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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Quitman Public Library Expands Genealogy Resources



 SALT LAKE CITY -- Quitman Public Library in Quitman, Texas, is the newest 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.

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

It is extending access to its collections by circulating microfilms of the historic records through select public libraries. Thanks to Library Director, Delene Allen, Quitman Public Library is now one of those libraries.  “It is a priceless resource for local residents interested in discovering more about their family history and being able to document their research,” says Allen.

“Less than 5% of the world’s genealogical records are available online, and most family history researchers cannot afford to travel to an archive center to find historic records they are seeking,” said Paul Nauta, FamilySearch public affairs manager. “If FamilySearch has filmed the records they need, then as far as they will need to travel to view them is the Quitman Public Library in Quitman, Texas.”

Shirley Patrick, Secretary of the Wood County TX Genealogical Society agrees
the ability to order film like this is a great financial saving to genealogists.”

FamilySearch has over 200 camera teams filming historic records in 45 countries on any given day.  These records are then circulated to public patrons through FamilySearch centers worldwide.  For example, FamilySearch has filmed over 60% of the Civil Registration (birth, marriage and death records) of Italy.  If you have Italian ancestry, chances are you will be able to extend your Italian research by requesting the films from Delene Allen, Director of the Quitman Public Library.

“There is a nominal fee of $7.50 to order microfilm,” Allen says.  “Once it arrives, the patrons use the library’s microfilm reader/printer to peruse it.  Our staff, along with volunteers from the Wood County TX Genealogical Society, can help patrons see what films are available, place film orders and help with research questions.”

Patrons can search the Family History Library Catalog online at FamilySearch.org to see what records are available to order.

Quitman Public Library                               Paul Nauta
Delene Allen                                                FamilySearch Public Affairs Manager
903-763-4191                                               801-240-6498
quitmanlibrarian@gmail                             nautapg@familysearch.org

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