Major Local Studies Collections are available at the following libraries

Coalville Library

Hinckley Library

Loughborough Library

Market Harborough Library

Melton Library

The Record Office

Staff are available to advise on the use of our local studies materials and explain how you can make the most of our specialist items, files and indexes.

Whatever your enquiry don't hesitate to ask! Due to the nature of some local studies materials they may not be on display on library shelves.

All larger libraries have a coin-operated photocopying machine and some have a reader printer service for microfilm and microfiche. Please ask staff for details and costs.

We are keen to improve and expand our local studies collections and we act as a depositary for memorabilia.

We welcome donations of items which record the life and history of Leicestershire and its people. We are always interested to hear of any items you come across or have produced yourself. This will ensure that the collections continue to expand, and present day life becomes tomorrow's local history.

These range from general histories of the County to ones covering specific topics - such as churches, farming, mining, biographies and local villages.

Some collections also include recognised series of books such as Nichols History of Leicestershire.

Other libraries around the county have special collections that reflect the individual local history of a town, such as a collection relating to Hunting held at Melton Library.

Local newspapers dating back to the nineteenth century provide a fascinating insight into how our ancestors lived, played and worked. Most older titles are stored on microfilm and cuttings relating to important events, people and places are kept by many libraries.

Some libraries keep local community/regional newspapers and parish magazines.  View lists below:

Historical Newspapers (Word Doc; 123Kb)

Historical collections of maps, OS maps, railway and canal plans, street plans and shopping centre layouts.

Street Directories - Listed by Library and Date (PDF)

FREE broadband Internet access to information on lots of useful websites, for example:

Some services may only be available in larger libraries.

For more detailed research into local history contact the Record Office.  Records of all kinds, including manuscripts (the archives of local government, institutions and families), maps and photographs are preserved and made available for research by the public. The Record Office also houses the local studies collection, including general works on Leicestershire and Rutland, local newspapers and periodicals, writings of local authors and sound recordings.

The Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland
Long Street
Wigston Magna
Leicester LE18 2AH

Tel: 0116 257 1080 Fax: 0116 257 1120 email: recordoffice@leics.gov.uk

 

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