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
Digital Archive
170,000+ historical photos, books and Toronto maps digitized from our collections.
Resources by neighbourhood
Interactive map to explore our photos, books and maps related to Toronto neighbourhoods.
City directories
Digital and print city directories of Toronto from the 19th and 20th century.
Fire insurance plans
Maps that can help you track the history of Toronto houses and other buildings (1858 to 1973).
Genealogy tool with birth, marriage and death records and Census of Canada records.
Digitized books, government publications and newspapers on Canada, from European contact to early 20th century.
Genealogical resource featuring historical documents and military records for the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the U.K.
Genealogical resource featuring archival records, family histories and primary sources dating back to the 1700s for the United States and Canada and select countries.
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
Local history collections at Toronto Public Library
Full list of local history collections at our branches and two research libraries.