A total of 17 libraries throughout the county will have a catalogue detailing which images are held from all the towns and parishes in their local area.

The 36,000 plus images in the 'Historic Photograph and Print Collection' are divided between the reference library in Trowbridge and the library in Salisbury.

Examples of the many images in the collection include a shot of the welcoming party for the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to Mere in 1909, a view along New Road, Chippenham from the early part of the 20th century, and a photo of a carnival float from Westbury around 1910.

Paul Connell, museums officer at Wiltshire County Council, said: "The Historic Photograph and Print Collection is an important archive for Wiltshire, and the county council is keen to increase access to and use of the collection.

"By placing a catalogue of images in the county's libraries, this will enable people to see what is available without having to first make a visit to Trowbridge or Salisbury.

"They will be able to call ahead and make arrangements to view and copy the images they are looking for."

The libraries where the service will be available are Aldbourne, Bradford-on-Avon, Box, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Downton, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Melksham, Mere, Pewsey, Ramsbury, Tisbury, Westbury, Wilton, and Wootton Bassett.