Library offers free online ancestry program
In conjunction with the celebration of Alabama’s bicentennial, Ancestry Library Edition is now available for use at all Alabama public libraries – which includes Russellville Public Library.
The Alabama Public Library Service announced in fall 2016 the much-anticipated arrival of the Ancestry Library Edition database, which is a version of the popular ancestry.com. State acquisition of this database, along with the Chilton Library database, “represents thousands of dollars in savings for Alabama public libraries and immeasurable value for library patrons,” a press release from APLS explains.
Ancestry Library Edition, according to APLS, “puts billions of genealogical resources at the fingertips of any Alabama resident with a library card.”
“We have a lot of people who do their ancestry on their own, but there’s a fee,” explained RPL director Ashley Cummins. “We have a lot of people who will come into the library and do the free trial version … They will be in here working constantly until the trial runs out.” Library patrons who are interested in genealogy can now pursue those details without dealing with free trial limitations.
The APLS has contracted to provide Ancestry Library Edition for one year through September 2017, from a start date of September 2016, with the intention to renew through 2018 and 2019 provided funding remains available.
“Our genealogical records moved to the Franklin County Archives. So it’s nice for us to be able to offer this service to the community,” Cummins said. “Having Ancestry program is exciting for our library.”
“I think everybody likes to know where they came from. It’s part of what makes you who you are.”
In addition to the ancestry program, back by popular demand is the Chilton Library, now available throughout the state. Chilton, APLS explained, is “the world’s most comprehensive and trusted automotive repair database with easy-to-follow, step-by-step repair guidance on thousands of cars and trucks from 1940 to the present.” Chilton Library is available remotely on all platforms, including mobile devices, so library patrons can use it wherever they are.
Step-by-step instructions are available for repairs on everything from vehicle brakes, engines, chassis and electrical issues to drive train, steering, suspension and all other systems.
