Reference libraries and family history

Reference libraries

The main reference facility is located in Birkenhead Central Library, with smaller reference collections in:

Resources available across our reference libraries:

  • business directories
  • yearbooks
  • maps
  • encyclopaedias
  • dictionaries
  • national and local newspapers

Resources available specifically at Birkenhead Reference Library

  • local and family history resources
  • 1904 Wirral Photographic Survey - digital
  • census returns from 1841 to 1921, and 1939 register, available on microfilm, fiche, CD or online
  • Electoral Registers from 1862 to date
  • newspapers - an archive of local papers from 1862 to June 2012
  • maps
  • trade directories - a range of dates held from 1750s to 1970s
  • cemetery records
  • rolls of honour and monumental inscriptions
  • council proceedings from 1880
  • parish records

Resources available specifically at Wallasey Central Reference Library

  • Wallasey census returns in hardback from 1841-1871. Online from 1841-1921. Also on microfiche(not sure of dates)
  • Electoral registers from 1887-2012(later registers in main library)
  • newspapers - an archive of local papers from 1898-1976(hard copy)and on microfiche up to 1995
  • maps, including local area, from 1656
  • trade directories - a range of dates held from 1766 - 1970
  • cemetery records
  • Rolls of honour and monumental inscriptions
  • Council proceedings from 1887-2008
  • Parish records(microfilm). Also hard copy 1574-1812
  • Find My Past records accessible on online with the 1921 Census

Cheshire Family History drop-in help desks every Friday and volunteers throughout the week. Please contact 0151 639 2334 to check on times before calling.

Photo index at Birkenhead Central Library

A large collection of photographs (many are in digital format) are available at Birkenhead Reference Library to view and purchase. New additions to our collection are welcome, we are able to scan and return the originals.

Copies of our photographs

£6 for 5 images and £2 per image above 5.

Wirral Remembers 1914 to 2014

Find out about Wirral Remembers materials held in Birkenhead Library

Birkenhead History Society newsletter

Issues available from 1974 to 2019.

Magazines and journals

Research request

Birkenhead Reference Library is manned by library staff throughout normal opening hours to assist with your research needs. 

You can submit a research request via Birkenheadreflib@wirral.gov.uk giving as much information as possible if:

  • you have a detailed request
  • are not in the area, or
  • are unable to come to the library in person

Please contact us for up-to-date details.

If you are not in the area you can submit a research request below. The first half hour of research is free and there is a charge of £12 per half hour thereafter for this service.

Submit a research request

Fees

For requests from individuals the first half hour of research is free. There is a current charge of £12 per half hour thereafter for this service. Prices are subject to change in April. 

Research fees for commercial companies are currently £48 per hour or part.

Local and Family History

Birkenhead Reference Library holds a wealth of resources on local and family history.

A range of resources are also available at the Wirral Archives.

Online reference resources

Access the following for free via any public computer or Hublet tablet when logged in with your library account: 

  • Findmypast and the 1921 Census - free access to over 2 billion records; the best place to discover your family’s story.
  • British Newspaper Archive - 100’s of titles such as Liverpool Echo, Chester Chronicle and many more. Register to download articles and save to view from home.
  • Which? Magazine Online - free expert consumer advice. Ask staff for login details to access thousands of product reviews on which.co.uk
  • Access to Research - free, digital access to over 30 million academic articles

Access newspapers and magazines online via BorrowBox, your digital library free to access via your library account wherever you are.

Computers are free to use for one hours, then currently £1.20 per half hour after that.

Hublet Tablets at Birkenhead Central are free to use all day within the library. Once your hour is up you are free to borrow another tablet.

Contact us

Contact us at birkenheadreflib@wirral.gov.uk.