Local studies libraries

All Derbyshire libraries have a basic range of local interest books you can borrow. 

Many also have reference collections covering all aspects of the local area. You will find information about social and industrial history as well as fiction and poetry by local authors. Some libraries also have microfilmed copies of old local newspapers. 

These reference collections are available, free of charge, for everybody to use. 

There are two major local studies collections. Here specialist staff are always available to offer advice and assistance with your research. 

County Hall Local Studies Library

The library at County Hall, Matlock covers the whole county. It also has limited information on surrounding counties and has an extensive family history collection. 

Chesterfield Local Studies Library 

Chesterfield Library has an excellent collection for Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire. It also has local and family history resources for the northern half of the county. 

Many of the local libraries have old newspapers and other unique materials for their local area. These are not duplicated in the two main collections. Even the smaller libraries may have something unusual like a collection of photographs or a community magazine.