Library Members Can Now Have Virtual Access To Ancestry

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Members of the White Oak Library District can now access the Ancestry library virtually to gain access to more than 7,000 databases while practicing social distancing in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Distributed by ProQuest and powered by Ancestry.com, the Ancestry library edition delivers billions of records in census data, vital records, directories, photos, and more.

"It’s an unprecedented online collection of individuals from North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and more," said Beverly Krakovec, assistant director at the White Oak Library District Romeoville Branch.

"Here, you can unlock the story of you with the largest private online genealogy database. It allows users to create virtual family trees to trace their lineage, and get 'hints' about who else could be their ancestors. It also contains historical records that can be connected to family members and used as genealogical evidence. Ancestry harnesses the information found in family trees, historical records and DNA."

The District pays for the subscription and it is made available to all the library visitors. While Ancestry does not allow off-site access, it has allowed the library to provide access to District library card holders during the current COVID-19 crisis.

"Home access is restricted to registered library card holders. White Oak Library District patrons — including Lockport and Crest Hill — can now access Ancestry from home by logging into their library account in the Public Access Catalog and then following the appropriate link," Krakovec said.

Ancestry offers a free 14-day trial, after which you can select from a variety of subscription options.

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