The Church History Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Gail
- Sep 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 13
Salt Lake City , Utah
About:
Located on East North Temple Street kitty-corner to Temple Square, this is a special collections library and archive of historical documents and artifacts related to the Church. Historical records have been collected ever since the Church’s founding in 1830, and the holdings include materials published by and about the Church, pioneer journals, photographs, correspondence, minutes of meetings, deeds, etc. from around the world. Some materials may have access restricted because of privacy concerns and copyright issues. What is available from the stacks is very limited and cannot be checked out.
Through the library’s card catalog, you can access digitized materials online. To view the library’s unpublished holdings, such as those preserved on microfilm, an appointment to use the Reading Room is required. Library staff are also available to help answer research questions through the Ask Us portal.
You can find more information about the library, its policies, and services on its website.
My Opinion:
I have found at least half of the historical material for my stories at the Church History Library, both through in-person visits and by accessing digitized materials online. The library staff has always been very helpful, including when I’ve requested detailed information about obscure local Church practices in the 1800s.
Preparation is key when visiting the library. For one thing, to use the Reading Room you must register and view an instructional video about library policies once a year. You also need to make an appointment to use the room, but that saves time in the long run because the materials you want to view will be there waiting for you.
On one of my infrequent trips through Salt Lake some time ago, I made the mistake of thinking I could run in for a few minutes and accomplish something useful. Now, my goal is to set aside at least a half-day for each visit, particularly when I want to use the Reading Room.
