You can grow your family tree with the help of the Midland Ancestors Family History Centre in the Kingsley Norris Room at The Birmingham & Midland Institute.
The Centre houses the group Reference Library and also has computers from which you can access the internet and all digital resources we hold. We are also a FamilySearch Affiliate Library. This latter allows access to an estimated 400 million + images of original records that you will not be able to see at home. Our own Resources are estimated to hold 8.5 million + data entries. The volunteer staff are experienced in family history research and will be able to guide you to appropriate resources. You can also access the library catalogue and most of the societies indexes and all resources, all at no cost.
Midland Ancestors Reference Library
The Reference Library contains almost 10,000 books, microfiche, microfilm, maps, and computer-based resources. You will find parish registers, cemetery register images, monumental inscriptions, wills, censuses, trade directories and deposited family histories. (But we do not guarantee that you will find your ancestors amongst them ! )
Items in this Library are for reference only and must not be removed under any circumstances.
New arrangements for the Family History Centre in 2026
In 2026 the Family History Centre will be available for members on the first Saturday of the month (from 10.15 – 13.45) when a guest speaker is due to attend the Birmingham Group meetings.
To take advantage of this facility, members must book their place with Caroline or Mark for the following days:
4th April-Caroline; 6th June-Mark; 5th July-Caroline; 5th Sept-Mark; 3rd Oct-Caroline; 7th Nov-Mark.
Use one of these links to contact Caroline or Mark.
Usual Opening Hours and Volunteer Staff –
Monday to Friday 10:15 – 15:00
Monday – Gareth & Bernie
Tuesday – Steve, Liz & Angie
Wednesday – Linda & Sue
Thursday – Mark & Pauline
Friday – Caroline & Jan
Changes to these opening days and times will happen when a bank holiday occurs, sometimes including even the Tuesday. Also please note that they are in any case, always subject to a volunteer librarian being available (they might be on leave) and the BMI also being open. Particularly if travelling from a distance you are advised to check first. You can do so by first clicking on the News button in the menu structure at top, you should see a post if the facility is closed. Or else by phoning 0121 236 8977. The line is only manned when a volunteer is present. If wanting to visit on a specific day, it is a good idea to speak with the volunteer who will be on duty that day. If you wanted to visit say on a Thursday, then ring on a Thursday. It could mean you phoning a week or more in advance.
Please note our volunteers are just that – volunteers.
The Groups Family History Centre is available to members and non-members alike. Entry is free of charge as is access to all society resources, although print cost must be met. We do also appreciate donations that along with our members’ subscriptions are the lifeblood of our Society.
See links at the bottom of this page to find where we are.
Further information about the Reference Library can be had by emailing referencelibrarian@midanc.uk or download Reference Library catalogue (3.1 Mb) Download
*Adobe Acrobat Reader or similar required to view this .pdf file
Midland Ancestors Lending Library
The Groups lending library is temporarily unavailable while we are working on ideas for its future wider use. We are exploring its relocation to another part of the BMI building and a new style catalogue.
Where to Find Us
We can be found in the Kingsley Norris Room on the ground floor of The Birmingham & Midland Institute. For a Google location map (in a new tab) of the BMI Click Here or Google Street view (in a new tab) Click Here
Public transport links, buses, trains, trams, all within a short walking distance.
Birmingham & Midland Institute Library – Genealogical and Heraldic Section
Members of Midland Ancestors are also allowed the use of this section of the BMI Library. It is the Original Birmingham Library and is located just a few yards and a few steps down from the door of our own facility.
Check their opening times before planning a visit, click Original Birmingham Library