The Collection of local studies material is one of the largest and oldest anywhere in Derby and Derbyshire. It was originally formed from two outstanding private collections. The Duke of Devonshire donated the first in 1878. The second formed for Sir Henry Howe Bemrose, was purchased by public subscription. Today we still seek to acquire material on Derby and Derbyshire to add to the library.
Books and Journals
This collection of our 60,000 items include specialist histories of Derby and Derbyshire. Three catalogues and a superb index provide access to this part of the collection.
Local Newspapers
We have a large number of local newspapers on microfilm dating from the 1720's through to today.
Census and Statistics
We have statistical information for the county for 1801-1991, and the census enumerators returns for 1841 -1901. The enumerators returns are on microfilm and cover the whole county. There is a village index and street index for Derby. There are also name indexes for 1841, 1881 and 1891.
Tracing the history of your house
Be your own house detective ... can our sources help you to investigate the history of your house ?
Photographs, Illustrations and Engravings
A collection of over 12,000 photographs covers the whole county with special emphasis on Derby, dating from the late 19th century to the present. There is a significant collection of glass negatives dating from the 19th century, some by Richard Keene, the well-known Derby photographer.
Special collections, manuscripts and deposits
This extensive range includes various Family Papers, Business and Company Records, Poor Law Records, Derby Borough Records, Title Deeds, Chap Books and Manuscripts.
Broadsheets
A collection of approximately 3,500 broadsheets covering many subjects including religious events, church services, entertainment, race meetings and fairs. These date mostly from the 19th century.
Trade Directories
A small selection of original local directories are available. However, there is a comprehensive coverage of directories on microfiche for Derby and Derbyshire from 1808 to 1977. After this date, telephone and other classified directories are available to help.
Maps
County maps date from 1577 and maps for Derby date from 1610. All scales of Ordnance Survey are represented including the 1880 first edition large scale for Derby and Derbyshire.
Electoral Registers
The Library has a small collection of Poll books for Derby, earliest 1710, and for Derbyshire, earliest 1734. We have electoral registers for Derby for 1843-2001.
Periodicals
Coverage includes local society newsletters, parish magazines, local and family history and county magazines.
Current Information
Derby Local Studies Library doesn't just collect historic material. Current council publications are acquired, as is today's ephemera.
Cornucopia 
Cornucopia is an online database of information about more than 6,000 collections in the UK's museums, galleries, archives and libraries. Whether you are interested in painters or politicians, dinosaurs or space travel, the Romans or the Victorians, Cornucopia can tell you what is available and where to see it.
Taking it further
Information for visitors to the library
Contact us
Getting started in House History
Getting started in Family History