Local Collection

Local Newspapers

The library holds microfilm and original copies of all the local Ayr newspapers including the Ayrshire Post (1880 to date), the Ayr Advertiser (from 1803 to date) and the Ayr Observer (1832-1930). Access to originals at staff discretion.

Newspapers for towns within South Ayrshire are also kept. These include:

Carrick Herald - 1920 to date (incomplete)
Carrick Gazette 1972 to date
Troon and Prestwick Times 1970 to date (now known as the Troon Times)

There is a card index to the Ayrshire Post from 1920 to the 1940's covering local news items, obituaries and biographical articles on South Ayrshire people.

Maps

An extensive collection of maps covering Ayrshire is held in the library. The maps date from around 1600. Holdings include:

General Roy's Military Survey 1750 (covering Ayrshire)
Armstrong's Maps of Ayrshire 1775

The Ordnance Survey maps include:-

County series of 6" maps for Ayrshire for 1st edition 1856, 2nd edition 1896-97 (incomplete)
County series of 25" maps for Ayrshire for 1896 and 1909 (incomplete)
1:1250 and 1:2500 Ordnance Survey (mainly South Ayrshire District)

Photographic Collection

Over the years the department has amassed a collection of photographs and postcards which gives a valuable insight into Ayrshire towns and villages in the past and present. The collection also holds photographs of Ayrshire mansions and castles.