Information and reference

Looking for an Answer? Try the library...

In Wirral there are three central reference libraries at Birkenhead, Bebington and Wallasey. All three offer a fantastic range of quality information resources, completely free to Wirral Library borrowers. These include business directories, government publications, yearbooks, maps, encyclopaedias, dictionaries, national and local newspapers and periodicals for finding quick facts or background information to help your studies and projects.  

If you are unable to visit us we offer 'Ask a Librarian' on this website. Using the box on the right of this page send a question online to a reference librarian and receive the answer straight away by live question and answer.

Find the answer here - Books and newspapers in full, on line, and completely free to use 24 hours a day

Users of Wirral libraries can access our fantastic range of free online reference resources. There are resources for business information, family history, music, newspaper articles and much more, all freely available at every Wirral library and to library members at home.

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Find out more about our online resources

Local & Family History Resources

Wirral Reference Libraries hold a wealth of resources for those with an interest in family and local history.

The resources include:

• Census Returns - from 1841 upto 1901, available on microfilm, fiche and CDROM.
• Electoral Registers - these list members of a household eligible to vote. From 1862 to date.
• Newspapers - an archive of local papers from 1880 to date.
• Maps - such as Rights of Way: Ordnance Survey from 1870's to date: Tithe maps: GOADs (these are detailed street maps).
• Trade Directories - these are lists of private residents accessible by name or street. A range of date held, from1750s to 1970s.
• Parish records - these are the copied registers of all baptisms, marriages and burials in the parish churches across the Wirral.
• Cemetery Records - these give details of burials across the borough.
• Rolls of Honour and Monumental inscriptions.
• An extensive photographic collection.
• Council Proceedings from 1880.
• Online Resources - Include the Ancestry.com genealogical website and 19th Century British Newspapers.

Why not let us help you with your research?

Fill out this application form with the details for your research request and we'll help as much as we can.  The first half hour of any reserach application is free. The fee is £10 per half hour thereafter.