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E-Resources

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The British Newspaper Archive is only available in the libraries via the public computers or by connecting to the WiFi.
As part of our continual review of library e-resources, Bedford Borough Libraries will not be able to provide access to British Newspaper Archive from 1st April 2023. It will be available in Central Bedfordshire Libraries. Ancestry will still be accessible in all Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Libraries.
The resource gives you free access to millions of news articles going back over 200 years from newspapers both national and local in any Central Bedfordshire library.
The partnership between the British Library and findmypast aims to digitise up to 40 million newspaper pages from the British Library's vast collection over the next 10 years. It is a fantastic local and family history resource, but also perfect for research into social, political, military history and so much more.
Create a free account and then search and view the articles.

Local Newspapers on the British Newspaper Archive

The list below shows the Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire newspapers included in this resource; it is only indicative as they are adding new papers and years to the resource all the time.
Always check the British Newspaper Archive for the most up to date information.

  • Ampthill & District News - 1871 onwards
  • Bedford Record - 1877 onwards
  • Bedfordshire Mercury - 1837 onwards
  • Bedfordshire Times and Independent - 1859 onwards
  • Biggleswade Chronicle - 1898 onwards
  • Dunstable Chronicle, and advertiser for Beds, Bucks & Herts - 1856 onwards
  • Leighton Buzzard Observer and Linslade Gazette - 1861 onwards
     

Check for the latest listing by limiting your search by county then bring up the list of newspapers; select a title and click on More details.
This shows an On This Day page, the available years, and what issues are in or planned for the digital archive, when the first and last issues were digitised and added, as well as details of the publisher.

For details of computer use at Bedfordshire libraries please see IT in Libraries

Page last updated: Page last updated: 8th March 2023