Our Centre for Heritage and Family History can be found on the 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ.

Opening hours:

• Monday 11 am-4pm
• Tuesday 10.30am-4pm and 6.45pm-9.00pm
• Saturday 10.30am-2.30pm
• Last Thursday of the month 10.30am-4pm

FREE admission for everyone 

FREE of charge access to burgeoning online datasets of Findmypast, The 1939 Register, The British Newspaper Archive, Ancestry worldwide edition and The Genealogist. 

Research assistants — society volunteers provide expert advice and support where needed. 

Printing and photocopying available for a nominal charge.

Dedicated PC preloaded with Berkshire data (including baptisms, marriages, burials, probate records and trade directories). Data from many other English counties too, including the National Burial Index, 3rd edition. 

Reference library containing an extensive collection of primary and secondary source material such as Berkshire trade directories. You can also copy material, subject to provisions of UK copyright law. 

Microfiche data is available on most English counties. 

Complementary resources — Reading’s top-class local studies library adjoins the Centre.

Quarterly exhibitions to inspire your research.  

The Bookshop with society publications, and a range of products in electronic and print formats. These include transcriptions, indexes, general and local guides for family historians, maps and a selection of local history books for Berkshire and adjoining counties. Browse and purchase at the Centre (credit and debit card payments accepted).

Refreshments — tea and coffee, at just £1.00 a cup.

Lockers to ensure that your personal possessions and valuables stay secure at all times.

Magazine is issued four times a year to members.