Library services

Our librarians are on hand to assist with enquiries, record checking and advice. Please note we are revising the terms of our research service from 15 December 2020 going forward.

Our email address for research enquiries: [email protected]

Our team provides advice in person and via email on local history and family history research. We provide a look-up service where a specific record is required as well as newspaper searches.

Professional Research

Enquiries for genealogical research should be made to La Société Guernesiaise, Family History Section [email protected] or Guernseyancestry.com at [email protected]. Visitors to the Library are very welcome to undertake their own family history research using our extensive resources. Advice on other local history research can be obtained from the Library in person or using the contact form below

Record
Look-up

£15
per look-up

If you require a specific record from a register we will search within a date range of a maximum of ten years and supply either a paper or digital copy.

Download form

Newspaper Search

£35
per hour

Our local newspaper search can be used to track down a particular article. A copy of the requested article can also be provided.

Download form

 Can't get to the Library? Ask our Librarians for further advice on how to research the Library's resources using the contact form below.

Doing your own research

The Priaulx Library welcomes visitors who want to carry out their own historical or genealogical research. Our collections are all available to the public, the resources are free to use and there are no time limits for visitors during our public opening hours, although it is advisable to book if you require a microfilm reader. There is also an A2 overhead scanner available for public use.

If you wish to consult items not on the open shelves, such as newspapers or material from the strongroom, please ring in advance so that we may provide you with the best service we can.

Research

Family history research

The Priaulx Library may hold the key to unlocking your family history. We keep safe family records dating back to the 15th century along with parish and church registers. We recommend you start by speaking to other family members and friends, write down what you know and bring it with you.

William T Holman and family, Priaulx Library Collection

Researching the history of a house

Our comprehensive collection of books, maps and photographs can help you discover more about the house you live in. Visitors can access census records, historical street directories, Livres de Perchage and selected house pedigrees, all of which could contain more information about your house. Bring your deeds if you have them.

House History

Researching Guernsey History

Guernsey's rich and varied history can be uncovered within the Priaulx's collections. Newspapers, letters, reports, almanacs, manuscripts, original prints, pictures, books and journals all have a story about our island to share. We have the largest collection of local studies material on the island.

Search the catalogue

Researching Guernsey history

Researching a relative who was in the forces

The Library does not hold any army records, but we may still have documents, such as family history records and newspapers, that could help you find your army ancestors. If you had family in the Guernsey Militia or Royal Guernsey Light Infantry, the Library is a good place to start.

Read More

Illustration by Percy Groves in the Priaulx Library Collection

Copying & Reproduction

We offer a variety of reproduction services and formats to enable you to take away copies of certain documents and newspapers for your personal use. Copyright restrictions apply.

Photocopying

Photographs, bound volumes and newspapers deemed by the Library staff to be in good condition can be photocopied, although some copyright restrictions apply.

Print from Microfilm

Where the microfilm is a copy of material owned by the Library, records and images can sometimes be printed or supplied as print or digital formats. 

Newspapers

Visitors can take away photocopies or scans of old newspaper articles, pages, or full documents depending on the size and condition of the original. 

Digital Camera

Visitors can take photographs of documents with their own camera for a fee. Permission must be sought before taking any photographs as copyright restrictions apply. 

Reproduction for Educational / Non-commercial purposes

Special arrangements apply for documents being copied for charities, educational use or within a non-commercial document such as a thesis or dissertation. 

Reproduction for Commercial Publication

Requests to use images or documents for commercial purposes can be made to the Librarians, who will take the intended purpose and copyright into consideration. 

Download fees

NOTE: The publication of all images owned by the Priaulx Library, whether they have been supplied at a cost or not, must be accompanied by the following words:

© The Priaulx Library