Local & Family History
Rhondda Cynon Taf Libraries collect documentation on all aspects of Rhondda Cynon Taf and its region to conserve it for study and research at all levels.
Our library service is unlike many others in that it does not have one central library. Instead it has three larger libraries situated at Aberdare, Pontypridd and Treorchy. These individual collections contain books about local villages, local newspapers on microfilm, maps, census records and photographs relating to the local area. They can help if you need to trace the history of your village, town or house or find out about Rhondda Cynon Taf’s archaeology, history, geology or natural history.
Family History
If you're looking into your family history we can help. All libraries will have books that can get you started by explaining the methods you should use and the places you should look to find out about your ancestors.
The libraries at Aberdare, Pontypridd and Treorchy have detailed source material - often on microfilm or computer based - including local newspapers and census returns. To see the family history sources available at each of the three main reference libraries please click on the branch names below in the Related Documents section.
You can also use the computers in the library to access the wealth of genealogical material available on the Internet.The Council’s Online Information Resources section contains a full list of these online resources.
Local Studies Staff do assist with enquiries received via telephone, mail and e-mail regarding information contained within these collections. However due to staff limitations involved research cannot be undertaken. If you wish to pose a question, please make it as specific as possible and include all relevant background information. If requiring an article(s) from one of the local newspapers, please provide the exact date the article(s) appeared. If this date is unknown, be aware that we will search a specified two-week/14 day period maximum.
Contact Us
To submit a reference inquiry please use the electronic form in Online Services.
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Content authorised by: Libraries
Last revised on: 3/8/2009