Welcome to the FamilySearch Family History Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am Elder Beardall. And I would like to show you around this remarkable facility. Our collection of genealogical records is unlike any other. It is the largest collection of its kind in the world and includes the names of more than 3 billion deceased individuals. People have probably heard of the Family History Library but just have no idea what resources we have here. We have over 2 and 1/2 million rolls of microfilm, thousands and thousands of books, a lot of computers. Sometimes we have tourists from China. And they're really surprised that they will find their records in the United States. FamilySearch was founded in 1894 by the Church of Jesus Christ for the purpose of helping people connect with their ancestors. Concerned that vital records that verify the existence and lineage of thousands of people are lost daily to decay, neglect, war, and natural disasters, the society began an effort to gather and preserve these records. Since then, we have copied records in various forms from individuals, governments, and churches of all denominations from countries all over the world. These records are stored southeast of Salt Lake City in the Granite Mountain Records Vault. Excavated 600 feet in the side of a mountain, the vault is a carefully controlled environment for long-term records storage. This monumental storage facility holds the equivalent of more than 70 Libraries of Congress. More than 60 million digital images are added to the collection each year. The Family History Library houses copies of these records and makes this vast collection available to the general public free of charge. We've helped millions of people all over the world delve into their family history and discover a feeling of belonging and history as they use the FamilySearch resources to explore their family tree. We had this family mystery that had lasted for over 150 years because of a divorce back in 1850 in Iowa. We had no idea what became of the father of the family. And we finally solved this family mystery with the help of the resources right here at the Family History Library. We found cemetery records. We found county histories, vitall records, found his parents, found his siblings, extended the line back three more generations. And through those same kinds of resources, we were able to come forward and find a living descendant who we're now in contact with and sharing family information, family pictures. My mother's mother was a British girl. About a year ago, year or year and a half ago, a database came out of all people leaving England from 1890 forward. I went in there and did some searches. And I was kind of surprised. I found her with her family leaving England and then three children that I didn't know about. My mother never knew that she had family from this side of the family. There was no relatives that she was ever in contact with. So where do you start your own journey to make a connection with your family? The main floor is an excellent place for beginners. It houses a large computer area where you can start your research. There are also hundreds of printed family histories and biographies. There is a lunch room with vending machines and microwaves for your convenience. There are also lockers for you to secure your personal belongings while you're here at the library. The two upper floors house the United States and Canada collection. Microfilms are located on the second floor. And the book collection is located on the third floor. Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America can be found on the first lower level. Collections for the British Isles, Australia, and New Zealand can be found on the second lower level. Directories are located near the elevators on every floor to help you know where the records of a country, state, or province are housed. Many of the records are available to be searched by computer. On every floor you will find computers and printing and copying facilities. For records found on microfilm and microfiche, films are stored in large filing cabinets and are read with film viewers available for both right- and left-handed patrons. Some films are stored in the vault and need to be transferred to the library. So please let us know in advance of the day you will need it. You're welcome to make personal copies of records that you find. You can save digital records or print them out. You can also make copies of microfilm and microfiche. You'll need to obtain a library card to pay for printouts and copies that you make. The library also offers access to several other online resources, such as subscriptions to other paid genealogical sites that you can use at the library free of charge. Complimentary wireless Internet access is also available to those who wish to use their laptops. It's just such a blessing to have a place like this facility, where you can come and have access to numerous websites that would cost you a small fortune if you had to subscribe to every one of them at home. With all the things that are becoming available, research that would take hours and hours just three or four years ago, now portions of it we can do in a matter of seconds. Don't be afraid of tackling your family history. You won't be alone. We have a helpful, friendly staff of experienced genealogists and librarians as well as many volunteer missionaries who are available to help you in your search free of charge. Each of the five research floors has a research counter staffed by genealogists who can assist you in finding information about your ancestors. We invite you to take your specific research questions to them, regardless of whether your questions are simple or complex. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance at a research counter. We can help you identify the next step, analyze your record, or even assist with reading old handwriting. Library assistance is available at any Access Services window found on each floor the library near the copying facilities. They can help you find a book, a film, or other library resource. They can also help you request film stored in the vault. Missionaries are also roaming the library and can assist you in finding whatever resource you need. For us, it's a dream job. We're here because we love this work. And so we will use every tool at our disposal to help patrons find their ancestors and to have a successful and happy experience. While you're here at the library, you may wish to take advantage of our free computer and research classes. Class schedules are available in the library lobby and by the classroom doors on each floor. When you return home, you can continue your research, using our website, FamilySearch.org, and obtain further assistance in one of more than 4,500 family history centers worldwide. To find the center nearest your home, you can search online on our website, www.FamilySearch.org. As you build your pedigree, we invite you to share your family history with others. You are also welcome to donate published copies of your records to the library. The history you compile will be a legacy for your family members and future generations. Thank you for visiting the Family History Library today. We invite you to return as often as you would like. We wish you success with your research. And remember, we are here to help you discover your family heritage. We love to help patrons find their ancestors, to see them come back with the smiles on their faces, occasionally a tear in their eye, because they've found an ancestor. And they're so happy and thrilled about that. They've connected with the past. And they've found what they've come looking for.