SALT LAKE CITY --The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has completed extensive upgrades to its Family History Library, the world's largest genealogical research facility, and has marked the 110th anniversary of the Genealogical Society of Utah (GSU). Significant remodeling and reconfiguration of the library focused on improving use of technology and increasing customer convenience.

The library is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in the state. Nearly a million visitors a year come from all over the world to the Family History Library to access its treasure trove of genealogical resources.

Founded in 1894, the Genealogical Society of Utah is the records acquisition arm of the Family History Library and is the primary source of the library's immense collection. Wayne Metcalfe, field acquisitions director, said, "GSU is currently filming genealogical records in more than 40 countries and adds 4,000 to 6,000 rolls of microfilm or digital disks to the library's collection each month."

Over the past century, GSU has acquired more than 2.3 million rolls of microfilm from more than 110 countries and principalities. "The result is the largest collection of genealogical data in the world," Metcalfe said.

More than 200 public-use computers with Internet access are now available to library patrons. "Our guests are always pleased to find that many of the popular pay-per-use genealogy sites on the Web are accessible at no charge through our library computers," said Ray Wright, director of the Family History Library.

Library guests will also find more workspace and more convenient services.. The entire third floor of the library has been opened up to provide expanded working space. Visitors will enjoy new, ergonomic furniture that's more comfortable for longer visits, and photocopies can now be paid for with convenient debit-card-style scanners.

All 80,000 of the library's published family histories and biographies are now located on the main floor of the library. A computer lab with 30 stations has also been added. A state-of-the-art Sorenson VP-100 video phone makes it possible for deaf researchers in the library to have virtual contact with other deaf researchers anywhere in the world.

Classroom space has been expanded to enhance ongoing training programs. Visitors can check class offerings and schedules online at www.familysearch.org.

The library is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 801-240-6535.