Remember to take a thumb drive with you to the Family History Library because a great deal of the information there isn't online and / or can't be posted online due to usage agreements with the source owners. Add your name or a unique identifier on the outside of your thumb drive because many library patrons forget that they've left their drive plugged into a library computer. The collection of lost drives can be huge in the lost and found. Most of us won't remember an exact description of our drive to aid in its recovery. Experienced researchers usually have a text file on their drive(s) labeled "Owner Information" or a similar name that contains their contact info. WiFi is available to patrons of the library but image file sizes and numerous other issues are resolved via a thumb drive. Take a research plan with you to maximize your chances of research success. You may want to visit the FamilySearch Catalog at home prior to the trip and identify the books and films you want to view while in the library. Many seasoned researchers print the catalog page at home and write notes on the reverse side in the library, thus their notes are sourced automatically and can be scanned later for digital preservation. The information you discover may or may not fit on a piece of paper and it may or may not be worth the time to write on the paper, but a short note on it will create a memory entry that helps you decipher the quick notes and thoughts that you left for your future self. Lastly, take $$ change with you for use in the vending machines in the break room that is located in the northeast corner of the main floor. Most folks think that they will leave the building for lunch, yet when they start finding information, they rarely want to leave their research table or desk for longer than a few minutes. It's easy to discover that your time in the library is too valuable to be wasted in such a 'mundane activity' as lunch.

I wandered in here as I was walking by and I’m so glad I did! A nice lady immediately came over and greeted me and helped me to set up my family tree. She helped me complete some research and learn more than I ever knew about my ancestors. Once we came to a good stopping place, she printed out a free, large format poster of my family tree. They also have some interactive sections throughout which are fascinating. You can see which famous people you’re related to – for me, it was people like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, etc. Their iPad implementation is pretty slick. You sign in on an iPad and walk around to the different exhibits. Each has a bit touchscreen monitor. You snap the iPad into it and it instantly pulls up your info. Overall, this is a must-visit for SLC visitors.

I have given 5star reviews 3 times in my life. My first visit was a little rocky. You don't have to be black to help black people with their family tree. The first person to help was amazing until we got to my Grandparents and she offered to get a black person to help, because "they know how to look at that stuff". BTW, the black person couldn't help. I was able to get started and I came back the next day. I wish I had the person's name but she was awesome!!! We were able to put together the puzzle pieces and find documents going back 3 generations. She was patient and knowledgeable. Since we are still dealing with covid, I didn't hug her, but I wanted to hug her. I now have enough info to continue the search on my own,until I can get back.

May 2023 visit. We dropped in to check things out thinking an hour would suffice. A warm greeting from Mr David Ragar and some thorough instructions along with his guidance, we ended up spending nearly 2.5 hours going through the genealogical search rabbit hole! With the power of the Internet and my wife's extended families' historical sleuths, we were able to see the lineage back into the 800s. This was such an amazing experience and made even more enjoyable with the help we received from the team at the FamilySearch Center. We highly recommend this experience!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

Exceptional facilities and loads of people who don't think genealogy is a waste of time. All staff and volunteers exceptionally friendly and capable -- if they don't know something, they go find out. My computer's behavior baffled one long-time volunteer and we had the IT guys at my station in under three minutes! If you don't have your own portable computer, they have, literally, hundreds. Most of their collections are available on line at FamilySearch but there are some things only available on site, due to copyright restrictions. Even if you don't strictly "need" to go to the library, it's an education in genealogy -free.

I've had the opportunity to go once a year for the past three years and have had great success. I love that I have so many resources available to me in one place. They also have classes you can take for free which have been helpful. I'm also grateful for the trained professionals who are happy to help and guide me when I've hit a brick wall. This is why I keep going back. I do all that I can from home and then I need someone to help me look in another direction. There are also some senior missionaries who are very knowledgeable who've been quite helpful. They're all amazing!! I'm looking forward to going again next year.

Bucket list item for me. Incredibly impressive collection of artifacts, books, film, online research available. Located in Temple Square. Easy access by walking or a nearby parking lot. I only had about 6 hours. Wish I could've stayed longer. I'm sure I would never get through all of the information relevant to my family, but definitely want to try! At least 4 floors of history plus online. Some of the staff are volunteers. I found them to be very knowledgeable and super willing to assist me.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Extremely helpful people to assist you. I visited on a weekday morning in order to continue genealogical research on my great grandparents. I was warmly greeted at the entrance, escorted to the research room which is chock full of well lit computer workstations. I explained what I was working on and just a few minutes later I was helped by two kind and knowledgeable ladies. They showed me how to use the database more effectively than I had been doing on my own. In two hours I learned a lot and was made to feel welcome. Many thanks to the LDS for this fine service and their kindness.

I have been to the Family History Library on several occasions and found the Librarians to be knowledgeable, helpful, kind, attentive, resourceful, experienced, and excellent teachers. There is no end to their tenacity when it comes to difficult finds and knotty family trees. Their patience and kindness is truly remarkable. I have never been there at a time when there aren't ample computers available and help at the ready. I have made leaps and bounds in my family tree thanks to this remarkable place. My single complaint is that I wish the Library was open on Sundays.

This library is an amazing place! You are greeted right away and given the opportunity to ask for help finding your family history! There is a place for little ones to play, while you research. There are well spaced computers with comfortable seating. If you need help there are lots of people who are qualified to help with research. After opening an account you can connect the branches of your family tree or discover who you are related too! They also have the option to print your family tree and take it home. All these services are free!

If this place doesn't get you excited about genealogy then nothing will. Everybody leaves here happy. Here's my worst pun ever: It's all about the people. Meaning both the people who serve in this library (the friendliest, most energetic you'll meet) and the people you'll discover in your history using the cool, fun tools available here. The experience overall is a mix of technology and human emotion. Be prepared to learn. It's all free of charge, and anybody can do it--even if you didn't think you had family history records anywhere.

I obtained all I needed and am grateful. The resources and atmosphere are perfect for research. My only complaint is that if you need help from a specialist, come with some extra time on hand. Each time I spend 30 minutes with them redoing what I've already done to come to the same conclusion. Perhaps this familiarizes them with my data, but it is hard to sit through. Fortunately, once they're done with that part, I've always learned a great deal about techniques and resources that aid me in further research.

One of the best places I have been to in Salt Lake Downtown!! The volunteer staff are very helpful...both with beginners and advanced FamilySearch patrons. A gperson with limited or no experience with computers or research skills can start at the basics and get help with learning how to navigate thru historic records as often as they can make it in...or from home with what they learn in the FamilyHistory Centers around the world...in multiple languages...and they only pay for printing costs.

I cannot say enough good things about our experience here! One of the women helping out with researching ancestry assisted my fiancé and I with building family trees online and we learned so much in just an hour! I would HIGHLY recommend stopping by if you're in the area and taking advantage of the kind and courteous workers, and their vast knowledge!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

The Family History Center is an absolute must. The staff at the center is kind and patient with helping you locate your family roots. It's an extremely well-organized operation and the facility is beautiful. The free Family Search app has helped me digitize our entire family's genealogy, so I am so grateful for this service. Pro Tip: - Download the "Family Search" app to continue genealogical exploration. You can even upload family photos to your virtual family tree!

Amazing resources. The trick is to use the Library for when you're stuck. Know the country and people you're trying to find before getting to the Library, then ask a person who is a specialist in the country you're looking for. Stay away from the main floor if you have tough questions. Don't be afraid of wandering through the card catalogue either. Lots of amazing resources you can find on the places and communities ancestors lived in even if you can't find a record.

I am currently serving a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints in the family history library. It is very exciting and satisfying to know that I can help others by teaching them how to search for their family. I am from Rochester New York, and this is an exciting place to work, there are many resources at the library. We are excited to help any all who visit the library.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

We really enjoyed our visit here with our children and grandchildren. The hosts guided us in smaller groups for a much more personalized experience. We particularly enjoyed the Foundations of Faith exhibit. The younger grandchildren were able to play with puzzles and stories while the older grandchildren enjoyed the exhibit. One of my grandchildren searched and found my name listed on a report from a project I worked on over 45 years ago.

Three years ago I telephoned the Family History Center in Salt Lake City asking for assistance in researching my grandfather, a famous amateur athlete in Montreal, Canada. The young lady who fielded my call was not only polite but extremely knowledgeable. Thanks to her research skills I was able to unearth extensive sports articles that eventually led to my grandfather's admittance into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.

The Family History Library is a genealogical dream. There are so many resources, domestic and international, I was floored. Not only are the staff/volunteers knowledgeable but the staff are from all over the world so if you are lucky enough to be researching a country with a local volunteer you have a huge advantage. We spent five hours with a woman from Poland who helped us patiently through multiple resources in Polish.

It’s a amazing place to search about your family history! The technology they use is amazing! The environment is relax and you can record videos, audios and write more about your history in the FamilySearch account. The employees are kind and friendly, even though I already have my family tree, know this place helps me to keep knowing about my genealogy and record my histories. Easy to arrived by BlueLine train or car.

From your local guide William Robinson. Well I have been all over everywhere including Pittsburgh PA, and delivering the Gospels and the Word of Heavily Father, but there is that wonderful place called Utah U.S. and everything and everyone that I have spoken with are Hungary for the Word of God. But we can't forget who Jesus Christ is Our Savior. Alma 1:3 Book of Mormon.

Wonderful resources and very helpful people. If you are a person who likes to work on their own though, be careful about asking for help. Once one of the helpers sits down with you to answer one question you cannot get rid of them! The people there so love what they do and are so anxious to help that oftentimes you have to almost be rude to get them to go away!

This place is a family history buff's dream! I had help from a wonderful woman who helped me trace some of my paternal ancestors. I feel badly that I made her nervous by hovering over her shoulder, but I was *so excited* to see everything she was finding. Such a great experience, and one that I would recommend to anyone looking to dig into their ancestry.

I recently visited this site as a first timer. I had a wonderful experience. I was initially assigned a helper and he got me acquainted with the library. Next, I needed assistance on some German ancestors and I was assigned a person who spoke German. Both were very helpful. I left with several ideas to help continue my research when I got home.

We dropped in to see what services are offered. We spent an hour with 2 people, 1 who gave us a tour and a 2nd who showed us how to use the software and then explained what resources are available. They have offices worldwide.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Such a wonderful experience! The helpful docents greet you and offer assistance as soon as you walk in the door and throughout your entire stay! I had 3 helpers, so many confirmations of the work I've already been doing and so many helpful tips and tricks to continue to help me with my ancestors! EVERYONE interested in genealogy should go!

I was told this is the best Genealogy Research Library in the entire world and I was not in the least disappointed. The staff is kind and amazingly helpful even if I did not catch on by my 10th visit. I was able to trace my family back to the Medieval Ages! Incredible place if you are curious about your ancestry.

This place is fabulous! I was not expecting the staff to be so lovely and helpful. I was able to get further in my genealogy in 1 hour than years of work I've put in myself. I was even able to meet 3 distance cousins while there! Not only that they will show you what famous people you are related to....so cool!!

This wonderful place is "one of a kind" in the entire world!!! I have known people to stop-in while killing-time between flights, free shuttle from SL International in season, got hooked on Family History and stayed for a week! An absolute must experience while in Utah, even if you live here, check it out!!

Fascinating, free and great helpers, David as our host and then Janice as our coach using the app. A bonus was 2 hours free parking on Saturday. We can log in from home and keep going.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This place has Very knowledgeable missionaries who know there stuff and the Discovery Center is amazing . I would recommend this to anyone who wants to get start on their Genealogy they also have many people who specialize In different research areas to help you out. This is a must see for all.

The staff are friendly and nice always willing to help you with finding the resources you need, or guiding you to the floor you need to go to. The discovery center is amazing the activities are fun for all ages and the staff are always willing to awnser any questions that you may have.

Wish I had more hours/ days to stay there. My first visit, very nice folks. Their courteous assistance was very much appreciated. Go prepared with specific dates, names, spelling, geographical areas. Give them as much information as you have to help them help you best.

It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. You can see where your ancestors are from, see what famous people you're related to, get popular information from the year you were born, take pictures in front of a green screen from where your ancestors are from.

This was SO fun to visit, I didn't want to leave! They have awesome big screens that can tell you all about your family & history, and you can print a chart of 7 generations back in a beautiful fan chart for free. These prints will be a family treasure …

Today I wasn't able to park in the parking lot but luckily I was able to find one spot in front of the library. Once inside I was able get get help on the research I have been working on. Great people there. Lots of computers to work on. Clean and organized.

What a wonderful experience! My man and I were visiting SLC and he wanted to go here and I'm so glad he did; we had a WONDERFUL guide, Elder Carter, he was so welcoming, knowledgeable and made the experience so great. HIGHLY recommend you check this out!

The missionaries there are friendly and busy helping so many other people all of the time gathering family history information and applying it as requested. The building has been redone and looks marvelous! What a wonderful work they are blessed with!

Lovely Main Floor remodel! Fun place to visit to learn about your roots. Good for family historians from beginner to expert!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

While I am not Mormon, and their main goal is to convert those that aren't members and to baptize the dead that they find... This is an amazing family history library with knowledgeable staff. They can truly be helpful in finding your ancestors.

One of the best if not the best Library in the world for family history. Their collections are immense and those working there are experts in their field. They will assist anyone from absolute beginners to experts with their Family History.

Anytime I am in Salt Lake City, I make sure I visit this wonderful facility. The volunteers and staff are so helpful. It’s amazing the resources available to find your family ancestors. I am amazed by the entire operation. Thank you.

Excellent three days - wish I could have stayed longer. Superb, helpful, friendly, knowledgeable research assistants guided me through my goals. Amazing library packed full of information about our ancestors. Patience brings success.

Incredible resource. Not everything one needs can be found searching online. There are many records that are only available through their system or via a book. Great place to do your genealogical research. The staff is helpful too.

As always, a friendly and helpful volunteer staff. With their re-opening, they are giving out gift bags while they last. The new research floors are amazing - high tech and lots of workspace and dual+ computer screens. …

Frauds absolutely disgusting false Information you should not allow people to change personal family history your policy of your online services are false misleading and your people are passive aggressive you deserve a lawsuit

Excellent service. The volunteers here were very helpful. I found exactly what I needed very quickly.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

The first time I walked into the Library I did not know what to expect. I was their for something else other than family history work, but boy did I do it! The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is addicting!

I was struggling with a document I had in Latin. They had 2 missionaries there that could help me as well as others that were able to give me some direction in researching my Irish ancestors! Love this place!

Fun place for a family to go explore for the day. On the main floor they have a really fun interactive way to get to know more about your family. If you have time during your day a really recommend visiting.

I had such a wonderful experience during my visit... the staff, who are all mostly volunteers, was so incredible, very helpful and so friendly! The resources are amazing I highly recommend it to everyone!

Staff was largely unhelpful and incompetent. One Elder even made an extremely rude comment regarding my family heritage. Apparently the Portuguese are simply “drunken Spaniards”? Completely unacceptable.

Really disappointed in their hours - only weekdays until 5 PM. I was coming through town on two different days - a Wednesday and a Saturday and there was no way to make this work with our schedule. Sad.

Visit the Family History library. Amazing the amount of information that is available. I had fun viewing my past and some ancestors. If you are into family history this is the place. Help is available.

This is a fun place to learn about your family and past. Even kids enjoy it!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

I go to the Family History Library (FHL) every week for work. It is the best place to search for your ancestors! They have many rolls of microfilm, books and access to many genealogical websites.

This was such an incredible place. The staff was extremely friendly and very helpful and the research options and displays were phenomenal! I wish I lived in the city. I would be here every day.

Be ready to spend some time. If you really want to dig into your family.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

I called ahead and asked for an Italian researcher/ expertise in the historical records. What an amazing experience because I think I found my second great grandparents from Italy!! Amazing!

Great place great and helpful people. Very supportive/informative volunteer and specialists staff. Facilities are state-of-the-art. Exhaustive databases and reference materials. …

I've never been upstairs yet to do the medieval research but downstairs isVery enjoyable it's all updated and they have helpers there that are missionaries to guide you through the system

The missionaries here were so helpful, and were nearby if we needed them, but didn't hover. We enjoyed this experience so much, and loved seeing where our people are from! Thank you!

What a wonderful experience. The volunteers really make you feel comfortable and well served. Information is abundant and the restrooms were the cleanest I have ever experienced.

We had a great experience discovering some of our ancestory and how to further study it. The staff is very helpful and will gladly show you how to navigate your family history.

Best place to start your search in ancestry. Love it.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Amazing! You can easily spend several days there finding new things about your family. My only regret was not spending more time there. The technology will blow you away.

Best Family History Library I have ever been to! The staff are very helpful when you need help with family history research or to answer any questions. Highly recommend!

Everyone is friendly and wanting to help you. They made us comfortable and relaxed as they worked with us & Teaching us. Glad we stopped and will definitely be back.

Fun, fast way to start your family tree.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

I had such a great experience here! I didn’t know what I was doing, but Glenda helped me out and was so kind and funny. I was able to learn a bit about my family!

Wish I lived closer. Peaceful spirit + productive with helpers. Loved it!!!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

There are people, who can help with the family history in almost any language spoken on our planet. The stuff is really knowledgeable, eager to help and caring.

An incredible geneolgical resource. I can't think of any other source of records that comes close to this library's depth of information. Absolutely amazing.

I did get one record that they had on.micro film everything else could have been acquired online. They were extremely helpful and did show me a few things

The largest collection of ancestry records in the world. Friendly helpful staff, computer workstations, microfilm readers, scanners, all no charge.

Volunteers were so helpful and kind. So many fun and informative activities. Hands on. Kids even had a blast! Stayed so much longer than expected.

When you walk out behind a pack of teenagers talking about how awesome that was, you know it was good. Very helpful and enthusiastic volunteers.

Great place to scan many family photos, slides, etc. for free. The staff was very helpful and it was easy to upload the photos to google photos.

Everyone was so helpful.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

They will help you on everything even due typing for you what ever you need help someone is there to help. Just think you can due it for free.

I save my most challenging research for Salt Lake. I have gotten wonderful help here! I wish I lived in Utah so I could get here most often.

What an amazing experience! I was able to find family records that I’m sure I would never find on my own. Everyone was so kind and helpful.

I can not express how happy I was with my Familt History experience. My sister & I learned so much. Everyone was so helpful and kind.

This is the first place I have been able to locate accurate information about my great-grandmother. Expect to spend a few hours here!

A fun stop on a tour of temple square. Learn about where you are from, how you are related to others and get help finding ancestors.

The staff here are very helpful. Was amazed at how knowledgeable the older folks were with the Family Tree and Memories app. …

Great place to learn about your family history! They also have amazing people to help you with anything you have questions about!

Haven't ever been, needed A LOT of help and experts at genealogy and it was worth every minute! Wish they had this in Michigan!

Wonderful experience! Friendly people and very informative. Great time for the whole family.
Price for adult entry
Free

I have gone here multiple times. This place does not disappoint. It is so much fun and is a place to bring your kids. 10/10

The largest genealogical library in the world w/ > 1 billion names in out Tree, plus we add 1.5 million new names each day.

Exceptionally good help and great computer programs unbelievable staff. So knowledge and helpful. Cant wait to visit again

I guess it is exciting for many US citizens. But not much to see for Turkish citizens, because there are no records on us.

Staff was extremely friendly and helped my boyfriend trace his genealogy hundreds of years back. Will definitely be back

A great place to go and learn and search who your ancestors are and where you have come from. Facial Comparison is fun.

Exhibit on the first floor is amazing! I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning about their family roots!

Amazing place to go to explore your family's roots. Super cool using cutting-edge technology and great friendly staff.

One on one help with what we were trying to find! Excellent service
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Great experience. What made the experience exceptional was the volunteers and their knowledge and assistance. Thanks