Information about our local history, family history, and special collections.
Local history
Our local history collection in the reference library includes:
- street directories
- poll books and electoral registers
- photographs, engravings and drawings
- maps
- local newspapers and magazines
- press cuttings
- books relating to Bristol and surrounding area
Family history
Find genealogy and family history books at any of our libraries. Search the LibrariesWest catalogue.
The main sources in our reference library at Bristol Central Library include:
- the index of births, marriages and deaths from 1837 to 1983
- census returns covering 1841 to 1901
- street directories
- poll books and electoral registers
Online family history resources
Access Ancestry and Find my past on any library computer.
You can search billions of records covering:
- birth, marriage, death and parish records
- census, land and surveys
- directories and social history
- education and work
- institutions and organisations
- military
- travel and migration
You cannot access these resources from home.
The 1921 Census is now available in Bristol Libraries through Find My Past.
Special collections
We have a large collection of rare and unique materials at Central library, including:
- manuscripts
- early printed books
- pamphlets and broadsides
You need to book an appointment to view any special collections.
For more information or to book an appointment, email refandinfo@bristol.gov.uk or phone 0117 903 7202.
Group visits
We welcome visits from schools, colleges and groups.
To book a visit or for more information, email refandinfo@bristol.gov.uk
Find the opening hours for Central Library.