The local Friends of the Library have acquired a new resource for research at Irene Ingle Public Library.
The web-based reference tool, ProQuest’s Ancestry Library Edition, helps users trace family trees more easily. The program maintains millions of family records dating as far back as the 15th century.
In a news release late last week, the library explained the new resource responds to local interest in family history.
“More and more of our patrons want to explore their past, and these resources make it easy and convenient,” explained Wrangell library director Margaret Villarma.
The ALE program can be accessed at the library, either using one of its computer stations or logging in on a personal device on the building’s wireless connection. Digging in to one’s roots using it starts as simply as providing a surname, with a user friendly menu guiding the process along. To make the most of the resource, Villarma recommended users come prepared, with a list of ancestors one wishes to research.
“Make a list of the names of every direct ancestor you can think of,” she said.
Once a search has begun, the program scans through a vast selection of federal and state records, including census data; birth, marriage and death certificates; military records; Social Security documents; and immigration lists. In addition to those domestic records the ALE also has a variety of source materials to comb through from the United Kingdom, which includes Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
This information helps piece together the wider family tree, which the user assembles. Depending on the record, one may discover names of relatives, places of residence and employment, birth or death dates, and other clues that may prove useful to further study.
For those hoping for further pointers on genealogical research, Friends of the Library has arranged for genealogist Teresa Campbell to hold a workshop on November 3. She will also be available for one-on-one consultations the following day, which can
be scheduled by calling 874-3535.
Hailing from Juneau, Campbell had led a similar class here back in 2015.
“Genealogy is a wonderful hobby for anyone who wants to know more about where they came from,” Villarma explained. “We’re delighted to provide resources that are simple enough for beginners, yet provide deep and broad content sets that will help veteran genealogists advance their research.”
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