British Isles Family History Society – U.S.A. Introduction to the Los Angeles  FamilySearch Library

Background Information

The Los Angeles FamilySearch Library, formerly known as the Los Angeles Family History Library (LAFHL), began operation in June 1964 under the direction of E. Kay Kirkham. The size, facilities, and research materials have grown and expanded remarkably over the years. Formerly known as the Los Angeles Regional Family History Center, the LAFHL holds over 56,000 microfilms, 40,000 microfiche and 6,000 books. The Library has 86 networked computer systems that can access the FamilySearch^® program; 18 microfilm and 1 microfiche reading machines; 2 microfilm printers; 2 microfiche printers; and 2 copy machines for use by researchers. The Los Angeles Family History Library has a particularly strong U.S. research collection and a strong British Isles Research Collection. Many free research classes are taught each month on a variety of countries and topics.

Volunteers staff the Los Angeles FamilySearch Library. There are no professional librarians, but research consultants are often available. The facility is open to the public at no charge.

The new official LAFHL website includes class schedules and other information. The old LAFHL website has no new classes but has online classes and still has all the old information.

There is also an unofficial website maintained by Jon Schweitzer. Jon Schweitzer is also the webmaster for the old LAFHL website. He is not the webmaster for the new official LAFHL website.

You can order LDS Family History Library film and fiche on interlibrary loan, sent to your favorite family history center or affiliate library, for a small charge, online at http://www.familysearch.org/films/