Family Search Access

FamilySearch Access at Cary Library

FamilySearch has several levels of access to their materials, and materials are progressively restricted.

The majority of FamilySearch’s records are available to the public, for free, online at FamilySearch.org.

Some more-restricted materials are available to people who are using a computer in one of the FamilySearch Affiliate libraries.  Cary is an Affiliate Library, and this gives our patrons access to some of the restricted records.

The most tightly-restricted materials are available for viewing only at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, or one of the regional Family History Centers, using a Family History Portal.  The closest Family History Center to Lexington is the Boston Family History Center at 150 Brown St Weston MA 02493. This Center has very limited open hours; please contact them directly for more information: 1-781-235-2164.

When you try to access a particular database or group of records using FamilySearch.org, if the records are restricted ones, you will see a message saying that access is restricted to FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries, or to Family History Centers.

If the records can be accessed at an Affiliate Library, like Cary, you must log in to your own FamilySearch account, or create one.  Within Cary Library you may use your own laptop or one of our wired or wireless computers for access.

FamilySearch Blog and FamilySearch Wiki are good resources for additional information about using FamilySearch and doing genealogical research.

NOTE: If you need assistance, please check the FamilySearch Help Center.