Library Services

All libraries in Southend have a collection of books on Essex and the Southend area available to borrow.

The Local Studies reference collection in Southend Library covers the whole of Essex but concentrates on south east Essex (the old administrative areas of the Rochford & Barstable Hundreds). It comprises books, newspapers, magazines & journals, illustrations, newspaper cuttings and maps.

There is also an Essex Record Office Archive Access Point containing microfiche or microfilm parish registers for Essex including some from the Essex London Boroughs. Also there are copies of land tax assessments, wills, tithe maps and other miscellaneous documents relating to South East Essex. All original documents are in Chelmsford at the Essex Record Office.