North Pennines Archaeology Ltd have been gradually building up a library, based in a room at the Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre, dealing with all aspects of archaeology and history throughout the north of England and Southern Scotland. The library, originally only intended as a research resource for staff within the company, has now grown substantially due to kind donations by North Pennines Heritage Trust members and staff themselves, and augmented by purchases made by the company management to aid in research undertaken commercially by the company. As the library has grown, it was felt that this resource could be of use to the general public, and a decision has therefore been made to open this resource free to Trust members (£1.50 a visit to non-members) on a trial basis, by appointment only.

All entries in the library are being entered onto a searchable database, which it is hoped can be uploaded onto the company website, where it can be searched prior to visits. Access to the database will also be afforded to visitors during appointments. The database currently has around 2000 entries, but is not exhaustive.

Within the library, currently we hold a large number of books on prehistoric, Roman, medieval and post-medieval archaeology, in addition to a large number of journals (e.g. all Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society between 1900 and present). We are also trying to build up a very comprehensive library on industrial archaeology, in particular in relation to mining history. The library also holds all the ‘grey literature’ reports produced by the company, as well as selected examples from other companies. The books and journals are classified according to subject.

The following rules should be observed when visiting the library:

• The library visits will only be partially monitored; therefore all visitors will need to sign in and out during appointments, and no bags can be taken to the library room – only a pencil and paper pad, as is standard practice at record offices.
• No guarantees can be made that the book you are looking for is not being used elsewhere by a member of staff; if you wish to see a specific item, please ensure you state what you wish to see when making the appointment.
• Digital photography of books is permitted. Photocopies can be made at 10p per copy, but by arrangement with a staff member only, who will need to make the copies. Requests for photocopies of specific material by e-mail can be accommodated, but additional charges will be levied for postage. Copyright rules apply to photocopied or photographed material.
• No smoking or food or drink in the library room please.
• Opening hours for library access will be Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, by appointment only; a day at the weekend may also be possible, subject to availability of staff. Contact library@nparchaeology.co.uk to arrange an appointment.