The Local Studies Department attempts to collect material in all forms in order to show as complete a picture of the District as possible, and make it available to everyone, whether for school projects, family history, local research or general interest.   Although the main collection is at Balne Lane, Wakefield all libraries have some information relating to their communities, with larger collections at Castleford and Pontefract Libraries  

Each library will also have some material on Yorkshire in general.  

Using The Collections  

Catalogues and indexes are available for the larger collections and staff are happy to offer advice and assistance, although they are unable to undertake detailed research on behalf of individuals.

Background material such as national newspapers, historical, biographical, and genealogical works are available in the main Reference Library.  

Donations  

Donations of materials of local interest books, manuscripts, theses, maps, local research, illustrations, videos, films, sound recordings, CD-Roms, ephemera, are always welcome.

Activities

If you or your group are involved or interested in any aspect of local history, please get in touch. Exhibitions, talks, visits and other events are going on throughout the year.

Publications  

A number of books, prints and postcards with a local history flavour published by the Libraries Service are available to purchase.   Have a look at the publications we have on sale.  

Digitisation

'Twixt Aire and Calder is a Digitisation Project that provide an online Archive using unique local studies material held by Wakefield Libraries, individuals and local groups, making this material accessible to all and providing innovative and stimulating ways of presenting the District's Heritage.