Local History

The Guelph Public Library collects public and private records of historical value. These records help develop the community identity of Guelph. In addition, the library makes these records available to the public.

Search Archeion, our archival database, to view what materials we have.

These materials include:

photographs
historical atlases and yearbooks
local newspapers
city and county directories
City of Guelph municipal records
Guelph historical society publications
records of Guelph based clubs and organizations
published works by Guelph based authors
cemetery records and genealogical materials
census records
reference materials of the Wellington County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society
subscription databases such as Ancestry Library Edition

Archeion allows you to access described records in the library's holdings. These records are often unique original materials such as photographs, minutes and municipal records. Archeion is a service provided by the Archives Association of Ontario. The Guelph Public Library is a member of this Association.

Appointments

You can view records at the central library. We ask that you make an appointment with the archivist to view records. This will ensure staff members are available to assist you.

Copying fees

You can copy records at a cost of $0.30 per page or $0.50 cents per page if you require us to mail them. You may request copies of photographs. We provide photographs at the following costs:

Cost per image $10.00
Publication fee $25.00
Broadcast fee $75.00

Research fees

You may ask us to do research on your behalf. We charge $30 per hour with a minimum of one hour. We reserve the right to refuse research services. Research services is dependent on available staff.

Handling historical materials

Please handle historical records with care. When you use records:

use pencils for notes
use gloves for handling photographs and other records
leave records in the order in which they are found
use the materials in the library

Contact(s)