Finally! The Family History Library is reopening on July 6, 2021
Following is the News Release from FamilySearch:
June 08, 2021
FamilySearch Family History Library Reopening
New patron film scanning station in the FamilySearch Family History LibraryThe FamilySearch Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, announced it will begin a phased reopening starting 6 July 2021. The popular destination service has been closed since March 13, 2020, due to precautions pertaining to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The library serves beginner and professional family history patrons from all over the world and is a popular tourist attraction for the state of Utah. Initially, hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with plans to extend to additional days and hours soon.
“While billions of our records are available online, we realize that many researchers—including professional genealogists whose livelihoods depend on reliable records—are anxious to access records in-person within the library. We know the extended closing has created difficulties, and we are excited to welcome our guests back into a safe environment for continued research and discoveries,” said David Rencher, director of the Family History Library and FamilySearch’s Chief Genealogical Officer.
Rencher says as one of the most popular attractions in the state, it has been tough to be closed for so long, but necessary to ensure the health and safety of staff and guests. When the library reopens, patrons will be asked to respect any prevailing safety precautions at that time. In addition, sanitizing stations are placed throughout the library, and continuous cleaning procedures will also be in place.
New patron workstations at the FamilySearch Family History Library.The library has taken advantage of the prolonged closure to make needed renovations to the facility that will be very exciting to patrons when the doors reopen. “Guests will return to an environment that will significantly improve discovery and research experiences,” said Rencher. Crews have been busy preparing to welcome guests back by remodeling, adding new features like state-of-the-art patron workstations with multiple monitors and adjustable height desks to accommodate sitting or standing preferences, enhanced workflow throughout, and nearly 40,000 books from new acquisition and long-term storage.
The library has added or upgraded the following new, free patron services. They are accessible through the new Family History Library web page.
Guests can sign up for free, online, one-on-one virtual consultations with a research specialist (available in languages).
Library look-up services. If you can’t come to the library, a staff member can retrieve a book from its shelves and help you find what you’re seeking.
In FamilySearch Communities online, guests can get assistance from volunteers worldwide, including locating or interpreting ancestor records, asking questions, or sharing their expertise with others.
Check out the growing menu of popular free online classes and webinars. New selections are offered and recorded weekly and made available on-demand.
In the library, take advantage of improved services to digitize your family photos and artifacts or convert family audio and video tapes to digital media.
FamilySearch family history centers and libraries will open based on the direction of their local ecclesiastical leaders and government guidelines. If you plan to visit a FamilySearch center soon, please call ahead to ensure it is open and its hours of operation.
From: https://media.familysearch.org/familysearch-family-history-library-reopening/
Related: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/temple-square-reopening
Since the Library is reopening, this guarantees that we will have a 2021 Salt Lake Christmas Tour!
At RootsTech 2020, FamilySearch launched an effort to create a new version of GEDCOM based on the 5.5.1 version that would include: 1) new expressivity, flexibility, and compatibility; 2) Zip packaging of associated images and other files with the related GEDCOM file; and 3) public access via a GitHub Repository. Many industry software providers and key influencers participated, and the initiative concluded May 15, 2021.
The newest version is called FamilySearch GEDCOM 7.0. General information can be found at GEDCOM.info. Technical information, specifications, tools, and guides can be found at GEDCOM.io.
The public GitHub repository is the forum for on-going discussions leading to future versions of FamilySearch GEDCOM.
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Thanks Gordon. This is great. I will attempt to learn more and spread the word.