Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies

Address and contact detailsOpening hours and appointmentsFacilities and servicesIncluding disabled access, IT, rooms and space for hire.

 


Address and contact details

Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies
Register Office Block
County Hall
Hertford
Hertfordshire
SG13 8EJ

Map and directions

Tel: 0300 123 4049
Email: hals.enquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk

 


Opening hours and appointments


On the first Tuesday of every month, we're open until 7.30pm by appointment only. Contact us by 9am on the previous Friday to book.

Opening hours
Opening hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

9am – 5pm

First Tuesday evening of the month 5 -7:30pm (Appointment only)

Wednesday

9am - 5pm

Thursday

9am - 5pm

Friday

9am – 12.30pm

Saturday

10am – 2pm

First and Third Saturday of the month 

Sunday

Closed


We have two rooms:

Archive reading room

For original documents including County Council, parish church, family, estate and business records.

Local studies library

For printed and published materials. For example books, pamphlets, periodicals, directories, maps, photographs and sources on microfilm such as parish registers, newspapers and wills.

If you're not sure what room you need, email hals.enquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

 


Facilities and services

Library facilities

  • Wheelchair access
  • Limited parking available - Alternative parking in town
  • Disabled parking
  • Toilets (disabled access)
  • Hearing loop and magnifying equipment
  • Vending machines - hot and cold drinks, customers are also welcome to bring their own flask and refreshments to eat in our foyer area 
  • Heritage Shop

To keep staff and visitors safe, we have hand sanitiser, masks and wipes available.

You are welcome to wear face coverings in the archives. Please don't visit us if you have COVID-19 symptoms.

Services available

  • Photocopier (see all fees and charges)
    A4 black and white
    A3 black and white
    A4 colour
    A3 colour
  • Study space
  • Digital microfilm readers (for back and white printing or daily permit for digital downloads to USB see fees and charges)
  • Digitisation Service
  • Search Service
  • Talks, tours and workshops
  • Professional advice (see fees and charges).

See our full range of servicesSearch our catalogue, shop online, order documents or book workshops.

Computers and internet

  • Wi-Fi (free)
  • A4 Scanner
  • Computer costs:
    No charge to use computers for archives or local and family history. Other charges apply for general computer use.
    Library members – 1 hour free, then 4p a minute
    Non library members – £2.50 for 30 minutes
  • Printing costs: (A4 only)
    20p – single page, black and white
    60p – single page, colour

Rooms and spaces for hire