Liverpool Library holds an important community history collection of published works and unique archival material written about the people and places of Liverpool.
Local history volumes produced by library staff, local historical societies and members of the Liverpool community can be searched using the Library Catalogue.
Original archival material, including photographs and other graphic material, can be searched in the Archives.
Please note, due to historical archival and collection management inconsistencies it is best to search across the full catalogue to locate archival and research materials.
Available Resources
There are a number of resources available for those interested in local studies.
- Liverpool Council Reports and Minutes (dates)
- LEP (Local Environment Plan)
- DCP (Development Control Plan)
- Monographs, Theses, Heritage Reports
- Maps, Plans and Real Estate Posters
- Manuscripts and Ephemera
- Oral Histories and Videos
- Photographs
- Newspapers and clippings
Much of the Library's collections can be found by searching either the:
For the Library’s Heritage archives and some research items that have not been digitised, customers will need to request access to in writing by lodging a Local Studies Enquiry Form. Please allow up to one week for retrieval. Some items will only be available for viewing under strict supervision.
Local Newspapers Collection
Liverpool Leader (1946-2020)
‘The Liverpool Leader’ newspaper was established in 1946. It was originally known as ‘The Leader’ until the 1950s when the newspaper also incorporated the ‘Liverpool Advance’. ‘The Liverpool Leader’ ceased publishing a printed version in March 2020 and is currently available as a digital version, part of the ‘The Daily Telegraph’ newspaper which is published by News Corp Australia.
Liverpool City Champion (1969-2022)
Printed 1969 to 2022, The Champion is part of Australian Community Media's Sydney suburban group. These titles are designed to provide local residents with specialised local news, sport, council information, entertainment and events, as well as product or service availabilities in their local area.
Other Local Newspapers
Other local newspapers from the Liverpool LGA include the Liverpool News (1837-1941), Liverpool Herald (1898-1907), The Leader (1946-1949), The Biz (1928-1972), Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrower’s Advocate (1888-1950), South West Advertiser (23 August 2011- 30 September 2015) and the Nepean Times (1882-1962).
Microfilm of national and local newspapers from the early 1800s are available at the Liverpool Regional Museum and Family History Centre.
- Liverpool Champion (1969 +)
- The Leader (1946 +)
- Cumberland Mercury (1875-1895)
Bound volumes of the Liverpool City Champion and Liverpool Leader (previously The Leader) are available at Liverpool City Library if there is no microfilm available.
- Liverpool Champion (1969 to present)
- Liverpool Leader (1956 to 2020, incomplete)
Digital editions of these newspapers are also available online. Digital newspapers can be found on Family History Databases.
Left to right:
Liverpool Olympic Memorial Pool, 1979
Photographer: Ray Hely
Ray Hely Collection, Liverpool Library Heritage Collection
Paper Mill, Collingwood c.1888
Artist: Albert Henry Fullwood (1863-1930)
hand coloured wooden engraved print, published in Picturesque Atlas of Australasia
Liverpool Regional Museum Collection
Demolition Derby at Liverpool Speedway, aerial view, 1976
Frank Oliveri Collection, Liverpool Regional Museum Collection
Charlotte’s Dress, silk ballgown, c.1875-1879
Bartlett Collection, Liverpool Regional Museum Collection
Liverpool New South Wales, Views of Australia 1824
Artist: Joseph Lycett (1775-1828)
etching, aquatint, hand coloured with watercolour on paper, Plate 14 from Views of Australia
Pearce Learoyd Collection, Liverpool Regional Museum Collection
Ashcroft Lace Bonnet c.1900s
Ashcroft Collection, Liverpool Regional Museum Collection
Olympic swimmer and gold medal champion Michael Wenden diving off the blocks at Liverpool Olympic Memorial Pool, 1968
Liverpool Library Heritage Collection
Jeff Pickering in Sprintcar 28 racing at Liverpool Speedway c.1970s
Frank Oliveri Collection, Liverpool Regional Museum Collection