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 and dictionaries for finding quick facts or background information to your studies and projects, word processing, fax services and internet facilities, national and local newspapers and periodicals.

If you are unable to visit us we offer “Ask a Librarian” - Send a question online to a reference librarian and receive the answer straight away by live question and answer or by email.

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 free online reference resources 24/7 on all Wirral Library computers. 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 – just by registering using your borrower number which is found on the back of your library card and some personal details to complete the registration.

• Know UK
• News UK
• Oxford University Press Publications, which include:
• Oxford Reference Online
• Oxford English Dictionary
• Dictionary of National Biography
• Oxford Art Online (Groves Art)
• Oxford Music Online (Groves Music)
• British Standards
• Encyclopaedia Britannica
• World Book Encyclopaedia
• Issues Online
• 19th Century Newspapers
• Theory Test Pro – to help you pass your driving test.

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 and every ten years thereafter up to 1901.
• Electoral Registers - List members of a household eligible to vote.
• Newspapers - A variety of local newspapers on microfilm.
• Maps - Several series of historical maps beginning with tithe maps from around 1840.
• Trade Directories - Include listings of private residents accessible by name or street. A range of dates from the 1750s to 1970s.
• Parish Registers - Details of baptisms, marriages and burials in the parish churches of Wirral.
• Cemetery Records - Details of burials in cemeteries across the borough.
• Online Resources - Include the Ancestry genealogical website and 19th Century British Newspapers.
• Research Service - Limited research can be undertaken for a fee of £7.50 payable by cheque or postal order to Wirral Council.

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.