Local and family history
Local Studies and Research Service in Powys Libraries
All our libraries have a certain amount of local interest material as well as free access to Ancestry. Local Studies publications are listed in the library catalogue.
Libraries
y Gaer Library (Brecon)
Brecon Library holds the local studies collection for Breconshire, with both reference and lending books available. The collection includes:
A full set of the local history journal Brycheiniog. (Many issues of Brycheiniog are also available online here from the National Library of Wales' 'Welsh Journals' website)
Census Returns for Brecknockshire from 1841-1901, are on microfilm.
Local Newspapers are available on microfilm (Brecon & Radnor, Brecon County Times, Silurian)
The microfilm reader can be used to make printouts if required
Llandrindod Wells library
Llandrindod Wells Library has a some material for Radnorshire, although you will find much more in Powys Archives, which holds the archives and local records for the whole of Powys.
Ystradgynlais library
Ystradgynlais Library holds the Llais (1898-1971) and Cambrian News newspapers on microfilm or fiche. The microfilm/microfiche reader can be used to make printouts if required.
Newtown Library
The Local Studies collection for Montgomeryshire is held in Newtown Library. ‘Maldwyn Treasures’ is a dedicated space with resources for local and family history research.
Ancestry
Library members can access Ancestry from computers in Powys’ libraries
Local studies research service
Research on your behalf
If you cannot come into the library, we can still carry out research for you. For research relating to:
Radnorshire - apply via Powys Archives Research Service
What sort of searches can you do?
Specific searches such as searching for entries in census returns are straight-forward and quick.
Longer searches, e.g., about a particular event or place, or a newspaper search, are possible but take longer.
We cannot deal with general requests such as the growth and development of a town and we may have to refuse a search or limit the amount of time which can be spent on it.
How will I receive the information and how long will it take?
When a search is complete, we will send a report, by email or by post, giving details of the sources checked and information found. We will also include the bill for the research. We aim to answer all enquiries within four weeks.
What will it cost and how do I pay?
Enquiries by phone, post or email about the records and how they can be used for research are free.
Research costs £20.00 per half hour (for up to two hours). You must pay the fee even if there are no positive results from the search. If you require more research after receiving the first report, you can apply for it in the same way.
We accept postal orders or cheques payable to Powys County Council.
You can also pay online using the Powys County Council Online Payments Facility. Please do not make any payment until the research has been completed.
How do I apply?
You can submit your research requirements on an online application form, or complete and return a form by post. We cannot start any research unless a research form has been received.
Online resources
The National Library of Wales has a fantastic collection of information, available in full and online, including Welsh Journals, Welsh Newspapers (search across 15 million articles from 1804 to 1919), the Dictionary of Welsh Biography, Wills and Manuscripts, Welsh Ballads Online, and much more.
Archives research service
We can give you information about the records and other sources we hold and how they can be used for research, and this information is free