People researching their family history are being offered free use of the Internet across libraries in Central Warwickshire.

And there is also the chance of one-to-one help for people wanting to research their ancestors, plus access to census returns on CD ROM at libraries in Kenilworth, Leamington and Warwick.

The Internet has proved to be a popular research tool for those delving into their family history. 

CWN’s Find A School Friend service (click link on right) is one example of how the Internet is helping to put people in touch with their own history. 

Others find it easy to look up their surname or home town, and make international inquiries that would have taken weeks by post, or cost a fortune by phone.

The free half-hour taster sessions are available at Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth libraries on various afternoons and evenings over the next two weeks. 

Sessions have to be pre-booked and slots are being snapped up fast. 

Senior Information Librarian Gary Archer is one of the librarians who will be offering help and advice during the free taster sessions. He said: 

"When similar sessions were held in April, more than 40 people learned about the breadth of material available to family history researchers, and many were able to start researching their family histories for the first time.

"Family history can be a fascinating hobby, and a great way of connecting to the past. 

“Libraries have always had lots of sources to help family historians and the Internet and CD-ROM are new ways of presenting that information."

Anyone interested in booking a free slot should ring Kenilworth library 01926 748900 or 748902, Leamington library 01926 742726 or 742721, or Warwick library on 01926 412189.
  

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