Carmarthenshire archives and two libraries have joined forces to provide a free family history service.
It follows an increasing interest nationwide of people wanting to research their roots, due in some part to the popularity of programmes such as ‘Who do you think you are?’ and ‘Long Lost Family’.
Technology and digital archiving of thousands and thousands of documents has also made it easier for people to find information online.
Carmarthenshire’s archive and libraries are now teaming up to offer a more accessible service, with experts on hand to help people discover their past.
Until now people have enjoyed a basic package researching their ancestry at both Carmarthen and Llanelli town centre libraries.
The latest move will mean they will have to access to a wide range of items including hard copies of Parish register indexes maps and access to findmypast.com website.
The town centre locations are open six days a week and will make it easier for people to access, as well as the benefit of extended opening hours.
One to one sessions with library and archive staff will also be available on a Wednesday at Llanelli and Thursday at Carmarthen for those with more specific needs or searches.
A launch of the joint service will be held in Carmarthen and Llanelli libraries on Thursday, October 2 and will provide an opportunity to show users how to get started with their family history. Users will also be shown how to search genealogy websites ancestry.com and findmypast.com.
Senior cultural services manager, Jane Davies said: “The development of the Carmarthenshire Family History Service in the libraries at Carmarthen and Llanelli combines the benefit of extended opening hours with expert advice from our archive department to satisfy the demand posed by Carmarthenshire residents. This is an excellent example of services working together to deliver a more efficient and effective service to our county’s residents.”
The library has over 15 computers which are accessible to the public in their IT suite and three dedicated computer terminals for family history research.
It is hoped this service will be rolled out in Ammanford over the coming months.
For further info call Llanelli on 01554 773538 or Carmarthen Library on 01267 224824
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
