Hundreds of tourists every year head for our libraries (especially Central Library, Stirling) to use Internet facilities. They are free, and we now have wi-fi in all libraries so users can use their own laptops (as long as they are wireless enabled). A quick, easy registration is all that is required.

With so much more to offer than books (although there are around 350,000 to choose from). You can browse through thousands of DVDs and compact discs and take home whatever you fancy for a small charge.

You can read newspapers and magazines, hire talking books, research your family history, use the fax and photocopying facilities or take the opportunity to learn in a way that suits your lifestyle.

We have fantastic family history and local history resources here in Central Library, with our own resident expert (Elma Lindsay) who is happy to help anyone who is researching their family tree.
While there are other places to try in Stirling (registrars, cemeteries etc), most people find an initial chat with staff at the Central Library very useful and they have an extensive list of contacts and sources available.

The Reference Library in Central Library, Stirling houses the largest collection, however. The Old Parish Records of the Established Church of Scotland are available on microfilm for what was Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire and for parts of West Perthshire. These give details of recorded births, deaths, banns and marriages up to 1854, with Stirlingshire entries indexed. Census records from 1841 to 1901 are available for the same areas with Clackmannanshire for 1901 only. The 1881 census for Great Britain is available here and also at Bridge of Allan, Drymen, Dunblane and St Ninians Libraries.

Central Library also holds microfilmed copies of local newspapers back to 1820 and there are indexes available. The "Stirling Observer Christmas Annual" is also available on microfilm, together with an index for volumes from 1911-69.

Old Parish Records and the 1851 census for Stirlingshire, Clackmannanshire and parts of West Perthshire are held at Bridge of Allan library, courtesy of the Central Scotland Family History Society.

Central Library also holds the following CD ROMs: Soldiers who died in the Great War 1914-1919, Army Roll of Honour: World War II and Service of Heirs.

Classes in Basic Scottish Family History are run each Spring and Autumn by the Local History Officer. Consultations are available at any time during the week, but it is advisable to book in advance.
Email or telephone Elma Lindsay (01786 432017) for further details.

Central Library is open:
Mon, Wed, Fri 9.30 to 5.30
Tuesday, Thursday 9.30 to 7
and Sat 9.30 to 5.