LOCAL HISTORY

The Local History Collection includes books and oral history interviews, local newspapers, genealogical references and microfilm.  The collection is focused predominantly on the Gascoyne Region. Some of the Collection can be found on our Library Catalogue.

While many of the items have restricted access due to their rarity, library staff are more than happy to allow viewing of these items under certain conditions. The Local History Room can be accessed during library opening hours by arrangement at the front desk. Here, you'll be able to access digital microfilm, free internet searching, and online access to the popular Ancestry database.

If you are planning to visit the library to access our local history archives, contact staff ahead of your planned visit on (08) 9941 3727 or by email, as giving us advance notice and completing our Local History Enquiry Form means we may be able to assist with locating specific items or materials.

Do you worry about your family photos? Discover how to digitize your family albums to protect your precious memories from pests, natural disasters, and the ravages of time.

How It Works:

• Visit our library with your photos.
• Scan your photos with help from library staff.
• Save your digital copies onto your storage device to share with others.
• Enquire at our front desk, by phone on (08) 9941 3727, or by email to book your initial demonstration with our friendly staff.

Ancestry.com is a key resource for genealogical research. Databases include Australian convict index, Australian electoral rolls, United Kingdom census records, British Army World War One pension records, United States census records and much more.

Please Note: This database is available free of charge in the library.

Trove is a free database containing a huge amount of digitised archival information in various formats. The National Library of Australia has been busy digitising images, newspapers, and more; and a large amount is available in Trove. Click on ‘Advanced Search' and choose a category to get access to additional options to focus your search.