Ancestry website now at Cary Library

With so many people today interested in their heritage, Ancestory.com has been the go-to website for many to reference their family history.
“Ancestry.com has been on many library wish lists for many years,” said Cary Librarian Linda Faucher. “The Ancestry library edition contains more than 4,000 databases of vital records from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and a few smaller countries.”
    The site also provides access to census records, vital information, immigration, family history, military records, legal documents, directories, photos and maps.
So, when a person is researching their family history, Ancestory.com is the precise site for the job.
A person can join Ancestory.com for a trial period of 14 days free or subscribe to the site to find ancestors in the United States  — the Discovery membership is $12.95 a month annually; $16.95 a month for three months or $19.95 a month — and the World Explorer membership to find ancestors worldwide costs $24.95 a month annually; $27.95 a month for three months and $29.95 for a month — but, the good news is that Cary Library has free access to the site.
Ancestory.com came about as a statewide purchase to add to Maine’s MARVEL – Maine’s Virtual Library — and was activated for Maine libraries the second week of October.
“By adding this statewide resource to the thousands of magazines, journals, newspapers and reference books already provided by MARVEL, it levels the field as every individual has access freely,” explained Faucher.
The site provides every resident of Maine with access to a collection of full text articles and abstracts from magazines, newspapers, journals, reference books that are credible and from reputable resources, according to MARVEL’s website.
Ancestry.com is available for all public library patrons in Maine.
“It isn’t available remotely,” explained Faucher. “People are very interested in their family history and being able to provide access to Ancestry databases is exciting as many have been unable to use it because of membership fee costs.”
To access Ancestry.com, a person needs to use a Cary Library computer, alongside its Houlton Area Genealogy Database, which includes historical genealogical information from Houlton and its surrounding communities in the southern Aroostook area.
At the library, go to Cary Library’s website and click on the MARVEL button at the bottom of the homepage. That will direct you to an alphabetical list of databases. Click on Ancestry Library for use within a public library.
The Maine State Library has created three tutorials on using Ancestry.com, which are available on the MARVEL website. Cary Library has a MARVEL direct link button on its website http://www.cary.lib.me.us/ or a person can find it by going to http://libraries.maine.edu/mainedatabases/.
“Our mission statement is to be a cultural and intellectual center for the community providing universal access to knowledge and life-long learning through print, electronic resources, cultural activities, programs and services,” said Faucher. “We collaborate with other community groups to meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of the entire community.”
Cary Library has a partnership with MeInfonet, which allows electronic downloadable books (Ebooks) for the public with electronic devices who wish to read digital media.
“The Ancestry Library edition is another welcome addition for people wishing to explore their roots,” Faucher said.