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...
Photograph: Local History Room at Surry Hills Library.
Sydney History Links
- History of Sydney / Sydney's coat of Arms / Sydney's Flag
- Sydney in Brief / Sydney's Official Flower
- The Rocks - area of Sydney / The Streets of Sydney
- Historic buildings / Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Ultimo/Pyrmont Development
Old Photographs
The City of Sydney Archives' online catalogue of photographs.
Sydney Morning Herald Archives
Access to the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper is available as follows:
- 1830+ Sydney Morning Herald (free web - no card required)
- 1831 to 1955 - microfilm also available at Customs House library (free/self-serve/printing 20c).
- 1955-1990 - For articles published between these dates please use the online edition at a branch (free access).
- 1990 to 2006 - For articles published between these dates please use the microfilm at Customs House library (free/self-serve/printing 20c).
- 2006+ - For articles published since 2006 please use the online edition 2006+ at a branch (free access)
Microfilm: From 18 April 1831 - 20 June 1997 available at Customs House (printing available).
If you require extensive research and are unable to visit the library please contact a professional researcher (fees apply).
Sands Directory
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.
Sands Directory Online (via Ancestry Library) please visit a branch for free access.
Microfilm: available at Customs House (printing available), Glebe Library, Newtown and Waterloo Library (no printing).
History Books
Library 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 available 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.
Sydney history books for sale at the library, for details click here.
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.
Image: Women talking in a doorway, c1900, Athlone Place, Ultimo (or Pyrmont) © City of Sydney Archives (File # 000\000006).
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.
Books and Maps
Historical books and maps for sale, click here...
Sydney Stories: Oral History
Listen to online oral history interviews that record and reflect the diverse nature of Sydney's many communities. For details click here.
History Festivals
The City of Sydney participates in a number of history celebrations and festivals throughout the year. For information about events and programs, click here.
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
Tel: 02 9242 8555
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.
