We're happy to report that we will be reopening for limited access on Wednesday, September 9! Please see this link for our new hours and other information about reopening:
https://www.surreylibraries.ca/news/we%E2%80%99re-opening-september-9.
Our Covid-19 protocols and safety measures are very thorough, as noted in the link above. I would like to highlight the following aspects:
Our first online program, Here are tFun Family History Friday, will be held on Friday, February 25, from 2:30 to 4:00pm. he details about the program and how to participate.
If you have an exact reference to a specific microfilm, book, or database you are welcome to use our document delivery service: https://www.surreylibraries.ca/services/family-history#D
Access from your (Surrey) home to our Surrey Libraries Ancestry account has been extended to December 31, 2020! (This is generously provided to us through ProQuest and their partner Ancestry). Please remember that in order to access our account from your home you will need to (a) live in Surrey; (b) have a Surrey Libraries card; and (c) access through our website here:
https://www.surreylibraries.ca/services/family-history (scroll down until you see the Ancestry login button).
And a reminder that we have our online FUN FAMILY HISTORY FRIDAYS program, this Friday from 2:30 to 4:00pm. Because it is online, you would need to register so that we can send you an invite with an access link. Registration and program information is here: https://www.surreylibraries.ca/events/fun-family-history-fridays?eventdate=%20%20%20%20%20%20Fri%20Sep%2025%20|%202:30%20pm. We hope your can join us!
The family history department is open for your visits. Please note our current hours and covid protocols here: https://www.surreylibraries.ca/locations/cloverdale-branch. We do hope to see you in the branch soon!
If you have any questions, please contact us at familyhistory@surrey.ca or call 604-598-7328.
Just a few updates from our department:
Hello everyone
Genealogy Orientation & Consultation Sessions
These are in-person, one-one-one, in-branch sessions (with full covid safety protocols in place) for anyone new to genealogy OR needing a new direction in their research. A session will include a tour of our department and the resources, databases, and services we offer, as well as some personal consultation to discuss your specific research needs and create a new research plan. Pre-registration is required -- 604-598-7328 or familyhistory@surrey.ca.
Ancestry from Home – Extended to March 31, 2021!
(This is generously provided to us through ProQuest and their partner Ancestry). Please remember that in order to access our account from your home you will need to (a) live in Surrey; (b) have a Surrey Libraries card; and (c) access through our website here:
https://www.surreylibraries.ca/services/family-history (scroll down until you see the Ancestry login button).
New Program: Unlock Your Family Story: writing and publishing your family’s history
Is your family story locked in your accumulated documents and trees? Does your family ask for the stories? Then it’s time to pull it all together and publish that story! Join Brenda L. Smith and Andrea Lister for this five-part online program to guide you through putting your research on the page and packaging it to share with your family. Topics include: preparing to write, editing, legal necessities, choosing the right format, and an assignment to get you started.
Series registration is requested (each session will have different content). Please register for each session individually using the links below:
January 27 -- 6:30-7:30 – Register here
February 10 -- 6:30-7:30 – Register here
February 24 -- 6:30-7:30 – Register here
March 10 – 6:30-7:30 – Register here
March 24 – 6:30-7:30 – Register here
We will be using Microsoft Teams for this online program, a free and secure downloadable app available here. You will need a computer with a webcam and microphone (or headphones), or your smartphone, or iPad/tablet.
Fun Family History Friday
Join us for some lively, open family history discussions. All levels welcome. For this online program we will be using Microsoft Teams. You will need a computer with microphone (or headphones) and webcam, or your smartphone, or iPad/tablet. Preregistration is required.
To register for the next program (December 18), please use the “Register Here” button on this page HERE.
Upcoming dates:
Friday, December 18; 2:30-3:30pm
Friday, January 22; 2:30-3:30pm
Friday, February 26; 2:30-3:30pm
Friday March 26; 2:30-3:30pm
Genealogy Orientation & Consultation
These are in-person, one-on-one sessions (with full covid safety protocols in place) for anyone new to genealogy OR needing a new direction in their research. A session will include a tour of our department and the resources, databases, and services we offer, as well as some personal consultation to discuss your specific research needs and create a new research plan with you. Please call or email us to make an appointment – 604-598-7328 or familyhistory@surrey.ca.
Remember: We are open for in-person visits and research. Time in the library is limited to one hour, with 45 minutes on the computer. We are hoping this will be extended soon. Library and Family History Department hours are here: https://www.surreylibraries.ca/locations/cloverdale-branch
As always, if you have any questions, please email us at familyhistory@surrey.ca, or call us at 604-598-7328.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
“Steps to Our Ancestors”, Nanaimo Family History Society’s one-day genealogy workshop has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 27, 2021.
Our workshop is aimed at newer family historians or those who wish to refresh their research skills.
We have secured our full slate of speakers to provide presentations on topics including starting on the right path, standards of proof, immigration to Canada and an introduction to DNA testing.
We ask that you provide this updated information to your membership.
We will reach out again closer to the workshop date with additional details.
Until then, we hope that you remain safe in these uncertain times.
Kindest regards,
Ruth Stewart
Member - Workshop Planning Committee
“Steps To Our Ancestors” is a full day workshop (9:00 to 5:00) aimed at newer family historians or those who want to refresh their research skills.
Topics include starting on the right path, standards of proof, immigration to Canada and getting started with DNA testing.
There is early bird pricing and the option to prepurchase lunch. The workshop is centrally located at Beban Park, on Bowen Road in Nanaimo. There is ample parking on site.
Most of our club members are senior citizens - I hope you are all well. This is a challenging time. For those of you who are not aware the BC government has increased both volunteer and funded services for seniors through the 211 phone line. They hope to link volunteers with seniors to coordinate services like home delivery of groceries, medications etc. Apparently there are many people looking for ways to help seniors and this initiative is to try and link them with seniors in their community who are needing help or feeling vulnerable. The link below is to a CBC article that outlines some of the details of the program.
Stay well