Doncaster Council

An Introduction to the Local Studies Library and its services

The Local Studies Library is one half of the Doncaster Archives and Local Studies department, which in turn is a section of Doncaster Library and Information Services. The Local Studies Library collects and preserves historical and contemporary information relating to the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster, together with supporting material on South Yorkshire and the neighbouring counties of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, making it available for members of the public to access in the Local Studies Library and via other means such as our web pages and through our research service.

The collection includes books, newspapers and periodicals, maps and plans, directories, minute books, nineteenth and twentieth century census returns, illustrations and ephemera. It covers many aspects such as history, geography, industry, transport, health, social life, education, sport and leisure, population, natural history, religion, economics and one of today's most popular hobbies, family history.

Using the Local Studies Library

All the material held in the Local Studies Library is for use in the department only. Copies of some of the books held in the department can be loaned from the lending section of the Library Service. Please ask staff who can check and advise on the availability of the books.

The varied sources and material held in the Local Studies Library forms a unique collection and as such must be handled with great care. We, therefore, ask customers to observe the following guidelines.

Guidelines

• No food or drink of any kind may be consumed in the Local Studies Library. This includes chewing gum and sweets.

• Whilst viewing Local Studies material, please use a pencil at all times, including for writing your own notes.

• Bags must be kept under the table and must not be left unattended.

• Please do not lean or rest anything on the document(s)/map(s) you are using.

• Please do not allow the document or map to hang over the edge of the table.

• For the consideration of other users, please switch off your mobile phone.

• All material issued by staff must be signed for and returned after use.

Reader Registration

All users of the Local Studies Library will be asked to fill in a form to register as a member. Proof of name and address will be required, such as Doncaster Library Service membership card, driving licence, bank statement, household bill etc.

Microfilm reader machine and computer reservations

Use of the microfilm machines and computers in Local Studies is by appointment. The machines and computers may be reserved up to seven days in advance of a visit. Please telephone 01302 734307 to make a reservation. Bookings start 15 minutes after the library opens and finish 15 minutes before closing time to allow for setting up/closing down and health & safety checks to be carried out.

Photocopying from Local Studies Library material

Photocopies may be made subject to copyright. Photocopying may sometimes not be possible due to the condition of a particular item. Please ask staff for guidance regarding the photocopying of material.

Opening hours, for the Local Studies Library, are as follows:

Monday
9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Tuesday 
9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Wednesday 
9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Thursday 
9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Friday 
10.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Saturday
9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

 Services

• A research service is available to customer unable to visit the department. The cost and details are available from the Local Studies staff on 01302 734307.

• Small group visits to the department by arrangement only.

• Advice on local and family history research.

Doncaster Heritage Festival 2010

Doncaster Archives and Local Studies Library would like to thank everyone who attended and supported the first Doncaster Heritage Festival.

Due to its success and a demand that outstripped the availability of some of the events it is proposed to repeat some of these. Below are the events that will be repeated, at present no dates are available, if you are interested please contact the Local Studies staff on 01302 734307 or at central.localhistory@doncaster.gov.uk.

Family History on the Internet workshops

The Local Studies Library will be running Family History on the Internet sessions for people wanting to start or improve their skills. As place are limited for these hands-on workshop, please ring Local Studies on 01302 734307 or email central.localhistory@doncaster.gov.uk to reserve a place.

The Sand House: A Victorian Marvel by Richard Bell

Richard Bell gives an insight into the Sand House, a large house complete with ballroom, carved out of sand by the Senior Family in their quarry near to Hyde Park Cemetery. As well as the house Richard tells of the subterranean tunnels with wonderful carvings and world-renowned giant fungi, visited by Victorian men of science and tourist alike.

Location Map

How to find us (This links to Multimap.com which shows the location of the Central Library)