By Anne R., Reference Librarian
Researching family history is a popular pastime, and one that people feel passionate about. In response to many requests for help with this specialized research, the Downtown Lansing branch of the Capital Area District Library is offering several classes on the topic.
First up is Basic Genealogy, with plenty of valuable tips for those just starting their research. Held on Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., it focuses on how to use CADL’s two specialized genealogy databases. Both include a wealth of information: census records, birth, marriage and death records, and much more. You’ve probably seen commercials for the home edition of Ancestry. But why pay for that when you can get the Ancestry Library Edition for free? Come in to any CADL branch and access it with your library card. The other database, HeritageQuest, can be used either in the library or from home-just log in with your library card first.
Once you’ve got some genealogical research under your belt, you might want to find an easy way to share it with other family members. That’s where our second class topic comes in. Sharing Your Genealogy Information will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. It will include information on how to set up and use a WordPress blog, so that others can read about your research and discoveries. This class is also appropriate for those interested in learning how to blog on any topic.
Both classes are free but seating is limited, so registration is required. You can do that by stopping by the Downtown Lansing branch at the corner of Capitol and Kalamazoo, or calling (517) 367-6356.
In the meantime, be sure to check out the other genealogy resources available at CADL. To browse our extensive book collection, go to cadl.org/catalog and type “genealogy” into the keyword box. For more information about CADL’s databases, as well as links to other resources in the Greater Lansing area, visit cadl.org and type “genealogy” in the Search Site box at the top right.
The Capital Area District Library Reference Department is located in the Downtown Lansing branch at 401 S. Capitol Avenue in Lansing, MI. Contact them at 517-367-6346 or by e-mail at reference@cadl.org.
Please note that all CADL branches will be closed for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16.
