Searchroom FAQs
Culture Warrington is pleased to welcome visitors back to the archives. The searchroom will be open for local and family history enthusiasts, by appointment only, from Tuesday 1 June.
Opening Times
Tuesdays 10.00am – 12:00pm / 10:10am – 12:10pm / 2:00pm – 4:00pm / 2:10pm – 4:10pm
Wednesdays 10.00am – 12:00pm / 10:10am – 12:10pm / 2:00pm – 4:00pm / 2:10pm – 4:10pm
Thursdays 10.00am – 12:00pm / 10:10am – 12:10pm / 2:00pm – 4:00pm / 2:10pm – 4:10pm
Please note that the Searchroom will be closed between 12:10pm and 2:10pm in order to allow the cleaning of the room and the retrieval of documents for the afternoon sessions.
Booking an Appointment
Appointments can be booked here. Due to limited space, if a party of two people from the same household wish to visit, two slots must be booked.
Ordering Documents
To ensure the documents you request have been quarantined before and after your visit, we ask that you pre-order them at the point of booking your research slot. Document requests should be sent to: [email protected]
Our online catalogues can be used to search the collections.
The archives collections can be searched here. When searching the catalogue, be sure to select Warrington from the repository drop down box.
The Local Studies collections can be searched here. When searching the catalogue, select ‘Heritage Hub’ from the drop down box on the right hand side of the page.
If you can’t find what you need or have any questions, please get in touch by e-mail and we will be happy to help.
What to do when you arrive
The temporary searchroom is found to the rear of the Pop-Up Library and Museum at Golden Square.
In accordance with government advice all visitors will be expected to wear a facemask whilst in the searchroom, unless exempted from doing so. Masks are not provided by the archives. Gloves do not have to be worn whilst handling the documents.
When arriving at the searchroom please introduce yourself to the archives assistant, who will show you to your work station and answer any questions you may have.
In the searchroom
You will be allocated a table or microfilm reader and your items will be waiting for you on a trolley. At the end of your session, please return your documents to the trolley.
Pencils and paper will not be provided, so visitors are advised to bring their own if required
Researchers are welcome to bring their own laptops, tablets, or cameras. A standard camera permit fee applies of £5 per day.
All surfaces will be cleaned between researchers, and after use all documents are quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours.
As it is necessary to quarantine records after use, the documents you request may not be available at the time of your visit. In this case we will let you know at the soonest opportunity, so that you can re-arrange your visit or request an alternative item.