Reference resources
If you're a student or are doing some independent research, these reference tools can help you find what you need.
Britannica online
As a library member, you can access the adult, junior or student edition of Britannica Online for free.
Oxford reference
Oxford Reference is the home of Oxford’s quality reference publishing, bringing together over 2 million entries, many of which are illustrated, into a single cross-searchable resource.
Use your library card number to log in.
Use your library card number to log in.
Oxford bibliographies
A route to the most accurate and reliable resources for a variety of academic topics.
Use your library card number to log in.
Use your library card number to log in.
Oxford English Dictionary
Access digital versions of Oxford's English language dictionary, thesaurus and usage guides.
Use your library card number to log in.
Use your library card number to log in.
Access to Research
Access to more than 30 million academic articles. Available in the library when using one of our public computers
Historical collections
Dive into the past with our range of historical archives and ancestry tools.
Ancestry
Online resources including census returns for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man; civil registration indexes for England and Wales, historic BT telephone directories and more.
Please note: this can only be accessed in the library.
Please note: this can only be accessed in the library.
Find My Past
On this site, all library members can access records, including UK BMDs, Maritime BMDs, Merchant Navy Records, England & Wales censuses.
Access on library computers only.
Access on library computers only.
Whos' Who and Who Was Who
This website is home to thousands of biographies on significant British people past and present since 1897.
Log in with your library card number.
Log in with your library card number.
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
A comprehensive collection of national biographical information. Use your library card number to log in.
What our members say
"Exploring my family history has never been this seamless and fascinating. The library's access to premium genealogy resources has allowed me to uncover hidden stories and connect with my roots."
Eva Jobbs
Library member
Eva Jobbs
Library member
"Hats off to our amazing local library for the goldmine of resources on local and family history! Our library is a true treasure trove for anyone exploring their history- couldn't be more grateful!"
Rachel Ebbs
Library member
Rachel Ebbs
Library member
Newspaper and media archives
Whether you're studying or researching a topic you're interested in, find what you need with these digital newspaper and media records.
British Newspaper Archive
Explore over 200 years of history with these digital records.
Only available free in the library when using one our public computers, please ensure you register for the archive to unlock full access while in the library.
Only available free in the library when using one our public computers, please ensure you register for the archive to unlock full access while in the library.
The Times Digital Archive 1785 - 2013
The Times Digital Archive allows users to search over 200 years of this invaluable historical source.
Enter your library card number to log in.
Enter your library card number to log in.
Pressreader
With this online tool, library members can get instant access to over 4000 newspapers from 100 countries in 60 languages.
BFI replay
BFI replay is a free archive of videos and TV programmes from the BFI National Archive.
Please note: this can only be accessed in the library.
Please note: this can only be accessed in the library.
Discover digital
Explore our large and growing collection of eBooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers, Audiobooks, and Music, available free with your library card. With hundreds of thousands of titles from all major publishers and authors, there is always something new to discover.
