The Missouri History Museum's Library and Research Center is a great place for families to begin to research their history, the history of their home or family business, and even a place to go for materials to assist with school projects. The Library and Research Center is a non-lending library that houses books, newspapers, documents and photos. Many families start by searching the Genealogy and Local History Index which makes it easier to find the books and documents that might contain information about their ancestors. Librarians can also assist with catalogs to find family histories, directories, school yearbooks, census indexes and other resources. Nothing can be checked out, but the staff will get out the books, and can make photocopies for 25 cents each. People who find a great deal of information at the LRC may prefer the "personal camera use" policy: After filling out a form, visitors can take all the pictures they wish with their own device for a daily fee of $10.But are kids welcome in a place like this that is full of precious historical documents? Yes! Youth under the age of 16 are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Teens 16 and up are welcome to use the library on their own. Librarian Emily Jaycox explains, "A library staff member will talk to families about how to be careful with old books and documents, and get them started using catalogs and files."Aside from family history, the LRC can also be a valuable resource for that special school project about local history. The LRC has many unique sources of information about the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, Lewis and Clark, Charles Lindbergh, and St. Louis neighborhoods. In addition, the LRC has good information on topics in American history that are especially significant to Missouri, such as the Civil War, transportation, the American West, slavery, women's history and Native Americans.Families can also participate in a variety of genealogy programs at the LRC and at the Missouri History Museum. Some classes require a fee, see the website for upcoming programs.The Library and Research Center LRC is located at 225 S. Skinker Blvd. No appointment is necessary during public hours, Tuesday through Friday 12-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 314-746-4500 for more information.History happens at Missouri History Museum. Learn about special exhibits, events and other activities at the museum.To people of all ages and backgrounds, the Missouri History Museum is a leading cultural institution and community resource that offers exhibitions, programming and collections to explore the history of the region in order to better understand the world we live in and build a stronger community for the future.The Jefferson Memorial Building section of the Missouri History Museum was originally built as the first national monument to Thomas Jefferson, preceding the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. by more than 25 years. The museum now features special exhibits and St. Louis history galleries with interactive stations for children throughout.In the Sproutlight is a sponsored opportunity. For more information on sponsorship, email advertise@stlsprout.com or call 636-828-4246.