Central Coast Council Library Service are inviting the community to jump on board one of the most popular hobbies in the world and discover their family history this August.

To celebrate there will be a number of events to help the community become super sleuths when it comes to discovering their family history.

Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess, encourages anyone looking to get started or delving further into their family history research to book into one of the many sessions on offer.

“Researching family history can provide a greater understanding of where you come from and helps create a stronger sense of self and identity,” Mrs Burgess said.

“Family history is like detective work – it requires hard work, patience and often has surprising discoveries along the way.

“Our events provide a great opportunity to help navigate your way through the many records and collections, which can otherwise be an overwhelming and time-consuming process.

“The first event on how to use asylum, hospital and care records in your research booked out so don’t delay – make sure you secure your seat online today.”

Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraryevents for all events and bookings.

Council Section Manager Library Futures and Planning, Benjamin Hartley, said the libraries’ passionate staff thrived on providing community members with the tools to help uncover their hidden family gems.

“Gosford and Tuggerah Libraries are our history hubs with an array of print and digital resources, which even includes Convict Tickets of Leave,” Mr Hartley said.

“NSW State Archives Kit, index books, microfilms, electoral rolls, immigration documents, magazines and free online access to ancestry are also available at these two locations.

“All our branches also provide in branch access to Find My Past – as these platforms are very popular I would encourage community members to book ahead.

“To help meet the needs of our community, we boast an amazing collection of online family history guides, databases and photographs from our Central Coast Memories collection that can be accessed anywhere, anytime via our website.

“This includes free access to numerous family and general history online magazines, including the very popular ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ publication through RBdigital.”

To access RBdigital simply go to centralcoast.rbdigitalglobal.com on your PC or tablet to register with your library membership details, then download the app through Google Play or the App Store.

Those who have any history queries can email history@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

During August Central Coast Library Service will be hosting the following events:

• Family History for Beginners – Wednesday 8 August, 10.30am-12pm at Tuggerah Library or Tuesday 14 August, 10.30am-12pm at Kincumber Library
• Family History Online – Tuesday 21 August, 10.30am-12pm at Kincumber Library
• Using Trove (digitised newspapers) for Family History Research – Wednesday 22 August, 10.30am-12pm at Tuggerah Library or Thursday 23 August, 1.30-3pm at Toukley Library

ENDS

Images from Central Coast Memories available on request.