sites available for free.
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Thank you 😊 @Anne LoForte Willson 😊 I’m having an issue with out of state libraries... most the online content id like to explore, is unavailable to me because I’m not a student and or I don’t live in that state. That has been the most frustrating library experience for me. But with a library card you can still access a great deal of Info! Lol now i just have to figure out how to get access to others lol
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You may be able to request books to be sent to your library through Interlibrary Loan. If you ask your local librarian, they can check into this for you. I have done it as a library patron and also as a student. Sometimes, I have had to pay a small fee, but other times my library covers the fee for me. I have had to look at the books from the library, rather than be able to check them out.
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