Upcoming Dates:
- Thu Aug 01
Local History & Genealogy
Research history and genealogy in Toronto and beyond. Our largest collections are at Toronto Reference Library, with smaller collections at other locations. We also have many online resources.
Online research tools
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Digital Archive
170,000+ historical photos, books and Toronto maps digitized from our collections.
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Resources by neighbourhood
Interactive map to explore our photos, books and maps related to Toronto neighbourhoods.
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City directories
Digital and print city directories of Toronto from the 19th and 20th century.
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Fire insurance plans
Maps that can help you track the history of Toronto houses and other buildings (1858 to 1973).
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Ancestry Library Edition
Genealogy tool with birth, marriage and death records and Census of Canada records.
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Canadiana Online
Digitized books, government publications and newspapers on Canada, from European contact to early 20th century.
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Fold3
Genealogical resource featuring historical documents and military records for the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the U.K.
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HeritageQuest
Genealogical resource featuring archival records, family histories and primary sources dating back to the 1700s for the United States and Canada and select countries.
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Digital newspapers
Research guides
For in-person help, visit a location with a local history collection. If you need in-depth help, Book a Librarian for a 30 or 60 minute appointment.
Local history and genealogy collections
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Local history collections at Toronto Public Library
Full list of local history collections at our branches and two research libraries.
Books
- Toronto biographies
- Toronto buildings
- Toronto genealogy
- Toronto photo books
- Fiction featuring Toronto
- Indigenous histories
Upcoming programs
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Toronto's Ravines: Nature and History at Your Doorstep
Wed Jul 24, 2024 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Forest HillToronto's ravine landscapes are not just a sanctuary for wildlife; they also protect the city against flooding and allow us to enjoy nature at our doorsteps. Learn how the ravines are changing over time; how they are respondi...
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History on Film Series
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm on recurring dates listed below
Location: Toronto Reference LibraryJoin us on the first Thursday of the month for a discussion about a historical topic and a screening of a film that touches on that same topic. June 6th: Children of Men (2006) July 4th: First Reformed (2017)...
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Wheeling through Toronto: A History of the Bicycle and Its Riders
Wed Aug 14, 2024 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: North York Central LibraryJoin us as we explore the fascinating history of bicycles and riders in Toronto with author Albert Koehl. Cities around the world, including Toronto, are embracing the bicycle as a response to the climate crisis. This is not...