Visiting Us

On your first visit to the Archives and Local Studies we ask you to register as a user and follow some brief guidelines in order to explore the many records we look after.

This is to help us keep the unique documents secure and safe. We ask that you bring along two forms of identification, one of which must include your name and address: a driving licence, passport, bank card, council tax or other bill, for example. We will then issue you with a membership card which is valid for three years. If you do not have the correct identification on your first visit you can still enter as a 'guest' for the day.

Customers are encouraged to book in advance to view documents and use resources by emailing archives@barnsley.gov.uk or telephoning 01226 773950 (during opening hours). Booking is recommended for accessing microform resources and the digital version of the Barnsley Chronicle.

We hope that you will enjoy your visit and find out something new about the Barnsley borough.

Opening hours

Monday Closed

Tuesday 9:30am-12.45pm & 1.30pm-6pm*

Wednesday 9:30am-12.45pm & 1.30pm-4:30pm

Thursday 9:30am-12.45pm & 1.30pm-4:30pm

Friday Closed

Saturday Closed

Sunday Closed

*Please note: if arriving after 5pm on Tuesdays you may need to press the door buzzer and wait for entry into the Town Hall.

Changes to opening to hours

Christmas closure: we will be closed from Friday 20 December 2024 until Monday 6 January 2025. We will reopen with our usual opening hours on Tuesday 7 January 2025.