Patrons interested in the Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s (TSLAC) genealogy resources and seeking guidance from a professional librarian are invited to the Reference Reading Room on Second Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Starting September 14, TSLAC will provide a brief overview of specific collections or tools beneficial for family history researchers. No registration is required, and the sessions are free and open to the public. The Hands-on Help Sessions schedule for this fall includes:

- Sept. 14, 10 a.m.: Vital Statistics at TSLAC

- Oct. 12, 10 a.m.: Newspaper Resources at TSLAC

- Nov. 9, 10 a.m.: City Directories at TSLAC

TSLAC’s collections encompass books, periodicals, documents, photographs, and artifacts related to Texas history, government, natural resources, businesses, culture, people, and more. Themed exhibits displaying the range of materials available at TSLAC are showcased in the lobby of the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building on the State Capitol grounds.

Visitors to the Reference Reading Room can also access computers to explore online databases such as Family Search, Ancestry.com, Fold3 and other products exclusive to on-site patrons. The library operates Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and on the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For assistance, call 512-463-5455 or email ref@tsl.texas.gov. Additional information is available at www.tsl.texas.gov/arc.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides Texans access to necessary information for informed citizenship by preserving Texas' archival record; enhancing public, academic and school libraries’ service capacity; assisting public agencies with records maintenance; and addressing reading needs of Texans with disabilities. More details can be found at www.tsl.texas.gov.

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