Archives and historical records
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.
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
- Fire insurance maps
- Reference materials of the Wellington County Branch of the Ontario Ancestors
You can view records at the Central Library. We ask that you make an appointment with the archivist. This will ensure staff members are available to assist you.
Microfilm and microfiche
Microform readers allow access to historical and fragile documents that have been preserved on microfilm or microfiche. The current collection includes local newspapers, census records, vital statistics, Tweedsmuir histories, city directories and municipal records. You can scan to a computer then either print, save or email a document.
Image reproductions
There are some fees that apply to scanning and using images and records. 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 at $10.00 per image. If you would like to include an image in a published book or use it for commercial purposes, there is a Publication fee of $25.00 or a Broadcast fee of $75.00 per image. For additional information and to order images, please visit our order form.
There are also exceptions for content where the copyright is held by someone else. It is the recipient’s obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions (such as donor restrictions, privacy rights, publicity rights, licensing and trademarks) when using, publishing or otherwise distributing materials received from Guelph Public Library.
Handling materials
Researchers are reminded that they are working with historical records, which are unique and often fragile. To ensure the security and preservation of our materials, we ask that:
- Only a limited number of materials be supplied at one time.
- Materials cannot be removed from the Archives Room without special permission.
- Flash on digital cameras is not permitted when taking photographs.
- The use of digital scanners is prohibited.
- No marks of any kind are to be made on any of the material. Please use pencils to take notes.
- Tracing records is not permitted. The use of paper clips, staples and or sticky notes are not permitted.
- Please leave archival records flat on the table surface as much as possible. Avoid letting records overhang past the table's edge.
- Use both hands to handle records.
- Ensure the order of the archival records you are using remains intact. Do not change the order of the files within a container, or items within a file.
Please consult with staff if you have any questions or concerns.