Look back at VE Day in Derby with our libraries

Published: 6 May 2020

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day, Derby Libraries have dug into the British Library Newspaper Database to find out how the end of the war in Europe was reported locally.

The front page of the Derby Evening Telegraph from Tuesday 8th May 1945 is a unique window into a momentous day in history. The very British obsession with the weather is front and centre, with news of the first weather forecast since the start of hostilities placed right alongside the news of Germany’s surrender and celebrating crowds. Members of Derby Libraries can view the full edition at Gale’s British Newspapers.

No newspaper was published the following day, but the 10th May edition souvenir edition is equally interesting, with advertisers immediately seizing on victory to promote their products.

The British Libraries Newspaper Database is one of the many resources available for members of Derby Libraries in the eReference library. It can be accessed simply by typing in your library card number. View and download any page of the Derby Evening Telegraph, from the first edition in 1879 right up to 1950, plus the Derby Mercury from 1800 to 1900, and a wide range of other local papers from around the UK. It’s a fascinating resource for researchers and students, or just to browse and reminisce.

If you are not currently a member of Derby Libraries you can join online to receive a temporary ticket which will give you access to the eReference library as well as access to eBooks, eMagazines and Audiobooks to download for free. To find out more and join up, go to the InDerby website.

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