Make Appointment At Local Center

Proof positive the hobby of ancestor searching is fast growing is the crowded conditions of area Family History Centers.

I understand three of the four centers are so busy that patrons compete for table work space and stand in line to use the computer or a reader.

The West Plains Center is empty all too often, and the staff is lonesome and invites you to come on out!

Located near the intersection of Melville and Hayford roads, this center is easy to find: From I-90, take the Medical Lake exit and cross the freeway heading south. Jog right, around a trucking firm on to Hayford Road, and you’ll see the meetinghouse in the distance. Park on the west side and you’re there.

It’s open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; its phone number is 455-9735. Donna and Enoch Lybbert have been directors for years. Their staff of about 30 stands ready to help when you come. However, they suggest you make an appointment for computer time so you don’t waste your travel time.

They have a good collection of books and films on permanent loan, plus two huge drawers of microfiche. Forms and pamphlets are available along with copy machines of all sorts.

I can promise your trip won’t be wasted and you’ll find some good stuff to check while you’re there.

Come on out!

“A-to-Z …”

Here’s the rest of “The A-to-Z Guide to Researching in the Family History Library in Salt Lake City”:

T Thrill: What you get when that long-sought name leaps out at you from the page. It’s an indescribable feeling and worth all the effort and discomfort.

U Undaunted: This is what genealogists must learn to be - fearless and not disheartened. There is always someplace else to look for that elusive ancestor.

V Veteran: What you will think you are by your second visit; try not to show this when working alongside an obvious beginner.

W Wills: Thankfully, many of our ancestors were “willing”. Often the problem is not finding a microfilmed will for your ancestor, but with reading the blurry document.

X Closed: The library closes at 10 p.m.; to some this is a bummer.

Y Youth: More and more munchkins are seen acting like they really know what they’re doing in the library - hooray!

Z Zeal: Essential quality to bring you back time after time to this addictive treasure house of family history and the quality that makes you insufferable to nongenealogists.

Last reminder: If you’d like to come with me on a research trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Jan. 11-18, drop me a note in care of this paper. Make it your Christmas present to yourself.

Cost is $395 with a roommate, which covers all expenses except your airfare and meals. Call Jean Cook at Uniglobe, 466-9398 (or 800-457-6009), for help with your tickets. Questions? My email is mitzi@arias.net

Today’s laugh: Found in a fortune cookie: “Put the data you have uncovered to beneficial use.” Suppose that was written by a genealogist?

Today’s trivia: What was the Southern Bivouac? A magazine carrying articles on the Confederacy, first published in 1882. The Birmingham, Ala., Public Library has the first three volumes.

, DataTimes MEMO: Donna Potter Phillips welcomes letters from readers. Write to her at The Spokesman-Review, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. For a response, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Donna Potter Phillps The Spokesman-Review