# How to Set Up a Family RelayBook A Family RelayBook gives everyone in your household access to the same contact book -- doctors, schools, tradespeople, family friends -- updated in real time so nobody has to ask "do you have their number?" > [!quote] One book, everyone in sync > When your partner updates the plumber's number, you see it instantly. No more texting each other contact details you both need. ## What to Put in a Family RelayBook A household contact book typically includes: - **Medical** -- GP, dentist, pharmacist, any specialists - **Schools & childcare** -- school office, teachers, nursery, after-school clubs - **Tradespeople** -- plumber, electrician, boiler engineer, cleaner, gardener - **Neighbours & local** -- immediate neighbours, local contacts worth keeping - **Family & friends** -- anyone the whole household needs access to - **Emergency contacts** -- anyone who should be called if something goes wrong > [!tip] Two books, not one > Consider keeping two separate books: one for people (family, friends, medical contacts) and one for services (tradespeople, local businesses). It keeps things easier to browse and lets you share them with different people if needed. ## Setting Up Your Family Book **1. Create the book** Click the **+** button in the sidebar and give it a name -- "Home," "Family," or whatever feels natural. Choose a colour and icon to make it easy to spot. **2. Add your contacts** Start with the ones you look up most often. You can [[Adding Contacts|add contacts manually]], [[Import & Inbox/Importing Contacts|import from a CSV or vCard]], or use the Import Inbox to forward an email signature straight into the book. **3. Add notes where it helps** Use the notes field to add context -- "Plumber: prefers texts, not calls" or "School office closes at 4pm." Notes are visible to everyone sharing the book. **4. Label your contacts** [[Labels & Categorization|Labels]] let you filter the book at a glance. A few labels go a long way: Medical, School, Trades, Emergency. Keep it simple -- you can always add more later. ## Sharing It with Your Household Once your book has some contacts in it, invite the people who need access. 1. Open the book and click **Invite** 2. Enter their email address 3. Choose their role: - **Member** -- can view and edit contacts (right for most household members) - **Viewer** -- read-only access (useful for older children or anyone who just needs to look things up) 4. They'll receive an invitation email and can join even if they don't have a RelayBook account yet > [!note] Invitees don't need to pay > The person who created the book covers the cost. Anyone you invite can join for free. ## Keeping It Up to Date The value of a shared book grows as people add to it. A few habits help: - When a tradesperson does good work, add them before you forget their details - When someone changes their number, update it once -- everyone sees it immediately - Use the notes field to record who you liked and who you didn't ("Don't use again -- overcharged") > [!success] The Key Idea > A Family RelayBook works because everyone can update it. One person adds a new contact, everyone has it. One person corrects a phone number, the old one is gone for everyone. That's the difference from a shared spreadsheet or a group chat. --- **Related:** [[Adding Contacts]] · [[Import & Inbox/Importing Contacts|Importing Contacts]] · [[Labels & Categorization]] · [[Team Collaboration/Inviting Members|Inviting Members]]