In the Ellis Little Local History Room at the Main Library our focus is on the history of the Village, Town and City of Waterloo, and our friendly staff are here to help you discover your Waterloo.You are welcome to visit the Local History Room in person, simply book your appointment by email at askus@wpl.ca. You can also view some of our collections virtually on OurOntario.

On OurOntario, you can search and explore thousands of photos from WPL’s collection as well as access the digitized Waterloo Chronicle newspaper. We also have featured exhibits on OurOntario, the latest of which focuses on Sunshine Waterloo. 

Sunshine Waterloo had a long history in Waterloo, just down the road from the Main Library. Now you can relive its glory days through our newest Our Ontario online exhibit. Read the story of Sunshine Waterloo in easy-to-digest chapters, illustrated with a few of the many wonderful photos from our Local History collection.

The Local History Room is home to a wide ranging book collection about Waterloo and the area, and clipping files on many topics including Waterloo buildings, businesses, cultural happenings and people. We have genealogy materials, select local government documents, historical atlases and maps, city directories, photographs, postcards, memorabilia, newspapers and more. Explore your local history today!