Local studies

Introduction

The large local history collection in the Reference Library includes a collection of books on open shelves near the service desk. The local catalogues and indexes will help you decide which other local history records you would like to see. Other local sources include newspapers, maps, illustrations, photographs and an oral history archive. There is a separate 'Local Studies in Bristol Libraries' leaflet giving more advice to the researcher, a copy can be downloaded from the list at the bottom of this page.

Please note, manuscript material carries restricted access: advance notice and proof of identity is required to view.

In addition, we offer the chance for schools or groups to organise visits to view our extensive local studies and family history collections. We can show you around the catalogues and fetch out examples of items specific to your area of research.

Once the visit has been agreed please use the appropriate downloadable booking form to confirm the details:

Reference Library booking confirmation form (pdf, 8 KB)

Ordnance Survey maps

As a result of a successful partnership with colleagues in the Record Office and Pollution Control, the Reference Library has purchased electronic files of old Ordnance Survey maps for the City of Bristol from Landmark.

The dates covered are 1881 to 1991. Staff can provide print-outs of a range of areas, scales, and dates for private research purposes only. The cost is 50p per A4 sheet. To order please:

• Fill in the OS order form (pdf, 11 KB) and return to the Reference Library.
• Ring 0117 903 7202 to discuss your requirements.
• Call in at the Reference Library, College Green, Bristol.

Lending sources

There is a loan collection books and pamphlets on the history of Bristol and surrounding area in the Central Lending Library. Older material is held in the Lending Reserve store. Check the library catalogue to see what is available.

Slave trade bibliography

We hold an extensive list of books and other material relating to Bristol's connections with the transatlantic slave trade, called the Slavery, abolition and emancipation reading list (pdf, 1.0 MB).

The reading list is arranged under the following headings:

• Slavery; the Slave Trade
• Abolition, Revolt and Emancipation; Lives of Slaves
• Bristol Material
• Commodities: Cocoa; Cotton; Sugar; Tobacco
• Literature

Copies are available in the Reference Library.

It was produced as part of the Bristol 1807 project, which looked at life in the city in the year the transatlantic slave trade was made illegal.

Periodicals

We hold a wide selection of current local newspapers, journals and periodicals. There is also a reference collection of bound back copies, some dating back to the 18th Century.

• For details see the complete list of local journals and magazines (pdf, 285 KB), including back runs of titles that we no longer take
• We also have a list of current local titles only  (pdf, 69 KB)
• Find the Central Library Serials List covering all subjects on our newspapers, magazines and periodicals page.