Local History Books
History at the Library
Welcome!
Drawing on a wide range of resources the Library's Local History collection provides a valuable source of information on Sydney's fascinating history.
The Eora people were the original inhabitants of the place where Sydney City now stands. Sydney dates from the arrival of the first convicts to the place in 1788. More...
See also the Koori Collection...
Online Resources
Research Services
Local History Librarian
City of Sydney Library Network provides free public information services to library members and non-members.
Local history enquiries, should be directed to:
Local History Librarian
Liz Wilson
Tel: 02 9265 9102
Email: askthelibrary@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
City of Sydney Library
GPO Box 1591
Sydney NSW 2001
Note: The Local History Librarian cannot undertake lengthy or ongoing research, family history research or complete student assignments.
Sydney Stories: Oral History
From April 2008
Listen to online oral history interviews that record and reflect the diverse nature of Sydney's many communities.
Click on a heading to start:
Photograph: Surry Hills Library Reading Room, C 1960; City of
Sydney Archives: SRC 7467.
Print & Microfilm Resources
Books
A wide range of books on the history of Sydney is available for loan across the City of Sydney Library Network. Please check the online catalogue for titles.
Glebe Library, Kings cross Library, Newtown Library and Waterloo Library maintain local history collection. Local history collections include books, clippings, information on notable residents and historical buildings. These resources are not for loan.
The Sydney Reference Collection
The City Archives holds the Sydney Reference Collection (SRC).
It contains published material and unpublished ready-reference research files relating to the study of all aspects of the City of Sydney - leaflet about the SRC.
Published material held in the SRC is catalogued in the City of Sydney Library's online catalogue. Only items with the call-mark prefix SRC form part of the Sydney Reference Collection.
Sydney Morning Herald (microfilm)
From 18 April 1831 - 20 June 1997
The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper is available on microfilm at Customs House Library (printing 20c per page). Access to the self-serve microfilm is free. If you require extensive research please contact a researcher (fees apply).
Library members can access the Sydney Morning Herald (1996 - current) online free of charge.
Sands Directory (microfiche)
The Sands Directory was first published in 1858 and continued until 1931-32.
It provides a listing of people in Sydney: alphabetically, by trade, and by street. Search the Sands Directory at Customs House (printing available, fees apply), Glebe Library, Newtown and Waterloo Library (no printing).
Please make an appointment with the Local Studies Librarian if you need assistance to use this resource.
Family History
A Family History Service is available at the State Library of New South Wales.
City of Sydney Library Network does not provide family history research services. Professional family history researchers can undertake research for you (fees apply).
The Australian Society of Genealogist also provides online information (by the Society of Australian Genealogists).
Archives
By appointment only
The City of Sydney Archives has responsibility for more than 7,000 shelf-metres of archival records, including large numbers of maps and photographs of the City of Sydney.
They contain a vast amount of information about the functions and activities of the Council since 1842.
Archives Investigator provides descriptions of archival records held by the City of Sydney Archives.
Access to the City Archives is by appointment only, click here for contact details.
Sydney Buildings
Finding information about individual buildings within the City of Sydney:
- The State Heritage Inventory contains information about more than 20,000 heritage items in NSW.
- The State Heritage Register on-line database. Search through almost 1,500 items listed on the Register because of particular their significance to the State.
- Archives Investigator City of Sydney Archives material
- Sydney City Scope - This folder includes updated details on every property within the CBD area ranging from Dawes Point down to Central Station and from Darling Harbour across to Hyde Park. Customs House Library (Level 2). Not for loan.
