Library and genealogy a 'Successful Partnership'

ALONG THE VALLEY

Petone Herald | Wednesday, 21 April 2010, p11

Petone provides an important resource for a group of' sleuths.

Rather than being hot on the trail of a criminal, these sleuths are trying to track down more about an ancestor or two.

They feature in a Hutt City Council media release put out this month with the title Library and genealogy a 'Successful Partnership'.

"Hutt Valley genealogist Graham Price describes researching his family history as being like a detective and now Hutt City libraries are on the case too," the media release says.

Just over a year ago, the Hutt Valley Branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists (HVBNZSG) relocated to Petone Library.

The move has allowed branch members greater access to their resources and the benefit of having them catalogued by library staff.

Fellow genealogist Janice Price is grateful for the library's help.  "It's great the library has been able to assist us and we're working together just like a successful partnership;"  Janice says.

Libraries project manager Debra Nicholas is also enthusiastic about the partnership, and excited to be supporting the group to preserve their records and make them available to the community.

"It's huge for us to be able to preserve and share local history as a unique and valuable resource for our customers,"  Debra says.

"Having the society's collection of books, CDs, and other resources at Petone Library, as well as their expertise is a great addition to our heritage services.

The HVBNZSG now have greater access to their collection and support from library staff.  "With the help of a grant from council's heritage fund, we've also added their collection to our library catalogue.  This means titles can be browsed via the internet from home.

"It's a real win-win!"  Debra says.