Local studies and maritime library
Please note
All our libraries will be closed Monday 29 May 2023 for the Spring bank holiday.
The Local Studies and Maritime Library looks after the local history, maritime and family history collections. It provides information on all aspects on the history of Southampton and Hampshire, including books, periodicals, newspapers, directories, maps and illustrations.
You can use our collection of ship registers, maritime journals and books to discover the histories of ships and shipping lines. Discover your family history using census records, street directories and parish registers. Ample study space is available with trained staff on hand to help with your enquiries.
Documents and books in the local history collection are for reference only. For anybody wishing to borrow local history material, there is a collection of books, videos and pamphlets available for loan on the lower ground floor of the central library and smaller collections in local libraries.
The library is located in the Central Library, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LW.
Email: local.studies@southampton.gov.uk
Telephone: 023 8083 2205
Opening times
Monday: 10am to 5pm
Tuesday: 10am to 4.30pm and 4.30pm to 7pm (appointments only)
Wednesday: 10am to 5pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: appointments only
Sunday: closed
Other resources
