Information about our local history, family history, special collections, and Family History for beginners sessions.
Family History for beginners sessions
These are one to one sessions in a library that show you how to use Ancestry.com, Find My Past, and other resources.
The sessions are run at The Central Library, and Bishopston Library.
How to book a session
Central Library sessions
Central Library sessions are run on:
- Mondays: 2.30pm to 3.30pm, and 3.30pm to 4.30pm
- Fridays: 10.30am to 11.30am, and 11.30am to 12.30pm
- Saturdays: 10.30am to 11.30am, and 11.30am to 12.30pm
Book your Central Library session on Eventbrite.
Bishopston Library sessions
Bishopston Library sessions are run on:
- Wednesdays: 2pm to 3pm, and 3pm to 4pm
Book your Bishopston Library session on Eventbrite.
Local history
Our local history collection in the reference library includes:
- street directories
- poll books and electoral registers
- photographs, engravings and drawings
- maps
- local newspapers and magazines
- press cuttings
- books relating to Bristol and surrounding area
Family history
Find genealogy and family history books at any of our libraries. Search the LibrariesWest catalogue.
The main sources in our reference library at Bristol Central Library include:
- the index of births, marriages and deaths from 1837 to 1983
- census returns covering 1841 to 1901
- street directories
- poll books and electoral registers
Online family history resources
Access Ancestry and Find my past on any library computer.
You can search billions of records covering:
- birth, marriage, death and parish records
- census, land and surveys
- directories and social history
- education and work
- institutions and organisations
- military
- travel and migration
You cannot access these resources from home.
The 1921 Census is now available in Bristol Libraries through Find My Past.
Special collections
We have a large collection of rare and unique materials at Central library, including:
- manuscripts
- early printed books
- pamphlets and broadsides
You need to book an appointment to view any special collections.
For more information or to book an appointment, email refandinfo@bristol.gov.uk or phone 0117 903 7202.
Group visits
We welcome visits from schools, colleges and groups.
To book a visit or for more information, email refandinfo@bristol.gov.uk
Find the opening hours for Central Library.