Introduction to the SLS Library | Library location map
The Society has a substantial permanent library located at Hersham in Surrey, with over 7000 titles which is open to members approximately twice per month. The opening days are published in the Society 'Journal'. Those members who cannot attend personally can borrow by post.
The Library contains important and unique reference documents including official reports, works and builders lists and a substantial run of bound magazines dating back to late 19th century. There are about 10,000 items for loan plus a large collection of photographs. The items date from the earliest days of railways to the present day.
To contact the Librarian with collection queries, or to order one of our publications, please email - SLS Librarian (Gerry Nichols)
All of the 2006 Library Catalogue is on line together with a list of more recent accessions. A new catalogue is currently work in progress. As a first step in producing the new catalogue the accession list has been added in 3 parts covering over 10,000 entries.
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BOOKS - We have books on all aspects of railways. The majority are on Britain's railways.
LISTS - There are lists of the motive power for most British, European and Overseas railways. We also have builders works lists covering most of the world's builders of motive power from various researchers and sources. including all of the late Prof.Mike Page's collection.
PAMPHLETS - A large collection of pamphlets, brochures and prepared papers covering a wide selection of railway matters.
PAPERS - from Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Locomotive Engineers, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Newcomen Society and the S.L.S..
DIAGRAMS - A selection of railway locomotive diagram books together with drawings of locomotives and rolling stock.
MAPS - The library has a good selection of maps, mostly British.
ACCIDENT REPORTS - A large selection of British official Accident Reports.
MAGAZINES - Complete runs of the SLS Journal, Railway Observer, Railway Magazine, Locomotive Magazine, Modern Railways and Railway World. Bound volumes of many other British railway magazines and a long run of the U.S. Trains.
TIMETABLES - A selection of British timetables both public and working and a small number of overseas timetables.
PHOTOGRAPHS - A large collection of photographs of British locomotives over the years for both large and small companies and of industrial locomotives. Also a selection of stations and running sheds. There is a good selection of overseas locomotives. The total collection contains over 80,000 photographs. See sub-section - SLS Library - Stanford Jacobs Collection which contains three photo's from the library's photo collection. Various photographs from the Library Photographic Collection will also appear regularly on the What, When or where? page and on the Answered What, When or where? page.
SPECIAL ITEMS FOR REFERENCE AT LIBRARY ONLY Railway Distance Tables Railway Clearing House 1924 Original Kitson Works Records Kitson Trial Book 1861-1938 Kitson Engines & Tenders Kitson Tank Engines Kitson Tram & Light Railway Engines Kitson Locomotive Engines Vol 1 Kitson Locomotive Engines Vol 2 Kitson Locomotive Engines Vol 3 Nasmyth Wilson Loco Reference 1861-1897
An extensive Library catalogue is available. Lists of the photographs are in preparation.
For details of any help wanted pictures see page "What, when where?"
One of two "Stephenson" name plates from class 87s available for members to view in the SLS Library (opening dates as listed in the Journal.) Photo © John New. More about the SLS Nameplates collection is here, Click here or on photo to open larger copy of image.
New Centenary Headboard, created specially for the SLS by the Bluebell Railway (Hosts of our April 2009 AGM weekend) and one of several headboards preserved in the library. Click image for larger size copy. More about the SLS Special headboards is here. Photo © Brian Dotson.
To find us -
The location map below is a low resolution version to show prospective members living in most of the south and midlands of England how easy it is to access the library in person by either public transport or by road. A higher resolution copy suitable for printing out as an aid to members traveling to the Library is included in the Yahoo Group Members Forum within the Files section.
and Answered What, When or where?
How to join
Application form
SLS Library - Stanford Jacobs Collection
Meetings calendar
Links to other sites
Our page listing a host of other railway sites
