Cloverdale Library Family History

I've been going to this library for ten years.  It's one of the smaller libraries in Surrey and the books I've requested always need to come in from another branch.  There is a second level but it's a research area and I never went up there.  At the Abbotsford Family History Day, I met the genealogist that works at the Cloverdale Library.  She invited me to a workshop last night.

It's in a very old building but it's been updated.

Lots of history here.  The 72nd Annual Cloverdale Rodeo returns May 18 - 21

This is a quaint community.  If you watched the TV Show Smallville, it was filmed on this street.

This is the second floor of the library

The seminar was very interesting.  I didn't know libraries have access to Ancestry Library World Edition - it's free!  I've been paying Ancestry all these years and I can get all the information I need by visiting the library.  They have four computers dedicated to Family History or you can take your own laptop.  There is so much genealogy information and two wonderful ladies to help you!  They showed us some good tips and tricks using the Ancestry site that I didn't know.  If you are new to genealogy, you should register for this type of seminar.  I am self taught and it would have really helped had I had one of these seminars six years ago!

From the Surrey Library website:

Discover your past, discover yourself! We have one of the largest Canadian family history collections in the country.
Our collection located in Surrey's historic town centre, Cloverdale library maintains the family history collection. This collection has over 5000 microfilms and over 3000 books. Specialized equipment includes:

• Microfilm/microfiche reader/printers
• ViewScan reader with USB capability
• Photocopier

Access genealogical databases:

• Ancestry (at Cloverdale Library only)
• Find My Past World (at Cloverdale Library only)
• Heritage Quest (at Cloverdale Library only)
• Points to the Past
• Scotland Places
• Document delivery services 

The Family History department offers a limited look up service. Staff can research specific records on microfilm, print or database. Research requests must be simple, not requiring extensive research, and include adequate information.

Records are returned either by email in PDF format, fax, or regular mail for a fee of $5.00 per item. Postal or fax charges apply.

• Vital Statistics

BC Archives includes digitized BC vital events records accessible online. Check the BC Archives first when searching for BC birth, marriage and death records. It contains births to 1903, marriages to 1941, and deaths to 1996.

The Family History microfilm collection at Cloverdale Library includes births to 1903, marriages to 1933, and deaths to 1988.

Need help? Contact the Family History department at Cloverdale Library