Special collections at the library

Local Studies Collection

Our Local Studies Collection is made up of local area materials, such as reference books, pamphlets, maps, photographs, census returns, parish records, trade directories and newspapers. 

Most of the items in the Local Studies Collection are listed on our catalogue but aren't available to reserve or borrow. You'll need to go to the Local Studies Centre to view the collection in person.

Find a Local Studies Centre

Contact Library Service

Telephone: Click to call 0300 303 8876

This phone line is open Monday–Friday 9am–5pm

Library events

There are lots of events and activities taking place in our libraries from IT training, reading and poetry groups to writing workshops, knitting groups, coffee mornings and more.​​

Events in libraries

Join the library

Become a member and get free access to thousands of books, audiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers. You can also access a range of online resources including Ancestry UK and BFI Replay, a film and TV archive available only in libraries.

Join the library