Worcestershire Library and History Centre

• Loans collection now available in the History Centre. Pop into the branch to see what family and local history books we have for you to borrow.
• Ancestry.co.uk available to use for free at the History Centre!
• Free guide to Worcestershire sources, by the Worcester branch of BMSGH.
• We are moving our out-store of archives out of Gloucester to a new storage facility. As a result, the last collection date from Gloucester is 13 Feb 2008 and we will not be issuing anything at the County Hall Branch which was stored there from 18 Feb 2008 to 5 Apr 2008.

Sources available at the History Centre
The History Centre is the most appropriate branch for family historians to visit, although there are also sources available for some local history research. The History Centre holds microfilm and microfiche copies of Worcestershire records and sometimes for surrounding counties as well as some national records. Sources include:

• Census returns. Ancestry.co.uk also available.
• Local maps
• Trade and clerical directories
• Local newspapers. (For further information about local newspapers in Worcestershire and the surrounding counties, please see the Newsplan West Midlands website.)
• Parish and non-conformist records
• Wills and other probate records
• Cemetery and crematoria records
• International Geneaological Index
• General Register Office index of births, marriages and deaths
• The Worcestereshire Photographic Survey

There are also various CD-ROM packages available for use. In addition to microfilm sources, the History Centre also boasts a large county-wide selection of local and family history books. These books are for reference only.

Please see our family history page for more details of our holdings.
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The People's Network
The Centre is equipped with 16 Internet computers, 14 of which were provided by the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) allowing access to a wealth of information whatever your interest, or to simply check your email account. Use of the service is free, although a small charge is made for any printouts, and donations are, of course, always welcome. You will need a Worcestershire library card to access the computers, and you can book a computer on the Library website. If you do not have a library card, you will need to bring something with your name and address on it.
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Booking
The History Centre is fully equipped with 44 microfilm/fiche readers, but it is still advisable to book in advance of your visit. Should you require use of the CD-ROM packages or the Internet, you may book this by the hour on the day of your visit. It is possible to visit without booking in advance. However, we cannot always guarantee being able to accommodate you, although every attempt will be made to do so.

There are 4 microfilm/microfiche readers that are available for lap-top users to book. As there are only a limited amount of these places, we do suggest you contact us in advance to reserve a seat.
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Car parking and other facilities
There is no car park at the History Centre but there are several car parks available in the city centre. For more information and a map showing the location of car parks please visit the Worcester City Council web site. The History Centre is very close to the bus station and the closest railway station is Worcester Foregate Street, about 5 minutes walk away.

The History Centre is fully accessible to wheelchair users and includes disabled toilet facilities. There is a rest area with hot and cold drinks available. We ask all users to deposit their bags in the lockers provided. Copying facilities are also available. The list of charges is available here.

The History Centre has an attractive shop area, which sells a variety of books on local and family history, stationery items, greetings cards and wrapping paper.

The History Centre is also a distribution centre for records compiled by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. For futher information about this service please contact us.

The staff at the History Centre are here to help you. If you require any assistance or guidance, please feel free to ask. For a list of the staff at this branch, please click here.
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