Can I bring my bag into the library?
Only clear plastic bags may be brought into the library. Other bags are not permitted. This includes satchels, briefcases, handbags, and coloured plastic bags. This is both for your protection and for that of the Society. Research material and handbags could be stolen.

Where can I put my bag?
Free lockers are provided. These are for you to store your bags, parcels and other material while researching at the FRC.

Can I use a pen?
Only pencils may be used in the library. If you don’t have a pencil with you, we have some we can loan you (please return) or you can purchase a pencil from reception. To preserve our records, pens and biros are not permitted in the library. This is standard practice in archives and libraries worldwide.

Can I bring in my reference work?
Yes, you can take your working notes into the library. Please ensure your notebooks are labeled with your name If you wish to take published reference works into the library please label them clearly and show them to the librarian both when you enter and leave. The team leader on duty reserves the right to ask that large folders be left in a locker.

Can I use a laptop?
Yes, you can take your laptop into the library, however the case must be left in the locker. We recommend that you use a laptop lock.

Can I save an image from an online site or CD?
To safeguard our computers, images may only be downloaded to a USB flashdrive or CD purchased from reception.

Can I use a phone?
There is no public phone at the FRC, however if you wish to make an urgent call, please ask at the reception desk for assistance.
Please do not use mobile phones in the library. If you are expecting or wishing to make a call, please leave the library to speak on your phone.

Is there a lunch room available?
We do not have a dedicated lunchroom. However, provided another group is not using the meeting room, it is available for your use. Tea and coffee are available for a 50c donation. There are a number of good, reasonably priced cafes in Queens Rd. Ask at reception for details.

Who can I ask for help?
Nearly 100 NZSG members staff the Family Research Centre on a voluntary basis. Please do not hesitate to ask any one of them for assistance with your research. They are clearly identified by their name badges.

Do I need to be an NZSG member?
If you are not a member and wish to use the library, you may do so at an increased cost. Membership application forms are available at the reception desk.

If you are a member of an overseas genealogical Society and are a visitor to New Zealand, you are welcome to use the FRC at the same rates and charges as NZSG members. You will be asked to provide proof of membership of that Society through a letter of introduction or current membership card.

Where can I stay when I come to research?
Please contact the FRC prior to your visit and details of motels and hotels in the vicinity will be provided.

Can I order or reserve books and fiche so that they are available during my visit?
An effort will be made to accommodate requests to reserve research material. However it should be understood that the Society is continuing to maintain a borrowing service, therefore material may not always be available. If you do require particular resources please contact the FRCentre at least 3-4 weeks prior to your visit.