During the COVID-19 pandemic and the closures of many physical resources that had previously been available to us, we have learned to use technology in our homes to continue our family history research. Our leaders have urged us to do things differently, including, church services, ministering, temple and family history, and missionary work. Many of these new ways of doing things have helped us to see the “silver linings” of what could have been an otherwise dark cloud in our church service.

One of the “silver linings” that came from the closure of the Family History Library in early 2020, was that it allowed for remodeling of the library in downtown Salt Lake City to proceed without disrupting guests in the process. In a blog article written by Diane Sagers, “The Family History Library is Opening Soon – Unveiling the 2021 Remodel“. She details many of the changes made to the Family History Library and improvements in terms of resources available to patrons, and to the physical facility.

Starting July 6, 2021, the Family History Library will begin a phased reopening, with limited hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Hours will be expanded from there, so be sure to check the Family History Library web page for the most current opening status and visitor information.

While the Granite Family History Center is open now, you may want to plan an adventure to the Family History Library, in downtown Salt Lake City, after it opens. If you are like me, you haven’t spent much time downtown since the COVID-19 restrictions began. What a fun time to see the progress of the work on the Salt Lake Temple and visitors centers, and to enjoy spending a few hours in the new and improved Family History Library. Details can be found at the links above.

–Elaine Hardman – GFHC Communications