Auckland Libraries 'research marathon' draws a crowd

Have you ever dreamt of spending the night in an Auckland Libraries research centre?

The increasing popularity of family history research has resulted in a sold out marathon researching event this Friday.

More than 50 family history enthusiasts will spend the night in the Central City Library at the ‘Karen Kalopulu Family History Lock-In’ where Auckland Libraries staff and New Zealand Society of Genealogist volunteers will be on hand to offer research advice and assistance for 12 hours.

People are travelling from as far as Wellington and Taupo to participate this year in the annual event, which was established seven years ago by the late Auckland Libraries family history librarian Karen Kalopulu who died in 2009. The event was renamed in her honour in 2010.

“It’s wonderful to see the moments of discovery – and there are lots of them during a non-stop 12-hour family history research session,” laughs Auckland Libraries Family History Librarian, Seonaid Lewis.

“Some participants bring a blanket and pillow so they can take a nap, but most just keep going on the adrenalin. It really is an extremely unique event,” continues Lewis.

This library event is part of the wider Auckland Heritage Festival. There is no other festival in Auckland that offers such a wide programme of events.

“The heritage of each of our communities is the foundation of our sense of place and our belonging. To understand where we as Aucklanders are going, we must understand where we have come from,” says Mayor Len Brown.

For more information about the Karen Kalopulu Family History Lock-In or Auckland Libraries research resources go to the Auckland Libraries website.

Editor’s note:

The lock in goes from 8pm Friday 23 September to 8am Saturday 24 September. Media are welcome to come along – please arrange with the Auckland Council media team in advance to ensure access to the library and interview opportunities.

The renowned Central Auckland Research Centre holds one of the largest and most comprehensive Family History collections in Australasia. Auckland Libraries also has research facilities available at South Auckland Research Centre (Manukau) West Auckland Research Centre (Henderson) and North Auckland Research Centre (Takapuna Library).