FamilySearch Library
Discover your ancestors for free at the world's largest genealogical library, offering billions of records and expert guidance.
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Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff help
FamilySearch Library
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff help
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover your ancestors for free at the world's largest genealogical library, offering billions of records and expert guidance.
"Amazing place! Very helpful and friendly staff! They offer a website with free account creation to help you find deceased family and relatives!"
Bring Your Laptop! :computer:
Accessing records is easier with your own device. Many affiliate libraries offer free Wi-Fi for FamilySearch access.
Ask the Experts :raised_hand:
Friendly volunteers and staff are eager to help you navigate the vast resources and start your family tree.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Global Record Access
Main Research Area
Explore billions of records from over 200 countries in 120 languages. Your family history awaits!
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Free Ancestry & MyHeritage Access
Computer Terminals
Utilize specialized computers for free access to premium genealogy sites like Ancestry and MyHeritage.
Memory Preservation Center
Second Floor
Preserve old photos, videos, and audio artifacts for free with the help of dedicated volunteers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Unlock Your Ancestry for Free
Navigating the Library
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Laptop! :computer:
Accessing records is easier with your own device. Many affiliate libraries offer free Wi-Fi for FamilySearch access.
Ask the Experts :raised_hand:
Friendly volunteers and staff are eager to help you navigate the vast resources and start your family tree.
Free Premium Access :money_with_wings:
Use dedicated computers for free access to Ancestry and MyHeritage, normally subscription-based.
Preserve Your Memories :camera:
The Memory Preservation Center offers free services to digitize old photos, videos, and audio.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Laptop! :computer:
Accessing records is easier with your own device. Many affiliate libraries offer free Wi-Fi for FamilySearch access.
Ask the Experts :raised_hand:
Friendly volunteers and staff are eager to help you navigate the vast resources and start your family tree.
Free Premium Access :money_with_wings:
Use dedicated computers for free access to Ancestry and MyHeritage, normally subscription-based.
Preserve Your Memories :camera:
The Memory Preservation Center offers free services to digitize old photos, videos, and audio.
Check Affiliate Libraries :world_map:
Many public libraries are FamilySearch affiliates, offering access to records not available elsewhere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the FamilySearch Library for its incredibly helpful and friendly staff, who go above and beyond to assist with genealogical research. The free access to premium databases like Ancestry and MyHeritage on dedicated computers is a major highlight, as is the vast collection of global records. Some users have noted software limitations with non-English characters, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"Amazing place! Very helpful and friendly staff! They offer a website with free account creation to help you find deceased family and relatives! Their specific computers have free access to MyHeritage and Ancestry Institutions that give you access to documents, sources and searches for anyone and anything that might help you build your tree and find who you came from. My wife and I made our accounts here in minutes and were guided through the way their website works and helps you not get too confused! Then we spent hours here before even knowing it! Came back the next day to continue our journey! They also have clean big bathrooms, a snack room to relax and some other technology we haven’t discovered yet! Definitely recommend!"
Ian Campbell
"I’m a genealogist: visiting this famous genealogy center sits on the top of my to do list during this trip. ... and I found my great grandfather! I've heard that they've acquired (or bought) many Chinese family trees from China.
Impressed by the size of the library and massive staff, but stunned at their software: it's fatal that it can't handle non-English characters, given that they collect family trees around the world. For Chinese, it's imperative to be able to display Chinese characters because pinyin is inadequate: one of the family, two children's names have identical pinyin spelling (of course, their names have different characters).
An old genealogy program, PGV, which was developed by a group of volunteers, handles foreign characters (non-26-alphabet) smoothly. I've been using it.
They offer free printing on heavy, glossy paper, which looks great. However, I'd rather have them improve the software program to serve a broader range of languages, which is more meaningful.
The Log Home is being renovated."
Irene Eng
"A plethora of information, resources and assistance with all facets of genealogy! We were so fortunate to draw on the knowledge of Colette, Penny and Paula. They are simply human treasures. They all took so much time to assist in our search for a family member and the staff here made us feel like valued family ourselves! Everyone was so helpful and friendly but these 3 ladies deserve special recognition for all they did for us! Would highly recommend this library and would love to personally return! Thank you, again, ladies!"
William Derrick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The FamilySearch Library is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Temple Square. It's easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and the TRAX light rail system. Parking is available nearby, though it can be costly.
Yes, there are several parking garages and lots near Temple Square. However, parking fees can add up, so consider public transport if possible.
Absolutely! The FamilySearch Library is free and open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.
Hours can vary, so it's best to check the official FamilySearch website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Generally, they are open most weekdays and Saturdays.
Yes, the library is located on Temple Square, which itself is a major attraction. You're also close to other Salt Lake City landmarks and museums.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the FamilySearch Library is completely free. You can create a free FamilySearch account to access their resources.
While not always required, booking an appointment, especially for specialized consultations or workshops, is recommended to ensure you get the assistance you need.
Some records are available online from anywhere, but many are restricted and can only be accessed at the FamilySearch Library or at an affiliate library.
An affiliate library is a public library that partners with FamilySearch to provide free access to their restricted records on-site. Becoming an affiliate is free for libraries.
Yes, the library offers printing services, including free printing on heavy, glossy paper for family trees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The library has a large staff of knowledgeable volunteers and employees who can assist with research, navigating the website, and using the available resources. 
Yes, the library provides numerous computer terminals, many of which offer free access to premium genealogy databases like Ancestry and MyHeritage.
This center on the second floor allows visitors to preserve old photos, videos, and audio recordings for free, with staff and volunteers assisting.
FamilySearch has acquired many Chinese family trees. However, some users have noted issues with the software handling non-English characters, which can be a challenge for languages like Chinese.
The library is generally accessible, with elevators and facilities to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. It's always a good idea to contact them directly if you have specific accessibility concerns.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The library has a snack room where visitors can relax and enjoy their own snacks. There are no full-service dining facilities within the library itself.
Yes, the library is located in downtown Salt Lake City, which offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries within walking distance.
You can bring snacks and drinks to consume in the designated snack room. It's advisable to keep food and beverages away from research areas and equipment.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions in certain areas or with particular exhibits. Avoid flash photography that could disrupt others.
While personal photos are usually fine, professional photography or filming may require prior permission. Be mindful of other researchers and avoid intrusive setups.
The grand architecture, the vast shelves of records, and the specialized computer areas offer visually interesting backdrops. The Memory Preservation Center also provides unique photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a fun activity by having kids help search for names or draw family tree branches. The library's helpful staff and volunteers can also assist in making the experience more accessible and understandable for younger visitors. It's a unique opportunity to spark curiosity about history and personal heritage in a supportive, educational environment.
💰 Budget Travelers
The ability to access premium services like Ancestry and MyHeritage for free on their computers is a significant cost-saving benefit. Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy in the designated snack room to save on food expenses.
👩💻 Researchers & Genealogists
Pay special attention to the restricted records accessible only on-site or at affiliate libraries, as these can often hold the key to breaking down research brick walls.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Unlocking Your Family Tree: A Guide to FamilySearch
+1One of the most significant benefits of visiting the FamilySearch Library is the free access to premium subscription services like Ancestry and MyHeritage. These services, which normally require paid memberships, are available on dedicated computers within the library. This allows researchers to delve deeper into records, discover new branches of their family tree, and access historical documents that might otherwise be out of reach. The library also boasts a massive staff and numerous volunteers who are readily available to guide visitors through the research process, offering personalized assistance and expert advice.
Beyond digital records, the Memory Preservation Center on the second floor offers a unique service: the free preservation of old photos, videos, and audio artifacts. With the help of trained volunteers, visitors can digitize precious family memories, ensuring they are saved for future generations. This commitment to preserving personal histories, combined with the vast research capabilities, makes the FamilySearch Library an invaluable destination for anyone seeking to connect with their past.
Navigating Restricted Records: The Power of Affiliate Libraries
The process for a local public library to become a FamilySearch affiliate is straightforward and free. Once a library is an affiliate, patrons can visit with their own laptops and connect to the library's Wi-Fi to access the FamilySearch website. This allows them to view records that would otherwise be inaccessible from home. This system significantly broadens the reach of FamilySearch's resources, empowering individuals in communities worldwide to explore their family history.
For travelers, knowing about affiliate libraries can be a game-changer. If you're unable to visit the main FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, you can often find a local affiliate library in your own town or in a city you're visiting. This ensures that even if you can't make the trip to Utah, you can still access a wealth of genealogical information and continue your research journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit