Our Community Library
Ancestry.com now available FREE through the library By Michael Beller, Community Library Manager
T
he Contra Costa County Library System has a brand new database for you to enjoy, ANCESTRY.COM! I’m sure that you have all seen the commercials for Ancestry.com, and now you can access it with your library card! There are a few things that you need to know about the Library’s subscription, though. The first is that the database is only available at one of your branch libraries. You can use one of the Library’s computers, or you can bring in your own laptop and log into the Library’s free wireless network, but the link to Ancestry won’t work unless you’re at the library. The next thing that you need to know is that while the Library’s subscription entitles you to their research databases, you’ll need to have your own family tree software (or a paper and pen), you can’t use their family tree software. So, what does that mean? That means that you can freely search Ancestry’s 9000 databases, you have access to Ancestry’s downloadable charts and forms to better organize your research, you can use Ancestry’s message boards to talk with people with the same interests, you can even download documents and photos. It is a really exciting tool. I know because I’ve done it. I searched out some family names that were three generations back, found the address where they lived, found from which country they came from. I even saw the Marriage License Index page where I found
my great grandparents marriage license! And then, using the address I found, I used Google to see what is now where my family’s home was over 100 years ago (It’s still a row house. Outside of a fresh coat of paint in the 80’s, it doesn’t look like it has changed much). All of this made me feel a little bit closer to my family. If you would like to use Ancestry.com, come in to any of the library branches and settle in for a fascinating experience. If you have any questions, just ask us at the Reference Desk. We’re happy to help you out. You can find Ancestry.com with all of the other databases here: http://ccclib.org/researchcenter/ Also, the Ygnacio Valley Library is working hard to bring new programs to the library. Please keep an eye on our online calendar for more author talks, museum lectures, maker programs, Friday yoga, and, for anyone wanting more information on all of the varied library services, there is now a monthly demonstration of our databases and a question and answer session where you can find out all of the library resources to which you are entitled. Our online schedule can be viewed here: http://ccclib.org/locations/ ygnaciovalley.html (and don’t forget that you can always pick up a paper copy at the library). If you have any questions, call us at 925 938-1481 or stop by. We love to see you.
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AUGUST 2019
