Thimblemill Library

What it’s like

A local studies and archive room in Smethwick where kids can dig through old records and local history stock.

This one's less about picture books and more about digging into the past. The local studies stock is the thing here, so if you've got a child doing a school project on the area, or one of those kids who's oddly into old maps and archive documents, this is where you bring them. It's not a browse-and-go library visit though, archive material needs requesting at least five working days ahead, which is a proper bit of planning for what might be a Tuesday afternoon whim.

Opening hours are limited too. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am to 4pm, plus alternate Saturdays, so you can't just turn up on a random weekday and expect the doors open. If you want to use the microfiche or film machines, or the PCs, you're best booking that in advance as well, and the site's honest that it can get busy.

There's wifi if older kids want to look things up alongside what's in the search room, and the building's wheelchair accessible with toilets on site. If you can't get there in person, they'll take written enquiries by letter or email and answer within ten working days, which is handy if the school project deadline gives you that kind of runway.

For viewing actual archive material you'll need a CARN ticket or an Archives Card, and getting the card means bringing two forms of ID with you. It's a faff compared to a normal library card, but if you're serious about the local history angle it's a one-off.

Facilities

Plan your visit

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