Libraries Historical newspapers

National and international newspapers

We have a number of national and international newspapers on microfilm at Central Library. You can access these in the Search Room.

Please make a booking for those marked with an *.

National newspapers

  • Athletic News (and Cyclists’ Journal) 1896 to 1931 - Manchester-based weekly covering sports fixtures other than horse racing. Ask in the Search Room.
  • The Builder, 1843-1853 (also on the Builder index), 1854 to 1919*, 1920-1949 (cabinet 31)
  • Building News, 1859-1922 (also on the Builder index)
  • Charts* (music magazine), 1949 to 1971
  • Daily Express, 1900 to 1999*, 1998 to present is available via Newsbank
  • Daily Graphic (also known as the Daily Sketch), 1948 to 1953 (cabinet 28)
  • Daily Mail*, 1920 to 2001
  • Daily Mirror, 1904 to 2005*, 1992 to present is available via Newsbank
  • Daily Dispatch*, 1900 to 1955 (cabinet 10)
  • Daily Telegraph*, 1920 to 1992
  • Daily Worker*, 1930 to 2004 (renamed Morning Star in 1966)
  • Empire News 1917 to 1960 - Formerly Umpire; re-named Empire News and Sporting Chronicle in 1955. Ask in the Search Room.
  • Financial Times*, 1919 to 2004
  • The Independent*, 1986 to 2001
  • Melody Maker*, Jan 1986 to Mar 1997
  • New Musical Express*, Mar 1952 to 1971, 1986 to 1998
  • News of the World, 1920 to 1993 Ask in the Search Room
  • The Observer*, 1922 to 2001 - also available via the Observer (1791-2003)
  • Radio Times, 1923 to 1979 (cabinet 29), 1980 to present - prior booking required for originals. Searchable index covering 1923 to 1990 available on the BBC website
  • Sporting Chronicle*, 1880 to 1983 - Manchester-based daily national, focus on horse racing
  • Sunday Times, 1891-2000*, 1995 to present available via Newsbank
  • The Times*, 1785 to 2009 - also available via the Times digital archive
  • Times Literary Supplement*, 1903 to 2009
  • TV Times*, 1955 to 1993
  • Umpire (and Sporting, Theatrical and General Newspaper) 1884 to 1917 (Re-named Empire News in 1917). Ask in the Search Room.

International newspapers

  • Irish Times*, 1971 to 1981
  • Irish Independent*, 1971 to 1982
  • New York Times*, 1906 to 2000
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