Repository:Cornish Studies Library

Cornwall's largest library of Cornish printed and published items contains a wide range of resources for everyone's use

Holdings

Books and Pamphlets

The total bookstock exceeds 30,000 volumes relating to the history, geography, customs, industries, language and other aspects of Cornish life. Over the years the Library has acquired a number of personal collections, the largest being the Hambly and Rowe, the Ashley Rowe and the A.K. Hamilton Jenkin Libraries. Other material has been donated by members of the public items too numerous to mention.

Newspapers

All the main Cornish newspapers are microfilmed annually. Backfiles of over 30 Cornish papers have also been filmed or purchased, covering the period from the mid-18th Century. A list is available.

Serials

There is a large collection of serial publications relating to Cornwall. These include both general interest and specialist journals and church and parish magazines.

Maps

Various types and scales of maps are held. These include geological, navigational, agricultural land classification, street plan and small to large scale Ordnance Survey publications. A selective list is available.

Photographs

Illustrative material is constantly being added and several thousand examples may be seen. A major collection of over 100,000 glass negatives is presently being worked on to enhance its accessibility.

Censuses

The Enumerators Returns for Cornwall of 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, and 1891 are available on microfilm with General Register Office Indexes

The indexes of Births, Marriages and Deaths from 1837 to 1939 are available on microfilm.

Trade Directories

The Library has an extensive range of directories covering Cornwall. A list is available.

Hours of Opening, Facilities

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10.00 am to 5.00pm Saturday 10.00 am to 1.00pm (CLOSED WEDNESDAY)

Telephone Number: +44 (0) 1209 216760 Fax: +44 (0) 1209 210283

Study facilities and photocopying are available. Certain maps, most newspapers, the census returns and St. Catherine's House indexes require the use of a microfilm reader. Telephone to book before travelling some distance.

The Cornish Studies Library supports the work of branch libraries in Cornwall and initial enquiries may be made there.