The Local History Collections cover many aspects of life on the Northern Beaches, including First Nations and social history, the built and natural environment, and contemporary issues.
Resources
History Hub is your online source for Northern Beaches Library's Local studies collection. Here you can discover past and present stories of the Northern Beaches, its people and local environment.
We have many physical resources housed in our offices at Dee Why, Mona Vale and Manly Library that are only accessible in-person. Please contact our team to book an appointment before coming in so that one of our staff can assist you.
Our local collections include:
- 50,000 photographs
- Books and journals
- Maps, plans and subdivision plans
- Manly Daily on microfilm from 1959 to present
- Manly Daily hard copy from 1959 (Manly Library only)
- Oral histories
- Clippings and ephemera
- Sands Sydney Directory
- Community group archives
- Council archives:
- Minute books former Manly Council 1877 to 1960
- Minute books former Warringah Council 1906-1996
- Rate assessment books former Warringah Council 1905-1929
- Electoral rolls
- Council reports and conservation plans.
Our Local Studies team also have a collection of books available for purchase at Manly, Dee Why and Mona Vale Library. See titles available for purchase here.
Local history research
The staff at Manly, Dee Why and Mona Vale are available to help you with your local history research. Please email or call to book a time with them to discuss your needs.
Donations
We welcome donations that relate directly to the history of our local area. Our collections are enriched by the addition of records of individuals, families, businesses and community groups who have lived or worked in the local area. Please contact us to discuss.
