Local studies and local history

Do you want to find out more about your community, research the history of your house or family? If so the local studies service is for you.

Local studies libraries collect information on:

• Towns and villages
• houses and buildings
• industries and organisations
• local individuals and families
• traditions, customs and folklore.           

All Derbyshire libraries have a basic range of local history books you can borrow. Larger libraries have reference collections including local newspapers, census returns, maps and photographs for their local area. These reference collections are available, free of charge, for everybody to use.

There are also two major local studies collections at Chesterfield and County Hall, Matlock. Here specialist staff are always available to offer advice and assistance with your research.

Online resources
Visit our websites to find out more about the history of Derbyshire and surrounding area.

• Peakland Heritage (opens in a new window)
• Picture the Past (opens in a new window)

Do you remember...
...kali / kaylie / sherbet? If so, why not share your memories with us! 

The County Hall Local Studies library is open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and the second Saturday of each month from 9am to 12.30pm.

Service Plan 2009-2014
View the Cultural and Community Services Department's Service Plan, including the library service, for 2009-2014 in the more information section on this page.