Local and family history - resources available

Book stock

The Borough's libraries stock over 4,000 local history books, the majority in the main collections at Maidenhead and Windsor followed by Ascot.

These books are specific to towns and villages in the Borough, to Berkshire as a county and to settlements just outside the Borough. There are also books about Buckinghamshire (at Maidenhead) and Surrey (at Windsor).

Maidenhead and Windsor libraries stock many books about the Thames including its history, bridges, locks, taverns, tributaries, boats and boathouses. 

The Royal Collection at Windsor Library has at least one title about each monarch who has lived at the Castle and several about those with particular Windsor connections such as Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II.

Our books cover a wide range of local topics from aerodromes to workhouses via floods, natural history and railways. While most of the books are for reference use only, some of the more general local history titles are available for loan. Also, the smaller community libraries hold books relevant to their areas.

To check which libraries hold which titles please link to our catalogue.