Good fortune smiled on me recently when I got to visit Provo for a work retreat. Knowing I had to make the most of my two-day trip, I planned a quick getaway to the Family History Library in Salt Lake.

I have been working on a research project for a friend of mine, and several of the marriage records I needed were not available on the FamilySearch website. To access the 8-10 images I desperately needed for my research, I had to visit a family history center. Perfect timing!

After finding a parking space – which can be tricky in the area of the Family History Library – my husband and I were met with friendly faces at the door, waiting to help us with our research endeavor. After getting our instructions, the elevator whisked us to the second floor and the United States collection. There, row upon row of computer stations begged to be utilized.

Docents were available to answer any questions, and I didn’t waste any time. I was able to find all the records on my list and add them to my thumb drive. Complete success!

I can’t say enough good things about my experience at the library. In fact, I can’t wait to go back when I have more time to peruse its offerings.

My top two tips for making the most of your trip:

• Make a list of what you want to research. It’s time-consuming, but it makes your visit so much easier than randomly searching once you get there.
  
• Take a thumb drive! You can print at the library, but it’s much nicer to download the JPGs needed and have them for future use.

To prepare for a visit to the Family History Library, I would suggest checking out the FamilySearch website; it is phenomenal. They have an entire page dedicated to making the most of your first trip to the library. It’s worth checking out!

Moral of the story…if you love to research your family roots, make a trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. You won’t be disappointed.