What you can access
in our libraries
Interested in discovering your family story? OnFife Libraries & Archives offer a wide range of resources to help you trace individuals, build your family tree and learn more about Fife’s past.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to dig deeper, our friendly staff and extensive collections are here to support you.
Free online resources
Local studies collections
Our libraries provide access to a wide range of useful records, including:
- Census records (1841–1901) on microfilm, with readers and printers in all four local history centres
- Old Parish Records (births, marriages and deaths before 1855)
- Newspaper indexes and microfilm newspapers, plus access to the British Newspaper Archive
- Indexed photographs of local people, groups, office‑holders and sports teams
- Trade directories and street directories
- Specialist indexes for professions and trades
- Monumental inscriptions for Fife cemeteries (Please note: burial records are held by Fife Council.)
Special collections and unique resources
Mars Training Ship records
Records of the boys who trained on the Mars ship at Woodhaven across its 60‑year history — over 6,000 individuals. These are held at Newport Library and Heritage Centre, with a searchable index of names.
Historical newspaper database
An extensive database containing references to individuals across Fife. Many indexes can be searched through Ancestry.
How we can support your research
Our knowledgeable team can:
Assist with key genealogy websites
Help you find records on microfilm
Guide you through the online catalogue
Suggest useful family histories, biographies and local studies materials
OnFife archives
Our Archives service holds documents spanning more than 500 years of Fife’s history, including:
- Minute books of Fife Council
- Records of official bodies managing roads and county services since 1709
- Records featuring individuals such as schoolteachers, pupils, coal miners — and even witches
You can search for people, places or topics using our online archives catalogue.
Plan your visit
Find venue details, opening times and practical guidance to help you plan your research visit.