1. The Timetable Library
    
   This is recognised as an archive of national importance by the British Library and is constantly being added to. It covers the period 1899-1999 with a few items of earlier date. Items from the period 1919 to 1939 are now largely on microfiche, which can be read at the library. Items held in the archive may be photocopied for a nominal fee. If the information is subsequently used in publications, the Archive must be acknowledged as the source of the information.
    
   Timetables for major operators are arranged in Traffic Areas (the official areas of the Traffic Commissioners). Those for all the smaller operators are in single alphabetical orders for English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh operators. A comprehensive index for the timetables of major operators and those produced by County councils and Unitary authorities is maintained.
    
2. Published Books, Reports, Surveys etc.
    
   The Library holds a very extensive and unique collection of published works relating to road passenger transport. This includes published books on buses, trolleybuses and tramways and the road transport industry in general. Reports relative to public transport produced by Government, County Councils, London Transport etc are also in the collection. Legal documents and Acts of Parliament on relevant subjects are available for consultation.
    
3. Omnibus Society Publications
    
   All items published by the Society, from formation in 1929 to date, are held, together with papers presented to meetings but not published and details of tours which often contain considerable historical information.
    
4. PSV Circle Publications
    
   Fleet Histories (which detail vehicles operated) are held in stock, but News Sheets are not
    
5. Reference Books
    
   Comprehensive reference books published on Tramways from 1900 and on Buses from 1916 are held in stock. The coverage is almost complete up to the 1990s, although a few individual Year Books are still needed to complete the collection.
    
6. Notices and Proceedings
    
   Following the introduction of the Road Traffic Act 1930, in early 1931, N&Ps were produced by the Traffic Commissioners in England, Scotland and Wales and continue to be published. A comprehensive collection is available for reference. They give details of routes operated, fares charged etc by all licensed operators.
    
7. Special Collections
    
   Extensive collections made by private individuals and later donated to the Society are available for research. The most important ones are the Dethridge Collection with nationwide coverage (including London) and the Monk Collection which deals with the history of Thomas Clarkson and the original National Omnibus company. This is still privately owned and is made available by the trustees.
    
8. Periodicals
    
   Copies of the major periodicals produced specifically for the Omnibus industry and for enthusiasts are held. Examples are Buses, Bus & Coach, Modern Transport, Bus Business, Transit etc.

Many other items too numerous to list are also held. Please enquire from the Hon. Librarian if your interest is not covered.

How do I get to Walsall Library and Archive?

• By Public Transport
   
  • By Train
    
    From Birmingham New Street Station to Tame Bridge Parkway Station (taking the Walsall or Stafford via Walsall service, approximately every 15 minutes.
     
    At Tame Bridge, walk up the ramp to the road; turn left and cross at the lights. Take bus 404 (Not 405) operated by Diamond Bus or TWM, towards Walsall. Alight at Little London in Caldmore (pronounced KARMER) which is the stop next after the Sikh Temple on the right. Walk up Little London to the end, and turn left into Sandwell Street. 
     
  • By Bus from Birmingham
     
    Take TWM service 51 from Carrs Lane (Outside Carrs Lane Church Centre). Alight in Walsall at Six Ways, before the Town Centre. Walk up Birmingham Road/Street and turn left into New Street. Continue into Sandwell Street and over the cross roads. The Library is on the right.
     
• By Car
   
  • From the South
     
    Take M6 to Junction 7 (Great barr). Exit onto A34 towards Walsall. Continue forwards. At the Ring Road (A4148) continue straight ahead (still Birmingham Road). Take the first left into Jesson Road and go straight ahead into Belvidere Road. At the T-Junction turn right (One Way) and at the next T-Junction the Library premises are opposite.
     
  • From the North
    
    From M6 exit at Junction 9 (not 10). Exit left and follow A4148 Walsall Ring Road, past Morrisons; over the next junction (traffic lights) and a pelican crossing. At the next traffic lights turn left in front of the Fullbrook Inn into Weston Street. Take the second right turn in front of the Sikh Temple, and immediately turn left into Sandwell Street. Carry on along Sandwell Street to the junction with Windmill Street on the left. The Library premises are on the left just before the junction.

How do I contact the Duty Librarian?

On arrival, please ring the bell at the door. Do not enter the premises.

Opening hours for the collection are 0915 to 1615.