Local studies library
All libraries hold information relating to their communities and on Yorkshire in general. There are large local studies collections are available at Pontefract, Castleford and Ossett libraries.
The primary local archive is at Wakefield Library and includes:
Local history books for loan or reference
Biographical and genealogical works
Pamphlets
Journals
Ephemera
Newspapers*
Photographs
Study facilities
Free access computers
Microfilm readers with the latest technology*
*See the downloads' section for comprehensive lists of the local newspaper titles available on Microfilm and in paper copy.
You are welcome to drop in and find out you can further your interest in the Wakefield District or the wider Yorkshire area, or how to get started with your family tree. There is a vast array of free family history resources available for to use in each of our libraries, including free access from library computers to the popular databases www.ancestry.co.uk and www.findmypast.co.uk.
You can also find lots of information about the region at the West Yorkshire Archive Service which is located at:
WYAS, Wakefield Office
West Yorkshire History Centre
127 Kirkgate
Wakefield
WF1 1JG
Email: wakefield@wyjs.org.uk
Tel: 0113 5350142
Using the Collections
Catalogues and indexes are available for the larger collections and staff are happy to offer advice and assistance, although please bear in mind that they are unable to undertake detailed research on behalf of individuals. See the downloads' section for a list of some local researchers.
Donations
We always welcome donations of materials, specifically:
Local interest books
Manuscripts
Theses
Maps
Local research
Illustrations
Videos
Films
Sound recordings
Ephemera
Activities and Events
If you or your group are involved in, or are interested in any aspect of local or family history, please get in touch. Exhibitions, talks, visits and other related events occur regularly throughout the year. Browse the 'What's On' guide.
Our History Digitisation Programmes
'Twixt Aire and Calder
A free online archive using unique local studies material held by Wakefield Libraries, individuals and local groups. This material is accessible to everyone and provides an innovative and stimulating way of presenting the district's heritage.
Contact details of local researchers
Please note this list is for information only. Researchers operate independently from the
Wakefield District Library Service. Anyone wishing to employ a researcher should contact him or her directly.
Name: Elaine Morgan-Taylor
Address: 85 Bexhill Close, Pontefract, WF8 2LF
Telephone: 01977 796077
Email: elainemt@talktalk.net
Name: Claire Dearing
Telephone: 07956583717
Email: cdearing@fsmail.net
Name: Heathcliffe Bowen
Address: 8, Woodlands Rise, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9BU
Telephone: 0791 4514635
Email: Heathcliffe.bowen@gmail.com