You can borrow most of the books and pamphlets in the collection except for a few reference copies of the most important titles. There are also pamphlet files containing booklets, leaflets, extracts from trade directories and short written articles of local interest.
A microfiche reader offers access to the census returns for Clay Cross, Clay Lane, Ashover, Brackenfield, North Wingfield, Morton, Pilsley, Shirland, Higham, Stretton, Tupton, Wessington and Wingerworth. These are a recent addition to the library stock and cover all the available years, 1841 to 1901.
Behind the scenes are other interesting materials including a selection of local maps and a very extensive news cuttings collection on the Clay Cross rent strike. This has attracted professional historians from universities nation-wide. The cuttings file continues to record news items of local interest.
There is a small but growing photographic collection recording the town as it moves into the 21st century.