Avarua Cook Islands Family History Centre

=
The Avarua, Rarotonga, Family History Library is located in the village of Avatiu on the main road. The building was once the home to the only Mission President of the Cook Islands in the 1960's. The building has now been divided into a District Office, a Missionary Quarters and the Family History Library. This facility serves all of the Cook Islands and contains approx. 120 films along with a large collection of church history documents. Smaller libraries can be found on the islands of Mangaia and Aitutaki. =====

Centre Contacts and Hours
Language: English,Rarotongan and all dialects 

Location &amp; Map: 




 * Address: PO Box 81, Avatiu, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
 * The Family History Center is located to the right of the chapel on the main road in Avatiu village and across the street from the harbor.

Phone: 682-23319

E-mail:

Open Hours:


 * Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon
 * Some evenings 5:00-8:00pm

Holiday Schedule: Closed

Collections

 * Family History Library Catalog: This centre has the ability to order any of the films and fiche available through the Family History Library Catalog.


 * In addition to all of the known micofilms of the Cook Islands, there is a small collection of books and many files related to the history of the Church in the Cook Islands. There are also Pedigree Charts for the island of Mangaia.

Databases and Software

 * FHC Portal: This centre has access to the Family History Center Portal page which gives free access in the centre to premium family history software and websites that generally charge for subscriptions.

Hardware and Equipment

 * Three computers with free access to the internet for research
 * Printers and copiers in B/W
 * Three 20/20 large film readers
 * Microfiche readers that have been adapted for reading films.

Staff Research Specialties
(Include sections for any other services your centre provides. Add additional sections for those services. See the Mesa and Logan FHC pages for examples.)

Resources in the Local Area
The Cook Islands Justice Department holds a vast collection of Vital Records. It is the only source for obtaining a legal document. In addition, the Cook Islands Christian Church in Takimoa and the Catholic Church parishes have information that is sometimes available. 

Links
http://cookislandsgenealogy-history.blogspot.com/                 

Volunteer at the Centre
''The Family History Director, Sister Cummings is always available. She is assisted by volunteers from each of the three branches on the islands, some of whom have served for many years. ''