Lewisham's local history and archives service is situated on the second floor of Lewisham library.
Archive material has been deposited in Lewisham since 1958, to celebrate the 50 years of Lewisham's archives we will be highlighting 1 collection from each year during 2008. Details at 50 years of archives.
There is a growing online archives catalogue.
How to access the service
Please contact us before your visit to check that we have the material you want to see, or for advice on your project. You are advised to make an appointment, particularly to use microfilm or archives.
Note
We usually operate a restricted service for two weeks in December for stocktaking.
We may not be able to produce archives or other material on closed access between 12noon and 2pm or after 5pm. Such material may be ordered in advance.
The material we hold is in many cases irreplaceable, so it must be treated with great care. You will need to leave any large bag in a locker, and to use a pencil rather than a pen for making notes from archives. Food and drink must not be consumed anywhere in the library, and particularly not in the Local history and archives centre.
Facilities
Separate room for group/class visits. Microfilm and microfiche readers and printers. Photocopying and photographic copies. Local history publications sold.
In Lewisham library there are toilets (wheelchair-accessible) and baby changing facilities for male and female readers, and a baby feeding room. There is a cafe on the ground floor.
Forms are available for you to let us have your compliments, comments or complaints on our services.
Accessibility
We are on the second floor of Lewisham library. The building is fully accessible, with lifts to all floors.