Mesa Arizona Branch Genealogical Library

OK, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-​day Saints, I’m biased. However, I’m not employed @ what is now known as the Mesa FamilySearch Library.
As a former rock-​n-​roller who played in a band that warmed up at concerts for Styx, REO Speedwagon, Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show & Rare Earth, I became interested in My Purpose of Life.
Long story short: I became a member of the so called «Mormon» Church and even served for 2 years as a missionary in Germany.
Upon return, I attended Brigham Young University (BYU), where I started researching my own European genealogy research. Next thing I knew, friends started paying me to do theirs. I got hooked, so, since 1979, I have served hundreds of people (if not thousands on the Other Side) in finding their ancestry, genealogy & family history.
To be closer to the grandchildren, Lynell & I moved not too far from the Mesa, AZ Family Search Library (as it is now called).
The Mesa FSL staff comprises people from many ages & backgrounds, but usually a senior-​aged married couple or an unmarried individual serving a mission. A mission to serve YOU that is.
While, I am not a missionary there, being a 33-​year European veteran professional genealogist, I serve pro bono in various ways. I have trained many of the staff & patrons like you on the effective use of the ScanPro 2000 – a near-​miracle device/​machine that works near-​wonders with microfilmed images.
So, lighten up & visit the Mesa Family Search Library. No, they don’t speak Russian, but these folks will help you get going.
Is it really possible to get microfilms of Lutheran & Catholic parish registers from Baden & Berlin, Germany & Bern & Basel, Switzerland? YES!
You do NOT have to give your address & phone # & nobody will be calling or visiting you, unless you request it. See you there!
Caveat Researchor: Ancestry, genealogy & family history research is lovingly addicting! It is debatably the #1 hobby.
I am

I recently became involved… don’t even ask how or why… in a genealogical journey through my family history. Like I said. Don’t even ask why. Or how.
Anyway, during my family research, I got stuck on some foreign shores points in tracing my family. Luckily, I live rather close to the LDS-​run Mesa Family History Research Center in Mesa, AZ, so I thought that I would go down there to see if I could get any further with my family tree.
Let me tell you that I am not a member of the LDS church, so I was somewhat reluctant to go there. I had visions that I would be accosted by numerous proselitizing missionaries trying to hook «the big one» and try to unite me with my universal family. Thankfully, that didn’t happen.
When I arrived at the center, I was initially put off by the sign-​in procedure. I had to fill out a little piece of paper stating my name, addresss, phone number, whether or not I was LDS, and whether I was interested in joining, and how many were in my party. Hmm… I was getting nervous, but my resolve to solve some family riddles overcame my reluctance, and I proceeded. I filled out the form, dropped it in the slot, and then went to the reference desk where some nice folks were ready to assist me.
I explained my foreign family search dilemma, and one of the nice ladies accompanied me personally to one of their numerous computers. From there, she step-​by-​step guided me through the process of research through their genealogical files. When I told her that I was comfortable going on from the point that she left me, she very nicely obliged to allow me to research alone, but offered that I could consult with her if I needed further assistance.
At the end of the day, I must say that I was very impressed and relieved that the Genealogical Library is a wonderful asset to the community. At no time did I ever feel uneasy about using this facility as a non-​member of the LDS church.
This was a comfortable, learning experience for me, and I would encourage anybody who is the least bit squeamish about going there to search out their roots, to just get in there and do it.
No, I’m not going to join the LDS church, but wow. I glad that they are here and I am glad that I went. I will be back.
My only complaint? The place smelled like mothballs. Ah, well… can’t have everything!