Researching at Local Libraries
As mentioned at a recent meeting, local libraries generally offer access to online subscription Family History resources without charge. Full access to global records on the well known paid for websites Ancestry and FindMyPast is available, as well as to all those free resources covered in the recent FH sessions (FreeBMD, FreeCEN, FreeREG and FamilySearch) and the rest of the World Wide Web.
I recently (March 2023) visited Hythe Library in Stade Street in person, who were very helpful in describing their services for Family Historians and who clearly welcome people doing their own research using the library facilities.
Details of the library services at Hythe, including opening hours, are shown on their web page at the Kent County Council site:
It is necessary to register for a library card and to get a PIN number in order to access the computer terminals. This can be done either online or on the spot in the library, provided that you bring evidence of address - e.g. a utility bill. N.B. a passport is valuable as evidence of identity (which is not needed) but does not count for evidence of address. The registration process is described here:
Access to the internet available via 7 terminals throughout the library, sessions may be booked for up to an hour, which time may be extended if the library is not busy. If travelling from a distance I'm told it's probably best to book in advance - otherwise just turn up and you may well get a slot without booking. Library staff advised that Tuesdays are generally the busiest day of the week, so probably best avoided.
Once you have a library card, you may book computers in person or online here:
Having found your Family History records, you can copy details out on paper, or you may ask for them to be printed. An even better solution is to download the pages and/or images to a USB stick and then to take them home and upload them to your own computer. Printing costs range from as little as 15p per A4 sheet if in black and white or 50p in colour - see:
I believe that similar facilities are available at all other local KCC libraries, including Cheriton, Folkestone (Main) Library, Folkestone Wood Avenue, Lyminge and Sandgate.
Note that the main Folkestone Library will be closed until at least the end of March, following problems with water leaks. As a result both Hythe and Wood Avenue libraries will have extended opening hours - see their KCC website pages above.