Library Archives

The Historical Archives of West Dunbartonshire

The libraries in West Dunbartonshire regularly acquire archival material and have inherited many archive collections from predecessor local authorities such as Clydebank and Dumbarton Town Councils.

For many years, our historical archives were administered for the benefit of the public by the reference and local history librarians. In 2004, the Council appointed a professional archivist at Garshake to manage the working records at Council Headquarters.

So what are "Archives", then?

Archives are not, as some people seem to think, just "old things" or just "things kept and stored away". They are, properly speaking, the records produced by organisations and individuals in their day-to-day activities. These important records provide unique information about our past. They are preserved for the present and future generations so that people can find out more about their own background, how people used to live and work, the history of the area and the decisions of governing bodies that affected the social and physical environment.

Archives come in many formats, including files, papers, parchment, press cuttings, plans and photographs. You can use West Dunbartonshire Archives to:

• find out more about the history of your local area;

• support your study or research project;

• enhance your family history research.

What is Available?

Official Collections

West Dunbartonshire Archive Services hold the records of West Dunbartonshire Council, the records of the former Dumbarton District and Clydebank District Councils, and of the former Burghs of Clydebank and Dumbarton. They also hold many of the records of the former Parochial Boards, Parish Councils, old District Councils and School Boards that operated within this area. Some of the records of the former Dunbarton County Council have also been kept. These records contain, among other things:

• Council Minutes and Accounts;

• Building Plans;

• School Records;

• Court Records;

• Poor Relief Records;

• Value and Assessment Rolls.

Private Collections

We hold many archives from local people and organisations on gift and deposit. These include records of businesses, particularly reflecting shipbuilding, boat building, metal processing and textiles in the area; records of institutions and organisations such as political groups, charities, clubs, societies and trade unions.

There are also records of people and families, including correspondence, press cuttings, accounts, diaries and personal memorabilia. Notable collections include:

• William Denny & Brothers, shipbuilders (selected items);

• The Dennystown Forge Company;

• Orr Ewing Family (connected with the Vale of Leven Textile Works).

The following catalogues can be downloaded as PDF or MS Word documents:

PDFs

• The Singer Manufacturing Company (Trade Union Collection)

• The Singer Manufacturing Company (Selected Business Records & Plans)

• Records of the Clydebank Co-operative Society Ltd

MS Word Documents

• The Singer Manufacturing Company (Trade Union Collection)

• The Singer Manufacturing Company (Selected Business Records & Plans)

• Records of the Clydebank Co-operative Society Ltd

Where to come and what to do:

We hold archives in two locations: archives relating to Clydebank are held at Clydebank Library, Clydebank; archives relating to Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven are held at Dumbarton Library, Dumbarton.

• Deposits - We are always pleased to accept new deposits of records.

• Appointments are not essential, but it is advisable to contact a member of the Local Studies staff prior to your visit.

N.B. When using the collections, handle with care! Many documents are unique and precious. Use a pencil for taking notes. Never eat or drink when handling records.

Clydebank Library, Dumbarton Road, Clydebank G81 1XH, Tel: 0141-952-1416 (ask for Local Studies Department)

Dumbarton Library, Strathleven Place, Dumbarton G82 1BD, Tel: 01389 608965