Visit the archives service

From the 1 April our Saturday opening hours will change. We will open at 10am instead of 9.30am

The Community History and Archives Service collects and preserves original archives and published material relating to the history of all of Sandwell. If you are interested in finding out more about local history or tracing your family tree, CHAS holds a vast wealth of material to help you.

For more information please call: 0121 558 2561.

Our public searchroom is based in Smethwick Library.  Don't worry if you haven't visited an archive service before - our friendly staff will help you get started.

Address and contact details

Sandwell Community History and Archives Service
Smethwick Library
High Street
Smethwick
B66 1AA

Tel: 0121 558 2561
Fax: 0121 555 6064
Email: archives_service@sandwell.gov.uk

Opening hours

Please note that our late morning opening has moved from Tuesday to Wednesday.  Our opening hours are:

• Monday 10am - 6pm
• Tuesday 10am - 6pm
• Wednesday 10.30am - 6pm
• Thursday Closed
• Friday 10am - 6pm
• Saturday 10.00am - 4pm
• Sunday Closed

Readers tickets

If you don't have one already, we can issue you with a free CARN readers ticket, which is used in archive services around the country. 

Please bring proof of your name, address and signature.  A driving licence is ideal, but if you don't have one then we need to see something with a signature (e.g. a bank card) and an official letter sent to your home address (e.g. a utility bill).

Advance booking

Please be aware that we can get very busy, so we recommend that you book a place in advance.

We also need advance notice to serve some of our original records.  If you would like to use original records, please contact us at least 24 hours before you come to make sure that you get the most out of your visit.