Genealogy Book Basics
Below is a list of titles to help you begin your genealogy research. Feel free to ask library staff for other suggestions.
Local History
The library has many local history books about our unique region including Kamloops, Savona, Chase, Clinton/South Cariboo, the North Thompson, Lytton. Merritt/Nicola Valley, Ashcroft, and more. Due to their condition and rarity some of these materials may be for in-library use only.
Research Books
We have lots of books to help you start researching your genealogy. Check out some of them below.
TNRL Digital Resources
Your library card gives you free access to a number of online resources that can help you with your family history research.
Online Resources
Below is a collection of websites that may help with your genealogy search.
Vital Statisics
The B.C. Vital Statistics Agency collects registrations of life’s important moments: marriage, birth & death. This is an important historical resource for genealogists. The Kamloops Library has copies of these registrations in microfilm format.
- Birth registrations are available from 1854 – 1903 or 120 years after the date of birth.
- Marriage registrations are available from 1871 – 1945 or 75 years after the date of marriage.
- Death registrations are available from 1872 – 2000 or 20 years after the date of death.
- Colonial marriage index from 1859 – 1872.
- Baptisms from 1836 – 1888 (not available on film).
- Index data on the deaths of 3,423 British Columbians overseas during World War II.
A variety of legislation prevents the public release of the information earlier. If you need a registration for a more recent date, you can request a copy online at BC Vital Statistics.
Use the following links to access vital statistics from other provinces: