- LOCAL STUDIES & ARCHIVE CENTRE
- EXHIBITIONS
- COLLECTIONS
-
GUIDES & RESOURCES
- Interactive map: Trafford Blue Plaques
- The First World War in Trafford - Research Database
- Trafford History Trails
- Guide: Research your British Ancestors using Ancestry
- Guide: Research your Caribbean Ancestors using Ancestry
- Guide: Research your Irish Ancestors using Ancestry
- Guide: Research the History of your House
- Guide: Organising your Family History Research
- Guide: Understanding census records
- 'Get to Know Your Grandparent(s)!' Children's Interview Activity Sheet
- CONTRIBUTE
Plan your visit
Trafford Local Studies Centre is located at 1 Waterside House, Sale (M33 7ZF).
Opening Hours
Monday 10am - 7pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday Closed
Please note that these hours may vary due public holidays and off site events. Please check our social media pages for up to date information.
Archive Visits
Our archival collections date back more than 700 years and we would love to show them to you! Search our archive catalogue online by clicking here.
You can book out up to 8 items per visit. If you would like some advice or recommendations, our staff are happy to help.
All archival material must be booked out at least one working day in advance, by phone, email or in person.
Phone 0161 912 3013 or email trafflocals@trafford.gov.uk to talk to a member of staff and/or make an appointment.
What to bring with you:
Trafford Libraries card or identification.
You may also bring pencils and paper, a laptop, tablet, phone or camera. To protect the archival material, we do not allow the use of pens or flash photography. Visitors must always ask permission before photographing any material part of the Trafford Local Studies & Archive collection.
We also have a number of Local History titles available to purchase.
Local Studies Library Visits
You no longer need to book to visit the Local Studies Library, which contains:
Public computers for family and local history research*
We have subscriptions to Ancestry, Find My Past and the British Newspaper Archive that you can use free of charge.
You will need to be a member of Trafford Libraries to use the computers. Find out how to join by clicking here.
NOTE: Ancestry and Find My Past (Library Editions) are no longer available from home - you will need to visit the Trafford Local Studies Centre and use one of our computers.
Microfilm and microfiche readers*
We hold a wide range of records and local newspapers on microfilm and microfiche. These are available to select when you visit.
Reference library
The library contains books, periodicals, maps, directories and pamphlets to help you in your historical research.
Books for loan
Trafford Libraries members can borrow books relating to local and family history.
Printing and photocopying is available. We accept both cash and card payment.
*There are limited numbers of computers and readers so you may wish to book to avoid disappointment.