The first workshop - at Cessnock Library onThursday, August 15 - will unlock the mystery behind the television series Who Do You Think You Are?.

The series has been a global phenomenon, but have you ever wondered how the archivists and historians find the original records they uncover in each episode?

Workshop participants will watch an episode and local studies librarian, Kimberly O'Sullivan will explain how original records are uncovered.

The workshop will run from 10am to 12pm.

Kurri Kurri Library will host an Understanding Ancestry workshop on Tuesday, August 20 from 11am to 12.30pm.

Volunteer Debbie Rowley will be on hand to help participants navigate their way through the wonderful family history tool, Ancestry.com.

Access to Ancestry.com is via a paid subscription, but Cessnock Library members have free unlimited access to the site with their library card.

Cessnock Family History Group also operates from the Local Studies Room at Cessnock Library and they welcome visitors and inquiries.

Cessnock City Council's library services coordinator Rose-marie Walters said family history and genealogy is one of the most popular hobbies around the world.

"There are over 250,000 Australians who are members of family history related organisations and the month has broad appeal across Australia."

Bookings for these events are essential and can be made at https://bit.ly/2RysR1T.