Libraries and Family History

Oxfordshire County Council provide all public library services in Oxford. For information on libraries and local and family history in Oxford, you can browse the Libraries pages of the Oxfordshire County Council website.

Where is my local library and what are the opening hours?

Visit the Your Local Library page on the Oxfordshire County Council website to find your local library and opening hours.

How do I join a library so I can start borrowing books, DVDs and CDs?

In order to borrow books or to hire DVDs and other media, you will need to join the library. Membership is free, and open to everyone living, working or studying in Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties.

All you need to do is fill in an application form (available from any Oxfordshire public library) and provide some identification, such as a driving licence.

Visit the Join A Library page on the Oxfordshire County Council website to find out more.

Can I search to see if a book is held in an Oxfordshire library and whether it is available to borrow?

You can search the Library Catalogue on the Oxfordshire County Council website to see if a book is held in one of Oxfordshire's public libraries. If it is, the catalogue will also tell you where the title is held and if it is available for you to borrow or reserve.

Reference Online

Oxfordshire Libraries now offer all members access to a wide range of online reference information, both in the libraries and from home.

Reference Online is available 24 hours a day, all year round and contains information on a variety of subjects from reference material such as the Oxford English Dictionary, Encyclopaedia Britannica and over 150 subject dictionaries from Oxford University Press. It's superb for homework, answering quiz questions, historical research and much more.

All you need to use the service is your library membership number. Visit the Reference Online section of the Oxfordshire County Council website to start researching now. 

Can I renew a book online?

You can renew a book online in the Quick Renew section on the Oxfordshire County Council website. You will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to use this service.

What services do libraries in Oxford provide for young people?

Visit the Kids and Teens at Libraries section of the Oxfordshire County Council website for information on books and events for children and young people at Oxfordshire's libraries.

Where can I find out about local and family history in Oxford?

Visit the Family History section on the Oxfordshire County Council website for information on how to find out about your family history and local history in Oxford.

Family histories can also be traced from the manual records at our cemeteries. An appointment to use this service should be made with our Cemeteries Service. There will be a charge before information is released.

Where can I find out more about libraries and books?

Visit the Libraries section on the DirectGov website for more information about libraries, reading groups and advice on good books to read.

Visit our Education and Employment Links page for useful links to other websites relating to libraries, local schools, universities, adult education and employment in Oxford.

Page last reviewed 15 May 2008