Library

Marie Hart Library

The Marie Hart Library holds local information and a wealth of family history information from across Australia, including historical and pioneer records, war records, as well as journals from around the world, and more.

Location

6 Regatta Avenue

Ballina NSW

Australia

(Beside the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum)

Opening Hours

Monday:

Wednesday:

Saturday:

1st Saturday:

10am - 4pm

10am - 4pm

10am - 4pm (except 1st Saturday of the month)

10am - 1pm only

Closed from 4 pm  16 December to 10 am Monday 8 January 2024

Fees

Use of the library is free to members.

Visitors are charged $5 per three hours.

The Marie Hart Library

Our Research Centre was opened in 2007 by Patron Don Page MP. In 2011 the Research Centre was named the Marie Hart Library in honour of our Founding Member Marie Hart in appreciation of her contribution to the establishment of our Society and resources.

The Library is located next to the Maritime and Naval Museum and adjacent to the Ballina Visitor Information Centre.

Local Research Requests

If you are not able to visit our library you can submit a research request to locate information in the local area.

Our Research Officer will carry out your request for only $15.00 per hour. If you are a Member from Out of the Area you will receive your first hour of research for free.

Research Officer

As a member of our Society our Research Officer is available to assist you in the Library with your research. Email us to arrange a time to meet with them at the Marie Hart Library.

Research Resources

The Marie Hart Library holds our local records and resources. Over the years the library has expanded and now holds a wealth of information.

Local Research Resources

  • Library of Books

  • Lists of District War Memorials and Honour Rolls

  • Library catalogue is printed, on the computer and online

  • Transcripts of School Admission Registers

  • Cemetery Lists

  • "Northern Star" Death, Burials, Obituaries (1876-2019)

Additional Research Resources

  • Historical and pioneer records

  • War Records
  • Shipping Lists
  • Probate Records
  • Landholder Returns
  • Colonial Secretary Papers
  • Cemetery Books

  • Exchange Journals

  • Microfiche
  • CD's

Computer Resources

We have computers for you to use to access our catalogue. Members have free access to the genealogical website FindMyPast. Internet usage is available for family history research.

  • Members Interests

  • Catalogue

  • Transcript of School Admission Registers (64 area schools)

  • THRAMP (Honour Rolls and War Memorials)

  • Cedar Log Journals (from issue no. 1)

  • "Northern Star" Death, Burials, Obituaries (1876-2020)

  • Local Deaths and Burials Master Register

  • Kevin Geaghan’s Burial Records (1853 to 1995)

  • Ballina Shire Cemetery and Interment Register

  • eJournals

Extensive Collection of Microfiche

Australian

  • Index to birth, death and marriages most Australian states

  • Convict records

  • Some electoral rolls

  • Early Government records

  • Probate

  • Public Service (Blue Books)

  • Cemetery Books

  • Exchange Journals

International

  • Small collection of international resources

CD and DVD Collection

Australian
  • Convict Records
  • Shipping and Immigration
  • Cemeteries
  • Railway Passes

  • Police Gazettes

  • Government Gazettes...particularly NSW

  • Land

International

  • (some) English Parish Records

  • National Burial Index (England)

  • Also check the “free” disks issued with various Magazine subscriptions for Australia & UK.

Journals

The Society exchanges journals with over 100 other Australian and International Societies.

These journals may be borrowed from the Marie Hart library or perused on site. Journals are kept for a maximum of 10 years and contain valuable articles and contact information.

In recent years many Societies have converted from a printed journal to electronic form. These electronic journals are available for perusal on the library computer and members are emailed a monthly list of newly received eJournals.

To see a list of the e-Journals available visit the Exchange Journal Page.