or Local Studies Library at Chesterfield Central Library
Tel: 01246 209292
Open Monday - Friday 9.30am - 7pm and Saturday 9.30am - 4pm

Are you interested in Derbyshire past, present and future?

Do you want to look at old photographs, newspapers, or trace the history of your house or family? The Local Studies service provides all kinds of information about the county, and even further afield.There are books, journals, directories, maps, newspapers, illustrations and various source material on microfilm. This includes:

• Derbyshire census returns 1841 - 1901
• The Surname Index and abbreviated transcript of the 1881 Census for England and Wales
• The International Genealogical Index to all Britain and Ireland
• The General Register Office Indexes to Births Marriages and Deaths in England and Wales, Overseas Indexes and War Deaths.

All libraries provide a basic range of local studies books for loan. Larger libraries also have reference collections, including historic local newspapers on microfilm, for their locality. Click here to search our online catalogue of available books and other publications.

County local studies services are available at the local studies reference libraries at County Hall, Matlock and at Chesterfield.

These have extensive subject, place and personal name indexes to the collections and trained staff available to show you how to use the collections and materials. These research libraries are open to all, you don't need a reader's ticket, but it is essential to make an appointment if you need to use any microfilm, fiche or computer equipment.

There is no charge for using the collections or equipment. Copying facilities and internet access are available. The current charges are:

• Photocopies 10p.
• Microform copies 45p.