West Dunbartonshire Council Local History and Archives are part of Libraries & Cultural Services. The Local History and Archive collections hold a huge volume of documents that describe the history of the area and its communities. West Dunbartonshire Council’s local history and archive collections are held in three locations: Clydebank Library Heritage Centre; Dumbarton Library Heritage Centre and Libraries & Cultural Services HQ in Dumbarton.

The industrial history of the area is particularly well represented including shipbuilding in both Clydebank and Dumbarton; and the Vale of Leven Turkey Red printing and dyeing industries. Featured collections include: records and photographs relating to the Singer Factory in Clydebank; reminiscences, documents and photographs from the Clydebank Blitz; an extensive map collection; the local newspapers of the Clydebank Press 1891 - and Dumbarton and Lennox Herald 1851; the official records for the burgh of Clydebank dating from its formation in 1886 and for the Burgh of Dumbarton the Town Council Minutes dating from 1578; plus earlier archive documents dating back to 1488 including a letter under the Privy Seal of James III.

Visitors are very welcome to visit and the heritage teams are happy to help with family history and local history enquiries.