History and heritage

Newcastle Libraries invites you to learn about the history of Newcastle upon Tyne, the lives and work of local people, and your own family history

Local studies and family history

On level 6 of City Library we have:

  • our Family History information
  • our Local Studies Collections
  • a study space and PC access

You are welcome to use our stock for your own in-person research.

Heritage Research

For questions about our collection and the items we hold, please fill out the online heritage enquiry form. We will reply within 5 working days. If we can't help with your question, we might be able to do some research for you:

  • what: find out what we can research for you here 
  • how much: we can carry out up to 2 hours of research
  • cost: £30.00 per hour

How to pay: 

  • in person
  • over the phone

To pay by phone, email us at heritage@newcastle.gov.uk or call 0191 2787878. The Heritage Team will call you to take payment.

Local studies collections

We have the biggest collection of local studies and family history materials in the Northeast.

Everyone is welcome to visit and look at our collection. Some items are rare or can't be replaced, so not everything is on public display.

To see something:

  • choose from our catalogues
  • ask a staff member for help

Newcastle Collection

To see an item from the Newcastle Collection, contact us at least 5 days before by:

Books from Tyne Bridge Publishing

Tyne Bridge Publishing is based at Newcastle Libraries and publishes books on the history of Newcastle upon Tyne and the surrounding region. You can buy our books at Newcastle City Library or online.

Ancestry and Find My Past

Ancestry and Find My Past can be accessed in any of our libraries using a public PC. 

Search and view thousands of family records, such as:

  • census
  • military records
  • births, marriages and deaths