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Local studies and family history in libraries

Calderdale libraries offer a wealth of resources to anyone interested in local and family history.

Calderdale libraries offer a wealth of resources to anyone interested in local and family history.

The West Yorkshire Archive Service has a base in the Central Library (Halifax).

Some of our larger libraries have local studies collections as well as the main collection at Central Library. These have a book collection and other highlights:

Central Library

Local history

Includes:

  • Maps.
  • Local newspapers on microfilm.
  • Rare books, pamphlets and ephemera.

Family history

Includes:

  • Access to the GRO Index of Births, Marriages and Deaths.
  • Poll books and electoral registers.
  • Access to Ancestry and Find My Past.
  • Trade directories.
  • Photos.

A section of stock started as part of the private library of Joseph Horsfall Turner, a local historian and writer. It has been added to over the years and is still expanding as more stock is bought or donated.

It has resources about the history of Calderdale and how it developed. This stock can be searched on the catalogue and staff will be happy to bring out requested items.

All material in Local Studies is for reference only. We also have a growing collection of local studies books, which can be borrowed. These can be found on the second floor of Central Library.

Check out the articles in our Calderdale Local Studies blog where we delve into our collection.

For more on Local Studies Resources or general reference stock:

Find out more about the Central Library and Archives.

Brighouse Library

Includes:

  • Brighouse Borough Council Minutes 1893 -1974.
  • Maps.
  • Brighouse Echo on microfilm from 1887 (can print).
  • Pamphlet collection.
  • Access to Ancestry and Find My Past.

Find out more about Brighouse Library.

Elland Library

Includes:

  • Maps.
  • Selection of photos and newspaper cuttings.
  • Access to Ancestry.

Find out more about Elland Library.

Hebden Bridge Library

Includes:

  • Newspaper cuttings files.
  • Hebden Bridge Times on microfilm from 1882 (can print).
  • Maps.
  • Local postcards.
  • Access to Ancestry and Find My Past.

Find out about Hebden Bridge Library.

Rastrick Library

Includes:

  • Brighouse Borough Council Minutes 1893 -1974.
  • Maps.
  • Photographic collection.
  • Local History research group (myrastrick.com).
  • Access to Ancestry.

Find out more about Rastrick Library.

Sowerby Bridge Library

Includes:

  • Sowerby Bridge Urban District Council minutes 1880 - 1972.
  • Newspaper cuttings and ephemera.
  • Photographic collection.
  • Maps.
  • Sowerby Bridge Chronicle on microfilm 1883 - 1910 (can print).
  • Access to Ancestry.

Find out more about the Sowerby Bridge Library.

Todmorden Library

Includes:

  • Trade directories.
  • Maps.
  • Todmorden News and Advertiser on microfilm from 1934 (can print).
  • Access to the Todmorden Antiquarian Society Collection.
  • Access to Ancestry and Find My Past.

Find out more about Todmorden Library.

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