Public Libraries

In the UK Public Libraries should be one of the first places that people stating to research family history visit.

While there will be variations throughout the UK most libraries will contain very useful information that will be free to access.

Books on Family History Research

The first item to borrow will be books giving information on family history research to supplement information on this web site.

Family history research on the Internet moves very fast which means that you should try to read books that were published recently.

There are so many books available and quality is variable so also try to make sure that the books you borrow are well written and accurate.

If they are available I suggest that books published by the Federation of Family History Societies are your first choice

Books containing Genealogical Information

The next item to consider are books containing direct information about families.

Some books such as the Visitations series or feet of fines will list names, ages, addresses etc.

Some will be about towns or villages and the people who lived there.

These will often name people and give great background information

Books about trades or events

If your ancestor carried out a trade or lived during a specific period or event it is often interesting to find out about things that would have been important to the ancestor.

Libraries are able to supply books that will allow you see life through your ancestors eyes and better understand their lives.

Some background information will also be very interesting when added to their personal entry on your family history records.

Rare or very old Books

Most libraries will not lend old or rare books.

They are sometimes on the shelves to be consulted in the library but more often they are locked away and only available by prior arrangement.

Most County or municipal libraries have computer indexes or catalogues which allow people to find the location of these books.

Many of these catalogues are now available online.

These books will include trade directories Visitations and other very useful books to family historians.

Microfiche

Many libraries will hold copies of Parish Records and old newspaper cuttings on computer of microfiche which can be viewed by prior arrangement.

Help from the library

Librarians are usually helpful to people who are researching family history and are able to explain the facilities and the best way to make use of them.

Taking advice can often save hours of searching.