FamilySearch Library Policies

Animals are not allowed in the FamilySearch Library unless they are dogs trained as service animals assisting people with disabilities. Animals should have a service animal vest and/or ID. If the animal has no vest, staff or a missionary may ask if it is a service animal. If the answer is ‘yes’ the animal may stay without a vest or documentation. Dogs are not permitted to eat in the Library.

Cell phones and pagers are permitted in the Library. Set cell phones to silent or vibrate. Phones should not ring in the Library. Quiet cell phone conversations are permitted in the Library.

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied and always supervised by a responsible adult. Adults who bring children to the FamilySearch Library are responsible and liable for the care and maintenance of said children, including monitoring and regulating their behavior. Children are allowed to use computers with parental permission. The use of appropriate websites as approved by parents for entertainment purposes is acceptable.

Any defacing of or causing damage to the collection is not permitted. Those who violate this policy will be held responsible legally and financially.

The priority for computer use is genealogical research. As an extension of the physical collection, the FamilySearch Library provides public access to the Internet as an aid to genealogical research work. Guests are expected to use Library computers for this purpose. Any inappropriate use will not be tolerated. Inappropriate use can include viewing websites that portray pornography or encourage the use of weapons, or violence. Intentionally infecting a computer with a virus of any kind is considered illegal and will cause that person to lose privileges in the Library. Using a Library computer for one’s work other than genealogical work is not permitted.

Copies of materials are provided to guests at no cost. Guests are required to follow any printed copyright policy displayed where materials may be copied. Guests should limit themselves to 25 copies per day and 5 copies when someone is waiting.

Disruptive behavior toward others is prohibited. These behaviors include:
• Excessive noise.
• Verbal and/or physical harassment of others.
• Odor constituting a nuisance or a health and safety concern.
• Bringing in personal belongings that are not essential to genealogical research. Bedrolls, backpack frames, carts, or large duffel bags are permitted but should be kept within close proximity of the guest and not occupy space that could be used by another guest.
• Behavior that disturbs others or interferes with the appropriate use of the facility, including inappropriate sexual behavior.

Appropriate dress is required in the FamilySearch Library including footwear. Offensive language or symbols on clothing are not appropriate. Full facemasks or other clothing that obscures identification are not permitted. Masks for health and safety reasons are permitted.

Evacuation of the Library may occur for several reasons and must be done by all in the Library. When a fire alarm is activated or an announcement to evacuate is heard, all must exit the building in an orderly manner.

Please respect our facility and others' belongings. Interfering with, misusing, or damaging equipment, resources, facilities, or others' belongings is prohibited.

Firearms and weapons are not permitted in the Library except by church security and other government law enforcement personnel. Both open carry and concealed firearms are not allowed in the Library even with a concealed carry permit.

Food is not allowed in the Library except in breakrooms on the main and 3rd floors. Water or other drinks may be consumed in the Library only if the drinking container has a lid that will not spill.

Harassment can take many forms, none of which are allowed in the Library. Any action, behavior or words that are unwelcome and demeans, threatens, offends, humiliates or intimidates is considered harassment. Any behavior by a guest, staff or missionary that makes someone feel uncomfortable can be considered harassment and is not allowed.

Harassment can be sexual, verbal, religious, physical, or racial.

Examples of sexual harassment are:

• Coercion
• Discomfort or fear
• Unwanted sexual attention
• Unwelcome touching
• Jokes
• Sexualized conversations or communications
• Repeated requests for dates
• Sexual gestures
• Displaying pornography
• Insults

Other examples of harassment that are not sexual in nature but that are also not permitted are:

• To disparage someone’s race, religion, physical body, dress, or speech.

Individuals who harass others may be banned from the Library temporarily or permanently.

Pornography and other inappropriate uses of the computers is not permitted.

Displaying posters and distribution of literature on Library premises are prohibited unless approved by Publishing Services Department and the Library Director.

Do not leave personal belongings unattended. The Library is not responsible for items that are lost, stolen, or damaged. We encourage guests to use the free lockers available on the various floors. Items left unattended for an extended period of time will be removed to the library's Lost and Found.

Taking Library owned materials out of the building is prohibited. Designated Library staff and security reserve the right to check personal belongings for any Library materials. Removal or attempted removal of Library material is considered stealing and may be subject to legal prosecution and/or loss of Library privileges. Staff who observe possible thefts should handle such situations.

Special Collections houses records with special restrictions to the public. You do not need a Temple Recommend to enter the room. You only need to have a Temple Recommend to view temple records.