Family History Library expanding hours to Saturdays, evenings
By Christine Rappleye Nov 1, 2021 7:15 p.m. EDT
Work stations are pictured on the second floor of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' remodeled Family History Library in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.
Credit: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Sister Valerie Chamberlain, left, and Elder Dee Chamberlain explore the newly remodeled Family History Library in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.
Sister Vivian Shaw works in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Family History Library in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.
Starting this weekend, FamilySearch Family History Library in downtown Salt Lake City will be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, starting Monday, Nov. 15, the library is tentatively scheduled to open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, by appointment only, according to the Monday, Nov. 1, notice on FamilySearch.org.
The library reopened on July 6 and was open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., which was Phase 1 of the library's reopening plans. Phase 2 is opening on Saturdays and the extended evening hours.
During the evening appointments, access will be to the main floor unless other arrangements have been made. Individuals and groups, including youth, church and genealogical groups, will be able to make appointments. Currently, appointments can be made via the "Visit Us" tab on the Family History Library website. Evening reservations will be added as they are available. Appointments will be based on space and equipment availability for up to 150 people, according to FamilySearch.
The library will host its traditional "Christmas Around the World" event during the holiday season. The Family History Library will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and also Dec. 23 through Dec. 26. It will reopen Dec. 27. It is expected that to continue the Phase 2 hours through the holiday season.
The library closed for nearly 16 months due to the pandemic and was remodeled during the closure. Updates include workstations, lighting and floor arrangements, an expanded visitor breakroom and more bookshelves.
Several of the library's services for those connecting virtually will continue, including online one-on-one consultations, library look-up services, FamilySearch Communities and a growing selection of online classes and webinars.
Read more: The Family History Library has been remodeled. Here are 6 new things to look for