The Family History Library, located in Salt Lake City, is the main repository for most of the genealogical information collected by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Family History Library catalog on www.familysearch.org lists thousands of titles concerning genealogical records from around the world.
Registered readers may order Family History Library microform at the Newberry Library. To place an order, please visit the Reference desk on the 2nd floor. Microfilms cost $5.50 per reel, and remain at the Newberry for 1 month. They can be renewed twice for 60 days each time, for a renewal fee of $5.50 per reel. Each microfiche sheet costs .15 (there can be several sheets per title). It takes approximately 2-4 weeks for orders to arrive.
A new policy at the FHL allows the Newberry to keep microfilms that have been renewed twice. We can also order microfiche and keep it without renewing it. Each reel of microfilm for permanent loan costs $16.50 ($5.50 for the initial order, $5.50 for the first renewal, and $5.50 for the second renewal). Each microfiche sheet costs .15..
To add microfilm to the Newberry's collection, you can pay the $16.50 when you place your order, or pay for renewals as you go. To add microfiche, you pay for it once; there are no renewal fees necessary.
Films are available for a month after the last renewal date. Microfiche will be kept for a month after it arrives. At that time, the items will be sent for cataloging. If you need access during the cataloging process, contact us in advance of visiting the library.
After the films and fiche have been entered into our online catalog, they will be accessible in one of two ways. Titles pertaining to the Chicago area will be kept open shelf in the cabinets behind the genealogy reference desk on the second floor. Titles pertaining to other localities will be placed in the stacks, and a call slip will be needed to retrieve them.