Visitor information

How to find Bolton Archives Service.

• Opening Hours and availability of archives and reserve stock
• Security and conservation
• Microfilm readers
• Photocopying
• Services to schools
• Group visits
• Family history workshops

Opening Hours

Local Studies material is available whenever the search room is open. Make sure that you check details about the availability of Archives and Reserve stock before planning a visit.

Availability of Archives and Reserve stock

The following time restrictions apply for accessing Archives and Reserve stock only:

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Security and conservation

All visitors to the Archive and Local Studies search room are required to enter their full name and address in the register provided.

All documents must be returned to a member of staff after use. No item may be removed from the search room except by a member of staff. Access to items which are very fragile or damaged may be refused in the interests of conservation.

All customers are expected to please put any bags (including handbags) or briefcases in the lockers provided.

Please bring a current Library or Archives membership card or a £1 coin to serve as a returnable deposit for your locker key.

Writing materials

In the interests of conservation, only pencils may be used in the searchroom.

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Microfilm readers

We have ten dual purpose Microfilm and Microfiche Readers which are available on a first come, first serve basis for sessions of 1, 2 or 3 hours.

At busy periods it will not be possible for users to have more than 3 successive hours on a machine.

Copies can be made on our Self Service Reader/Printer

• Information about fees and charges

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Photocopying

Photocopies of books, documents, maps, photographs or any other item may only be obtained through a member of staff.

The public are never allowed to make their own copies.

We will refuse to copy an item where damage to the original might result, or where there would be an infringement of the copyright law.

It is possible to order copies from some microform records, but this is more expensive than ordinary photocopying and payment will be requested in advance.

• Information about fees and charges
  

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Services to schools

Bolton Archives Service is able to offer a new session for schools. 

• Find out more about your school or your local area through hands-on activities.
• Become an archivist and access historical records, photographs, census data and local maps
  

Classes will be split into two groups, so that one group will be based in the Bolton History Centre looking at resources on microfilm, whilst the other group participates in hands-on research in the Learning Studio.

The groups will change around giving all the pupils the same research opportunities.     

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Group visits

• Please contact Julie Lamara on 01204 332194 to discuss your requirements.

• A maximum of fifteen people can attend these visits and we request a minimum of six.

• Please note that at least two weeks advance notice is required for group visits.

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Family history workshops

We are hoping to run family history workshops later this year.

For more information about researching Family trees at Bolton go to the Family History section.