FamilySearch Centre, Solihull Central Library

Solihull Central Library is now part of the network of FamilySearch Centres across the world, run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), often called Mormons.   The centres are open to members of the public and you do not have to be a member of the church to gain access to records.

Solihull Central Library is an affiliate FamilySearch Centre, which means that you can order many of the millions of records microfilmed by the church for viewing at Solihull Central Library.

FamilySearch Centres act as branch facilities of the LDS Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.  As the Family History Library in Utah holds records from all over the world, being able to order copies of these to view in Solihull will be particularly useful for family historians researching ancestors who come from outside the UK.

The centres are free of charge to use but there is a charge to order records that are not already held at the centre. The cost is £7.50 to order a film on short-term loan. This will be held at a centre for three months and then returned. If you want to order a film on extended loan, the cost is £18.75. Extended loan films have no return date so remain at the centre on indefinite loan. Some records are on microfiche - these are £3.00 per set and automatically remain on indefinite loan at the centre. You order and pay for the items online via the FamilySearch website.

Ordering FamilySearch records to view at Solihull Central Library

STEP 1: Set up an account with FamilySearch	You need to be registered with FamilySearch to be able to order records. Registering is free of charge at http://www.familysearch.org/films - you just need to have a valid e-mail address. You will also need a credit/debit card (or PayPal account) to pay for your order.
STEP 2: Find the FamilySearch reference numbers of the records you want to order	Search the FamilySearch catalogue for the places and records you want to order. Note the Location and Reference numbers e.g. FHL BRITISH Film 198752 Item 1
STEP 3: Login to the secure ordering site	Login to http://www.familysearch.org/films with your username and password set up in Step 1. Set Solihull Central Library as your default family history centre, if you haven't already done so. Enter the reference numbers of the films you want to order and follow the instructions for placing your order and making payment.
STEP 4: Await confirmation	You will receive a confirmation e-mail when your order is received by FamilySearch and you will also be notified when the films have been delivered to Solihull Central Library. Items are then available for viewing at any time during normal library opening hours.

If you have any queries about how the service operates, or any general family history questions, please contact staff at Solihull Heritage & Local Studies Service on 0121 704 6934 (e-mail: heritage@solihull.gov.uk)