Newcastle Local Studies Library

The Local Studies Library houses the largest collection of local material in the North East. It was established in 1884 although some volumes were published much earlier.

The collection covers Tyne & Wear, Northumberland and Durham with special emphasis upon Newcastle. There are about 45,000 volumes, dating from the first books printed in Newcastle in the 1640's to current material. We aim to acquire all relevant new titles published. Other printed material includes a wide range of reports, pamphlets and periodicals, also "ephemera" such as election leaflets, community newsletters and posters.

A large proportion of Local Studies books are rare and irreplaceable, therefore most of the collection is not on public access. Readers must use the catalogue and fill in request slips to consult the material.

Although the main collection is available for reference only, there are some Local Studies books available for loan in the Central Lending Library.

The collection includes c70,000 illustrations, mainly photographs dating from 1854 onwards. Photographic copies may be ordered from many of the views in the collection.

Most editions and scales of the Ordnance Surveys of the area are kept as well as manuscript and printed maps, street plans, geological maps, admiralty charts and shopping area plans. (see User Guide 6)

Top of the page Newcastle Local Studies Library

This is the most extensive collection of newspapers in the region covering the years from 1711 to date. Many of the newspapers are now available on microfilm only, in order to preserve the fragile originals. (see User Guide 3)

A collection of cuttings has been maintained since 1969. The Newcastle Journal and the Evening Chronicle are scanned every day for relevant articles. This file presents a unique source of current information.

Commercially produced records, cassettes and videos are included in the collection in addition to a small number of items which have been recorded privately or from radio/TV when permission has been obtained.

The collection is classified by the Dewey decimal system. There is an index to subjects, a name and a subject catalogue, all on cards. Serial publications, e.g. annual reports, periodicals and newsletters are listed on computer print-outs again arranged by both name and subject.

Some periodical and newspaper articles about local places, events and people are indexed separately and can be checked by the staff on your behalf.

Top of the page Newcastle Local Studies Library

Most of the genealogical material relevant to Northumberland and Durham has been collected together in the Genealogy Room on Floor D. These include Parish Register Transcripts from the 16th Century to c1812, directories from 1778, Electoral Registers for Newcastle, Census returns for Newcastle 1841 - 1891 and the Northumberland and Durham section of the International Genealogical Index. (For further information see Genealogy Guides)

The library houses several "special collections" of local interest which have been donated to the City Libraries. The Bewick Collection presented by John Pease contains books, engravings and wood blocks illustrating the work of local engraver Thomas Bewick (1753 - 1828) and his pupils. Access to this collection is by appointment.

The Thomlinson Library was the first "public library" in Newcastle based on the private collection of Dr. Robert Thomlinson (1668 - 1747). The contents are not especially local, covering topics such as Theology, Medicine, History and Geography. There is a separate catalogue to this collection.

The Seymour Bell Collection is part of a collection compiled by the Bell family of Newcastle and Gateshead during their work as booksellers and land surveyors. Material collected by the family is scattered amongst the major libraries of the North-East. This collection consists of 25 portfolios containing plans, inventories of properties, valuations, correspondence, surveys and auctioneers' notices relating to estates in Newcastle and Northumberland from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. The items are included in the card index which staff will check upon request.

The C.P. Taylor Collection was presented by his widow in 1990. It consists of 146 folders containing scripts etc. written by the local playwright C.P. Taylor (1929 - 1981). This is in addition to the volumes of his work listed in the catalogue. There is an index volume to this collection.

The library issues a series of User Guides and Fact Sheets designed to provide quick access to information about the collection and to answer frequently requested facts such as details about the bridges across the Tyne or famous people in the area.

Please ask the Local Studies staff if further assistance is required.

February 1994

Top of the page Newcastle Local Studies Library