About the Local History collection

The Victoria Park local history collection was established at the Victoria Park Library to preserve the history of the Town and to provide information relevant to the area.

The items contained within the collection are for reference only, ensuring that the information is available at all times. Members and patrons may photocopy information held in the collection.

The local history collection contains books, newsletters, photographs, newspaper cuttings, maps, oral history interviews, microfiche records of local newspapers, as well as rate books from 1898 to 1946, plus more.

Search for local history items in the library catalogue, click on the link below. 

Online catalogue

Donations to the local history collection are welcome, as a large part of the collection is made up of donated materials, such as copies of family letters, photographs, documents, diaries, cuttings and reminiscences of residents’ lives in the Town.

It is important to provide as much information as possible about the item, so that its relevance to the collection and the Town may be determined.

To donate an item, make an appointment with the local history coordinator who will assess the item. You will then be asked to fill in a form that gives permission to display the item and allow access to the item.

Frequently asked questions

Can I borrow items from the local history collection?

No, the items contained within the collection are for reference only, ensuring that the information is available at all times.

Patrons may photocopy information held in the collection. The exception to this is a selection of framed photographs that are available for loan through the library catalogue.

Does the library accept donations to the local history collection?

Yes, donations to the local history collection are welcome, as a large part of the collection is made up of donated materials, such as copies of family letters, photographs, documents, diaries, cuttings and reminiscences of residents’ lives in the Town.

To donate an item, make an appointment with the local history coordinator who will assess the item. You will then be asked to fill in a form that gives permission to display the item and allow access to the item.

Do I need to know the background of the materials that I wish to donate?

It is important to provide as much information as possible about the item, so that its relevance to the collection and the Town may be determined.

Does the local history collection include old newspapers?

The local history collection can provide access to the following local newspapers:

  • The Southern Gazette – Victoria Park Edition in microfiche from 1986 to 2007 (print and online editions are available up to the current edition);
  • The Victoria Park Examiner – print editions. However, patrons must make an appointment with the local history coordinator in advance in order to view these newspapers.

Does the local history collection include oral histories?

Yes, there is a large collection of oral histories held in the local history collection.

Transcripts of these may be read in the library. Copying of any material must comply with Australian Copyright regulations.