Casual monthly drop-in sessions at Bankstown Library to explore local history and build your family tree. Free, no bookings required — ideal for parents and families curious about their heritage.
Thursday 19 February 2026
to Thursday 17 December 2026
10:00am - 12:00pm
80 Rickard Rd, Bankstown NSW 2200, Australia
Free
Come along to Bankstown Library for a friendly, family-focused drop-in where librarians help you explore local and family history. These sessions are relaxed and perfect for parents with school-aged children who want to start a family tree, find local records, or learn about Bankstown's past. Bring photos, names, and questions — the librarians will help you take the next step in your research.
Expect a welcoming atmosphere aimed at busy parents and curious kids alike. The session is informal: librarians will chat through your research goals and suggest practical next steps for tracing ancestors and local history topics.
You can receive one-on-one guidance on how to search archives, build a family tree and use library catalogues, with tips tailored for beginners and intermediate researchers. Librarians will point out local history resources and digital databases you can access from home.
Typical support includes hands-on help and demonstration. For clarity, services often cover:
- Building or starting a family tree and searching records
- Finding local archives, council records and historical maps
- Using library catalogues, Trove and online genealogy resources
Sessions run monthly on the Third Thursday, 10:00–12:00, providing a dependable routine for parents to schedule around school pick-up and after-school activities. The drop-in model means you can arrive anytime between 10am and noon for short, focused help.
For 2026 the sessions are scheduled on 19 February, 19 March, 16 April, 21 May, 18 June, 16 July, 20 August, 17 September, 15 October, 19 November and 17 December. These dates are family-friendly and ideal for parents planning weekend research or school holiday projects with kids.
No prior experience is necessary — bring any documents, names, or photos you have, and the librarians will help you make sense of them. Recommended items to bring include:
- Any family documents, birth/marriage records or photos
- A list of names and approximate dates
- A laptop or tablet if you have one for online searching
Sessions are held at Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre, 80 Rickard Road, Bankstown 2200. The Library is centrally located and familiar to local families, making it an easy stop during school runs or errands.
There is on-site access to library computers and free Wi-Fi, and nearby public transport options including buses and train connections to Bankstown station. Street parking is available but can be limited during peak times, so plan to arrive a little early.
The library is family-friendly and accessible, with lifts and facilities suitable for prams and strollers. If you need specific access information or assistance, ring the library before you visit for tailored advice.
These drop-in sessions are free and designed for CBCity residents and the broader Canterbury-Bankstown community, including parents, grandparents and school-aged children with questions about family history. They are an excellent resource for starting school projects or discovering local heritage together.
No booking is required; simply come along during the session time. If you have a large group or need extended research time, contact the library ahead of your visit to discuss options and availability. For quick enquiries you can call the library on 9707 8128 or 9707 9728.
Please note that while librarians provide research guidance, some searches may require follow-up or access to specific archives that take extra time. Bring patience and any possible documents to get the most from the session.
There is no cost to attend — the sessions are Free. This makes them a low-stress way for parents to introduce children to family history and local heritage without spending money on workshops or specialist services.
Because sessions are drop-in, you don't need to reserve a spot; simply arrive between 10:00 and 12:00 on the Third Thursday of the month. If planning a longer research visit, consider calling ahead to check availability of staff assistance.
For more detailed enquiries or to request specific help, you can submit an online enquiry via the library website or phone the library directly. The service is aimed at providing practical, accessible support for families exploring genealogy and local history.
