Discover collections of local history including photographs, news clippings and other historical documents on our local history site!

Elmira, New Hamburg and Ayr branches have sizable local history collections. Local history collections are available during branch hours.

Unfortunately, Region of Waterloo Library (RWL) cannot provide in-depth long-distance telephone, written or email research assistance. Nor can we extract copies of entries from our microfilmed collection.

Library staff will acknowledge research requests within one business day. Staff may also suggest local historians or organizations that charge for their services.

The RWL offers the following services that may assist you with your local history research.

• Microfilm and microfiche readers
• Photocopying and printing facilities

Learn more about microfilm and microfiche

RWL provides access to microfilm and microfiche resources at the Ayr and Elmira branches. Using Microfilm and Microfiche Available during regular branch hours Visit the Circulation Desk before using the viewer Walk-ins may use the reader for 30 min.; call in advance to reserve a longer session Printing costs $0.25 per page Microfiche, 35 mm and 16 mm compatible Collections Available Elmira Microfilm and Microfiche Collection Local newspapers (1873 - current) Indexes to Births, Marriages and Deaths (1869 - 1934) Census information (1861 - 1951) Civil Registers, Council Proceedings and Tweedsmuir Histories Ayr Microfilm Collection Local Newspapers (1873 to 2008) Additional Resources Patrons can view microfilm from the Archives of Ontario at the Sir Adam Beck Archives located in Baden. First, contact your local library branch to order microfilm from the Archives of Ontario. The library will contact you when the microfilm is available to view.

Local History Site Search Tips

Once on the local history home page click one of the nine categories available: Ayr Tweedsmuir, Centra Dumfries Tweedsmuir, Local Buildings, Family History, Maps, Photos, Local History, Library History, and Community Groups.

To refine the search, click the Sort By dropdown menu and select Title.

All documents in the website have been scanned with their geographical location listed first. For example, Ayr Travel Club or North Dumfries 1881 Map.

Searches can also be done via the RWL catalogue type Local History Materials in the search field.

Region of Waterloo Archives: New Collaboration

Resources from the Region of Waterloo Archives can now be found in the RWL catalogue!

Search using the words Region of Waterloo Archives reference materials to see everything that is available. Email Archives or call 519-575-4400 to find out more about how you can access these resources.

Other Local History Resources

• Ellis Little Local History Room, Waterloo Public Library

• Grace Schmidt Room of Local History, Kitchener Public Library

• Historical Society of St. Boniface and Maryhill Community

• Heritage Wilmot

• Region of Waterloo Archives (includes Woolwich Township and Elmira historical records)

• Waterloo Historical Society

• Waterloo Region - Local History Websites

Do you have local history images and or documents that you would like us to consider for our digital collection? If so, visit any branch to pick up the digital use agreement form. Once completed, return the form to any branch for consideration by the Manager, Library Services.