Local Studies Re-opening Fact Sheet

Planning your visit

Use of Local Studies will be by appointment only.

You can book a two hour slot to look at resources such as books, maps, photos, cuttings and newspaper microfilms.

You can book a one hour slot for computer use only (Ancestry, Find My Past, British Newspaper Archives etc)

To book an appointment:

e-mail: reference.library@calderdale.gov.uk

tel: 01422 392631

When you book your appointment we’ll ask for lots of details about what you are looking for. This is so that we can get out as many resources as possible, ready for your visit.

You can search the catalogue to identify specific books, pamphlets, photos etc here Catalogue

We have details about some of our other resources here Local Studies resources

You can search the Halifax Antiquarian Society Index here Halifax Antiquarian Society

When you book you will be allocated a computer or table number. This will also include access to a specific microfilm machine if requested.

You may visit with one other member of your household but you must tell us this when you book.

When you visit

Please arrive on time – but not early, as this may mean you have to wait outside the library, depending on visitor numbers at the time. (There is a limit for the building as a whole.)

When you enter the library there will be a member of staff at the door to greet you.  You will be asked to provide details for track and trace. They will then direct you to Local Studies (following a one way system)

There will be a member of Local Studies staff at the desk at the bottom of the stairs. They will point you to your table where we will have laid out the resources requested. If you have booked a microfilm reader we will point out which machine to use.

If you have requested a table and a microfilm reader we ask that you use the same chair for both. The chairs are lightweight plastic but if you have any problems moving them please ask the member of staff and they will help.

If you discover you need further resources you can ask the member of staff behind the desk to get them for you. We just ask that, if there is someone already at the desk, you wait until they have finished/ returned to their seat.

Please note that popular materials may not be available immediately. This is because we have to quarantine everything for 72 hours after use.

You will not be able to browse the open shelves, maps or photographs in Local Studies. If you require any of these items, please ask staff. Where possible they will retrieve them for you. In some cases you may have to book a further appointment.

Once you have finished your research please leave all resources at your table. Just let staff know you are leaving (and not just nipping out for air!)

We look forward to welcoming you back!